Mishima’s Sai no Kami

Festival highlights

Highlights include the different forms of Sai no Kami in each district and the communal work of raising and burning the sacred tree.

The structures take many forms, including a cross in Takitani, a tall tower in Kawai, a triangular pyramid in Kuwabara, and a hut in Miyashita.

In addition to divining the harvest from the way the flames burn, traditions include men in their unlucky years scattering mandarins and men carrying another man around the fire.

A Koshogatsu fire festival where a sacred tree of prayer burns, bringing snowy villages together

What to expect

During the event, children pack down the snow and gather rice straw, bean stalks, New Year ornaments, and other items.

Adult men cut the sacred tree from the mountains, while older people bundle paper to make the onpei gohei.

Straw and ornaments are attached to the sacred tree, which is then raised. At night, the fire is transferred from a torch to light it.

In some districts, customs include circling the fire, scattering mandarins, and roasting rice cakes and other foods over the flames.

Location and access

Venue and address

Various districts in Mishima Town, Fukushima Prefecture, including Miyashita, Kuwabara, Ōnobori, Kawai, Hibara, Takitani, Nairi, Takihara, and Nishikata

Address Various districts in Mishima Town, Ōnuma District, Fukushima Prefecture

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Dates and season

In 2026, the festival was held at 19 sites in 12 districts throughout Mishima Town, mainly on January 15.

Lighting times varied by district: 6:30 p.m. in Miyashita and Kuwabara; 7 p.m. in Ōnobori, Kawai, Hibara, and Takihara; 7 p.m. in Takitani; 5 p.m. in Nairi and Koyama; 6 p.m. in Ōtani; and around 5 to 6 p.m. in the various Nishikata groups.

Preparations and the raising of the sacred tree took place from January 11 through the 15th.

Source: 【２０２６年】国指定重要無形民俗文化財「三島のサイノカミ」を町内各地区で実施！ | 福島県 三島町交流センター 山びこ / 【三島町】三島のサイノカミ | 奥会津の最新ニュース・イベント情報 | 奥会津商店

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Origins and History of Mishima’s Sai no Kami

Mishima’s Sai no Kami was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2008 as a representative example of the Koshogatsu fire festivals passed down along the Sea of Japan coast in northeastern Japan.

In Mishima Town, the tradition continues in districts such as Miyashita, Takitani, and Kawai: a sacred tree is cut down, decorated with New Year ornaments, and burned at night.

Although the form and details vary by district, a distinctive feature is that children, adults, older people, and men in their unlucky years each take on different roles.

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties and Other Items includes the designation details and description of Mishima’s Sai no Kami.

The 2026 event results are provided by Yamabiko, the Mishima Town Exchange Center in Fukushima Prefecture.

Mishima’s Sai no Kami at a Glance

Mishima’s Sai no Kami is a Koshogatsu fire festival passed down in districts throughout Mishima Town.

A Sai no Kami structure made with a sacred tree and New Year ornaments is erected and burned to pray for bountiful harvests, good health, and the removal of misfortune.

In 2026, the festival was held at 19 sites in 12 districts, mainly on January 15. Preparations, lighting times, and the shapes of the structures varied by district.