The tengu strides through the flames, as Furubira’s prayers light up the night: a fire-walking ritual
Tengu Fire-Walking | Shrine festival
The 2026 edition of Tengu Fire-Walking | Shrine festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/07/10 〜 2026/07/12Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year, over 3 days including the days around the 2nd Saturday of July / Every year
- Location
- Hokaiji Temple, Midori Park
- Area
- Hokkaido・Furubira(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 30 min–2 h · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A traditional ritual at the Kotohira Shrine Annual Grand Festival in Furubira, where Sarutahiko, dressed as a tengu, crosses a towering column of fire. After the procession led by drums and flutes, the and also pass through the flames. Prayers for safe seas and a good catch envelop the town in summer.
About Tengu Fire-Walking | Shrine festival
The tengu fire-walking ritual is a central rite of the Kotohira Shrine Annual Grand Festival, held in Furubira.
Sarutahiko, dressed as a tengu, leads the sacred object through town, bringing the festival to life with the sounds of drums and flutes.
As a festival praying for safe seas and a good catch, it is deeply connected to Furubira’s fishing industry and community life.
During the fire-walking, the lion dance and mikoshi pass through the flames after Sarutahiko.
Festival highlights
The main highlight is Sarutahiko walking through the fire as flames rise to around 3 meters.
Against the roaring flames and flying sparks, the tengu strides forward with confidence, creating a sense of tension befitting the ritual.
The lion dance and mikoshi then also pass through the fire, accompanied by drums, flutes, and cheers from the crowd.
It is a scene unique to Furubira, where flames and traditional performing arts come together.
The tengu strides through the flames, as Furubira’s prayers light up the night: a fire-walking ritual
What to expect
Sarutahiko leads the sacred object, and the procession through town to the sound of drums and flutes sets the festival in motion.
At the fire-walking site, a fire is lit; after purification rites and a lion dance, Sarutahiko walks through the flames.
The large sacred branch and mikoshi then pass through the fire, bringing the ritual to its climax.
The program lets you watch the mikoshi procession through town followed by the fire-walking ritual.
How to take part
Visitors can watch the ritual procession and fire-walking.
Nearly 1,000 spectators are said to attend each year, gathering from inside and outside the town.
However, no information is available on whether general visitors can take part in roles such as Sarutahiko, the lion dance, or carrying the mikoshi.
When watching, please give priority to the progress of the ritual and maintaining safety.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Hokaiji Temple, Midori Park / Furubira, Furubira District, Hokkaido
- By car
About 30 minutes from Yoichi IC on the Shiribeshi Expressway.
- Parking
There is no parking at the venue, but parking is available nearby.
Address Furubira, Furubira District, Hokkaido
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, the event was scheduled to run from July 10 through the 12th.
It is usually held over 3 days, including the days around the 2nd Saturday of July.
The tengu fire-walking ritual takes place as part of the Kotohira Shrine Annual Grand Festival; no specific start time has been announced.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Hokkaido / Furubira (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
As this ritual involves watching columns of fire and flying sparks at close range, take care not to get too close to the flames and follow the staff’s instructions and restricted-area boundaries.
During the procession, it is forbidden to cross in front of Sarutahiko or watch from above on the 2nd floor of a house.
At the park where spectators gather, some people arrive early to secure a spot.
Please also take care when taking photos or moving around so as not to disrupt the fire-walking ritual.
Nearby attractions
Nearby scenic spots recommended for sightseeing include Ogon Cape, Joroko Rock, and Shimamui Coast.
Along with places to enjoy the seascenery, the underwater sightseeing boat New Shakotan and Shakotan sea urchin are also featured.
The Yoichi area also includes the Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Yoichi Distillery and Yoichi Winery.
Check each facility’s information for opening status and travel times.
Origins and History of Tengu Fire-Walking | Shrine festival
The Kotohira Shrine mikoshi procession has continued for about 150 years. Its origins are described in connection with the arrival of the sacred object from Kyoto in 1867.
The lively fire-walking ritual seen today is said to have expanded in scale as a way to rally the festival in the recovery from the major fire of 1919.
It is also said that movements and musical accompaniment from Matsumae were incorporated into Sarutahiko’s performance.
In 2000, it was designated an intangible folk cultural property by the town.
Official information
The official website is the Furubira Tourism Association information page.
Festival details and the venue may change, so check the latest information before visiting.
The page also lists a telephone number for the Furubira Tourism Association for inquiries.
Tengu Fire-Walking | Shrine festival at a Glance
The tengu fire-walking ritual is a traditional rite held at the Kotohira Shrine Annual Grand Festival in Furubira, expressing prayers for safe seas and a good catch.
A major highlight is Sarutahiko crossing a column of fire about 3 meters high, followed by the lion dance and mikoshi passing through the flames.
Alongside the mikoshi procession through town and the sounds of drums and flutes, you can experience a festival tradition passed down through the community.
In 2026, the event was scheduled to run from July 10 through the 12th.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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