Usuki O-no-ji Fire Festival: Autumn Flames and Ancient Rituals
- Metasophia Info
- 2025年9月28日
- 読了時間: 1分
更新日：2025年12月9日
A 300-Year Tradition of Fire and Prayer
Every autumn, the quiet castle town of Usuki welcomes the season with the Ō-no-Ji Fire Festival, a tradition that has continued for about 300 years in Usuki.
Held for three nights from September 22 to 24 this year, the festival is a prayer for fire prevention and a bountiful harvest. It coincides with Hassaku—the first day of the eighth month in the old lunar calendar.
The Fiery King on Mt. Tateishi
As darkness falls, volunteers climb the slope of Mt. Tateishi and ignite 51 straw-filled pits, each about 1.5 meters across, arranged in the shape of the Chinese character 王 (“king”), symbolizing the legendary mountain deity believed to guard Usuki. The fiery outline, stretching more than 100 meters wide, glows vividly against the dark sky, creating a breathtaking sight that lasts only about five minutes, yet draws spectators from many spots across the city to witness the brief, magical display.
An Autumn Night to Remember in Usuki
The festival blends Shinto tradition with community spirit, drawing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the shared moment of watching the great fire come to life.
Whether you are interested in Japanese festivals, night photography, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of an old castle town, the Ō-no-Ji Fire Festival offers an unforgettable autumn evening in Usuki.
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