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February 11, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Event date:
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February 20, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Suita Fire Festival (吹田の火祭) is one of Osaka’s oldest and most thrilling traditional fire rituals, boasting a history that spans over 1,300 years. It takes place at Jōkō Enmanji Temple in Suita City, a sacred site that has long been a center of Buddhist devotion and local community gatherings.
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Contact Jasumo Now →The origins of this fiery celebration trace back to ancient purification ceremonies performed to ward off evil spirits, pray for health, and bring good fortune for the year ahead. Over time, the ritual evolved into a dramatic spectacle involving massive wooden effigies and roaring flames, captivating generations of visitors with its raw energy and spiritual symbolism.
Despite Japan’s modernization, the festival continues to hold deep cultural significance. Locals believe that being enveloped by the smoke from the burning ritual fire helps purify the body and spirit, ensuring safety, good health, and protection throughout the coming year.
Overview
The Suita Fire Festival 2026 will be held in mid-February 2026 (exact date to be announced, usually on a Saturday) at Jōkō Enmanji Temple in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture. The temple’s narrow grounds, surrounded by city buildings, create an intense and immersive setting that has earned the event its nickname — “the fire festival with no escape.”
During the ceremony, large carved wooden figures are ignited in a powerful fire ritual, filling the temple with thick smoke and heat. Attendees stand close enough to feel the warmth and intensity, watching the flames illuminate the dark evening sky. Locals say that being covered by the smoke brings blessings, longevity, and happiness.
Visitors are encouraged to wear casual clothing suitable for smoky conditions, as ash and soot often drift through the air. Despite the heat and crowd, the atmosphere remains spiritual, reminding all who attend of Japan’s deep respect for tradition and nature’s purifying force.
Highlights
- Witness a 1,300-year-old fire ritual at Jōkō Enmanji Temple.
- Watch as massive wooden sculptures are set ablaze in a symbolic act of purification.
- Stand close to the flames for good luck, health, and protection from evil spirits.
- Feel the powerful connection between ancient ritual and modern city life.
- Capture stunning nighttime photography of fire, smoke, and spiritual ceremony.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- A rare opportunity to experience one of Osaka’s oldest traditional fire rituals.
- Offers close, up-front viewing unlike most temple festivals.
- Blends ancient Buddhist practices with dramatic visual spectacle.
- Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic local experience.
- Easily accessible from central Osaka by train.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan and need any type of help — from custom tours and experiences to transportation or booking tickets — just contact us through the Jasumo Contact Us page.
Schedule
Date: Mid-February 2026 (Exact date TBD, typically held on a Saturday)
Time: Evening ceremony (approx. 6:00 PM onwards)
Visitors are advised to arrive early, as the temple grounds are compact and fill up quickly.
Pricing
Entry: Free for all attendees.
Donations to the temple are welcome for maintaining this centuries-old tradition.
Location
Venue: Jōkō Enmanji Temple, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture
Address: 28-13 Motomachi, Suita, Osaka 564-0031, Japan
How to Get There:
Take the Hankyu Senri Line from Umeda Station in Osaka and get off at Suita Station. The temple is just a 5-minute walk from the station. Clear signs and local volunteers often guide visitors toward the festival area.
Accommodation Options
Suita offers several convenient accommodation choices, from modern business hotels to cozy guesthouses. Many visitors also choose to stay in central Osaka — just a 20-minute train ride away — where they can enjoy a broader range of restaurants and nightlife after the festival.
Average accommodation costs range from ¥8,000 to ¥18,000 per night, depending on location and amenities. For those seeking a traditional experience, ryokan-style inns in nearby neighborhoods offer warm hospitality and local cuisine.
FAQs
What is the Suita Fire Festival?
It’s a 1,300-year-old Buddhist fire ceremony at Jōkō Enmanji Temple, held to purify the spirit, ensure health, and bring good fortune for the year.
When will the Suita Fire Festival 2026 take place?
It’s scheduled for mid-February 2026, with the exact date to be confirmed — usually held on a Saturday evening.
Is there an admission fee?
No, the event is free to attend, though donations to the temple are appreciated.
How do I reach Jōkō Enmanji Temple?
Take the Hankyu Senri Line to Suita Station; the temple is just a five-minute walk from the station.
What should I wear to the festival?
Wear casual or old clothing, as smoke and ash from the fire may leave a scent or light residue on your outfit.
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