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January 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Event date:
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January 7, 2026 at 11:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Oniyo Fire Festival, held every January at Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine in Kurume City, Fukuoka, is one of Japan’s oldest and most spectacular fire festivals. With a history spanning over 1,600 years, the event is said to have originated in the late 4th or early 5th century as a ritual to drive away evil spirits and pray for peace and prosperity in the new year.
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Contact Jasumo Now →The festival’s name “Oniyo” translates to “Great Demon Night,” symbolizing the act of cleansing the world of evil forces through sacred fire. Over the centuries, the tradition has remained largely unchanged, maintaining its ancient Shinto rituals, ceremonies, and symbolic use of fire to purify and bless the community.
In recognition of its deep cultural heritage, the Oniyo Fire Festival has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. Its preservation is considered vital to maintaining the spiritual legacy of the region and the larger tapestry of Japan’s folk traditions.
Overview
The Oniyo Fire Festival 2026 will take place on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, at the historic Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine in Kurume City, Fukuoka. This awe-inspiring event draws thousands of visitors each year who come to witness the fiery spectacle of massive bamboo torches illuminating the night sky.
The highlight of the festival is the lighting and parading of six gigantic torches, each measuring approximately 13 meters in length and weighing around 1.2 tons. These torches are carried through the shrine grounds by participants dressed in traditional attire, scattering sparks and firelight as they go. It’s believed that those who help light or carry the torches will be blessed with good health and protection for the coming year.
Throughout the evening, the shrine grounds are filled with prayers for family safety, good fortune, and protection from natural disasters. Visitors can also experience sacred rituals, traditional performances, and festive local food stalls, creating a warm and powerful atmosphere despite the cold January night.
Highlights
- Over 1,600 years of history and cultural significance
- Six giant bamboo torches, each 13 meters long and weighing 1.2 tons
- Recognized as one of Japan’s top three fire festivals
- Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property
- Late-night spectacle of fire, tradition, and community spirit
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Experience one of Japan’s oldest and most spectacular fire festivals
- Unique combination of spiritual tradition and thrilling visuals
- Rare opportunity to see torches weighing over a ton being paraded
- Learn about centuries-old Shinto purification rituals
- Perfect for cultural travelers seeking authentic Japanese heritage
If you are coming to Japan or already here, and need any assistance with custom tours, transportation, festival experiences, or ticket bookings, contact Jasumo through our Contact Us page for personalized support.
Schedule
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: The festival begins around 1:00 PM (13:00) with rituals and ceremonies. The main event — lighting and parading of the giant torches — starts around 9:30 PM (21:30) and concludes by approximately 11:00 PM (23:00).
Location: Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine, Kurume City, Fukuoka
Pricing
General Entry: Free (Viewing the event from the shrine grounds is open to everyone.)
Paid Seating: ¥2,000 JPY (Non-reserved seats in designated viewing areas, usually available for purchase from early December.)
Location
Venue: Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine
Address: Miyamoto-1463-1 Daizenji-machi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
How to Get There: The shrine is approximately a 10-minute walk from Daizenji Station on the Tenjin Ōmuta Line. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi from Kurume Station, which takes around 15 minutes.
Accommodation Options
Visitors can find a range of accommodations in Kurume City, from cozy guesthouses and budget inns to comfortable business hotels. Staying near Kurume Station offers convenient access to the shrine and nearby dining options.
Average nightly rates range between ¥6,000 and ¥12,000 JPY, depending on room type and proximity. Those looking for more luxurious options can stay in nearby Fukuoka City, about 40 minutes away by train, where higher-end hotels and onsen resorts are available.
Faqs
What is the Oniyo Fire Festival?
The Oniyo Fire Festival is an ancient event held annually in Kurume, Fukuoka, to purify the new year through sacred fire rituals that date back over 1,600 years.
When does the Oniyo Fire Festival take place?
The festival is held every year on January 7th, with the main torch-lighting event occurring between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
How can I get to Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine?
You can reach the shrine in under 10 minutes on foot from Daizenji Station (Tenjin Ōmuta Line). Taxis from Kurume Station are also a convenient option.
Do I need tickets to attend?
General entry is free, but paid seating (around ¥2,000 JPY) is available for those who want an unobstructed view of the torch procession.
What should I expect during the event?
Expect an unforgettable evening filled with firelight, sacred rituals, traditional chants, and community energy as enormous torches illuminate the shrine grounds.
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