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January 15, 2026 at 10:00 am
Event date:
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January 15, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Tondo Festival (とんど祭) is a traditional Japanese bonfire festival held annually in mid-January. These festivals are rooted in Shinto practices, where ceremonial arrows, talismans, and New Year decorations from the previous year are burned to purify and bring good fortune for the upcoming year.
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Contact Jasumo Now →In Hiroshima, the Tondo Festival has been celebrated for decades, with Gokoku Shrine hosting one of the most prominent events. The bonfires are symbolic, serving both as a ritual of cleansing and a way to pray for prosperity, good health, and happiness. Families and communities gather around the flames, maintaining a centuries-old tradition that connects the past with the present.
The festival also features traditional foods, such as grilled mochi (rice cakes) roasted over the embers, emphasizing community participation and enjoyment. This practice reflects Japan’s cultural emphasis on renewal and the symbolic burning of the old to welcome the new.
Overview
The Tondo Festival 2026 will take place on Thursday, January 15th, 2026, at Gokoku Shrine in Hiroshima. The main ceremonial bonfire begins around 10:00 AM, drawing locals and tourists alike to witness the spectacular flames rising above the rooftops.
Participants and onlookers gather in a circle around the fire to pray for a fortunate year, take photos, and enjoy roasted mochi over the fire. The event is free to attend and offers a vibrant, interactive way to experience traditional Japanese culture in a communal setting.
Highlights
- Lighting of a large ceremonial bonfire to burn New Year’s decorations and talismans.
- Roasting mochi over the embers for good health and prosperity.
- Community participation in traditional Shinto rituals.
- Opportunity to observe centuries-old cultural practices in Hiroshima.
- Festive atmosphere with cheers, photos, and shared celebration.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Experience a traditional Japanese bonfire festival with a unique Hiroshima flair.
- Participate in centuries-old rituals promoting good luck, health, and prosperity.
- A perfect winter activity for families, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts.
- Engage with the local community and enjoy festive foods like grilled mochi.
- Witness the dramatic visual spectacle of flames rising above the city.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, and need any type of help — from custom tours and experiences to transportation or ticket bookings — just contact us through the Jasumo contact page.
Schedule
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (noon)
Location: Gokoku Shrine, Hiroshima
Pricing
Admission: Free
Location
Venue: Gokoku Shrine (next to Hiroshima Castle)
Address: 21-2 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0011, Japan
How to Get There
- By train: Hiroshima Station is approximately 15 minutes by tram or bus to Gokoku Shrine.
- By foot: About a 10-minute walk from Hondori Shopping Street in central Hiroshima.
Accommodation Options
Hiroshima offers a wide range of accommodations. Budget hotels start around 6,500 JPY per night, while mid-range hotels average 12,000–18,000 JPY per night. Staying near Hiroshima city center allows easy access to the festival, Hiroshima Castle, and local attractions.
FAQs
What is the Tondo Festival?
It’s a traditional Japanese bonfire festival where New Year’s decorations, talismans, and ceremonial items are burned to pray for good fortune and health.
When is the festival held in 2026?
Thursday, January 15, 2026, typically starting around 10:00 AM and running until noon.
How much does it cost to attend?
Admission to the festival is free.
What activities are included?
Visitors can watch the ceremonial bonfire, roast mochi over the embers, pray for good luck, and participate in traditional Shinto rituals.
How do I get to Gokoku Shrine?
Gokoku Shrine is located near Hiroshima Castle and is accessible via tram, bus, or a 10-minute walk from Hondori Shopping Street.
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