Nestled in the mystical mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, the Nachi-no-Ogi Fire Festival illuminates the sacred grounds of Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine every July 14th. This ancient Shinto ritual, known for its dramatic and spiritual atmosphere, is one of the three major fire festivals in Japan.
Since ancient times, Shintoists have believed in water as the root that presides over all creation in the universe. In the year 317, Emperor Jimmu, who worshipped the Nachi-no-Otaki waterfall as an embodiment of the gods, constructed a shrine halfway up Mt. Nachi and enshrined the gods. This was the origin of today's Kumano Nachi Taisha. The Nachi-no-Ogi Matsuri Festival is a ritual in memory of the foundation of the shrine, calling the divine spirit and praying for the creation and development of all beings.
The festival centers around twelve massive, flaming torches, each weighing 50 kilograms. These torches are meticulously crafted from sacred cypress, and as they are carried, their intense flames purify the stone-paved path down to the sacred Nachi Waterfall. This powerful procession symbolizes the purification of the route taken by the shrine's deities, a profound reminder of Japan's rich cultural heritage and the enduring connection between the natural and spiritual worlds.
One captivating element is the use of twelve portable shrines, or Ogi Mikoshi. Adorned with intricate decorations such as golden fans, bronze mirrors, and cedar plates, these shrines depict the majestic Nachi-no-Otaki waterfall. The sight of these elaborately decorated shrines, combined with the blazing torches, creates a mesmerizing scene that captures the essence of the festival.
Participants of the Nachi Dengaku dance, a traditional performance dating back to 1403 and designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, play a crucial role. Masashi Watanabe, who moved to Wakayama from the Kanto region in 2011, shares: “Here in the Kii Peninsula, there is a lot of nature worship, and the festivals are completely different from those in the city. Nachi-no-Ogi is one of the three major festivals in Japan, and the locals cherish it for its long history. Now after 12 years, I’m participating in the Dengaku dance and fire purification ceremony.”
Following the Dengaku dance, the stone-paved approach to the shrine is cleansed with twelve burning torches. “Only the people who participate in Dengaku are permitted to hold the fire and purify the path,” says Yoshiyaki Sato, another dedicated participant. Once the path is purified, the Twelve Fan Mikoshi are carried to the Hiro-jinja Shrine in front of the waterfall, where a special ritual praises the fans.
Sato San reflects: “The first time I experienced this festival, I felt a flood of emotions that stayed with me for a long time. I hope visitors feel the same impression.”
Witnessing the Nachi-no-Ogi Fire Festival is an unforgettable, sensory experience that immerses you in the timeless traditions of Japan and connects you with the spiritual heart of the country.
An overview of the day's proceedings can be seen here (Japanese).
