Purification and Prayer: Japan’s Fire Festivals

Parishioners carry torches to purify the 133 stone steps to the shrine. (© Haga Library)

The 12 mikoshi, thin red boards six meters tall representing the falls, are gathered at the waterfall basin. (© Haga Library)

After a shrine priest taps the 12 mikoshi with a folding fan, they are carried to the base of the waterfall. (© Haga Library)

The flaming torches, fashioned from hinoki Japanese cypress and each weighing 50 kilograms, are an impressive sight. The event is also known as the Nachi Fire Festival. (© Haga Library)

Constructed from bamboo and sugi Japanese cedar leaves, the huge torches, 1 meter across and 13 meters long, each weigh 1.2 tons. (© Haga Library)

Loincloth-clad youths emit spirited cries as they wade into the frigid river. (© Haga Library)

These giant torches were lit by a small sacred fire. Being showered with falling sparks and embers is said to ensure good health in the coming year. (© Haga Library)

The tengu leaps out of the fire into the external world. After seeing this action on social media, I traveled to Shakotan to take photos myself. (© Haga Library)

The geta worn by Tengu are 20 centimeters high and have only a single “tooth.” (© Haga Library)

In the finale, the mikoshi proceeds through the fire. (© Haga Library)