御燈祭り
Kamikura Shrine, Wakayama
Feb 6

One of the greatest fire festivals in Japan, Otou Matsuri, takes place in mid-winter every year at Kamikura-jinja, which is part of one of the three grand Kumano sanctuaries. Watch thousands of men in white dash down steep steps holding flaming torches in their hands. This is a vigorous purification ritual with a 1,400-year history. At around 8pm, approximately 2,000 men will sprint down the 538 stone steps from the top of Mount Kamikura sending flames leaping and sparks flying! With fire streaming along behind them, the locals call the procession ‘a fire dragon.’ This spectacle attracts many tourists every year.

Time: 5pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Shingu Stn, 15-min walk • kumanohayatama.jp