Kumano Nachi-Taisha, Wakayama

One of the greatest religious fire-themed events in Japan, the Nachi Fire Festival takes place in the picturesque area surrounding the shrine Nachi-taisha in Wakayama. Celebrating the anniversary of the change of residence held in the 4th century, the deities of Nachi-taisha make a pilgrimage to the place of the original shrine at Nachi Falls. Following elaborate ceremonies, 12 red totems representing gods will be carried to the waterfall. A team of pilgrims carrying large torches will join the totems on the mountainside. Watch the pilgrims go up the steep stone steps, boldly swinging torches casting an alluring glow across the grounds.