The major autumn festival for Mt. Mitoku. It is a traditional event that gives thanks for fire, the harvest, and nature. Ascetic monks climb the mountain while chanting sutras and take part in the Saito Goma Ritual where they burn homa sticks with wishes written on them in the belief that those wishes will come true. There is also the hiwatari fire ritual where they walk across a fire in their bare feet to ward off evil spirits and to bring good health and recovery from illness. Visitors may also take part in the fire walk on the day of the festival.
Event Dates | Every year on the last Sunday of October |
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Event Details | October 24/25 *This year, due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease, events will be greatly reduced, and the Saito Goma Ritual and Fire Festival will not take place. The Dai Goma Ritual is due to be held at the Sanbutsuji main building to pray for everyone's physical health and dispel disease. On October 24, the Kaibyaku Goma Ritual will be held at 11:00 a.m., and then the Goma Ritual will be held every hour thereafter. On October 25, the Goma Ritual will be held from 6:00 a.m., and then every hour thereafter. The Kechigan Ritual will then take place from 4:00 p.m. |
Official site | http://www.mitokusan.jp/ |
Location (venue) | Sanbutsu-ji Temple |
Address | 1010 Mitoku, Misasa-cho, Tohaku-gun, Tottori |
Price | Free admission (there is a fee to participate in the fire walk) |
Region | Chugoku |
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Category | Traditional performing arts |
Event organizers may change the date and time. Please check the official website.
update: Sep.9.2020