Fri
Nov 7th
The sacred fire at Kifune Shrine
The sacred fire at Kifune Shrine (Photo: Jemma King)

Ohitaki Fire Festival Kifune Shrine 2025

A dramatic and cleansing ritual in Kyoto

Jemma King   - 1 min read
Venue : Kifune Shrine When : Friday - Nov 7th 2025, 11:00am ~

The annual Ohitaki Fire Festival uses its spiritual powers to banish bad sprits and cleanse impurities of the people attending. It is held annually on the 7th of November.

I was lucky enough to witness the Ohitaki Fire Festival at the Kifune Shrine north of Kyoto. I had never experienced anything like this fire festival prior to the event. I will remember the adrenaline, people and energy of the festival for a long time to come.

Getting there

To visit this shrine you can take the bus from Kyoto station and get off at Kibune bus stop. Alternatively you can take the scenic Eizan Dentetsu train from Demachiyanagi Station and either take a bus or walk the 2km to the Kifune Shrine.

More info

Find out more about Kifune Shrine.

Jemma King

Jemma King @jemma.king