Every year on August 26 and 27, the quiet streets of Fujiyoshida in Yamanashi Prefecture erupt into a blaze of sacred fire and spiritual fervor during the Yoshida Fire Festival. Widely celebrated as one of Japan’s most unique festivals, this vibrant two-day ritual captivates thousands with its dramatic torches, mikoshi (portable shrines) processions, and deeply rooted reverence for Mt. Fuji.
More than just a visual spectacle, the Yoshida Fire Festival is a spiritual rite marking the end of Mt. Fuji’s official climbing season. The celebrations take place at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and Suwa Jinja Shrine, where worshippers honor the mountain’s guardian deity.
Day One: A Sea of Flame
The festival begins with a formal ritual at the shrine. The highlight is the two mikoshi: “Omyojin-san” and “Goei” (also referred to as “Oyama-san”). Carried by local parishioners dressed in traditional attire, the mikoshi make their way through the historic Kamiyoshida neighborhood.
As dusk settles, the true magic begins. The mikoshi are brought to their temporary resting place, known as the otabisho. Then, around 70 towering torches, each nearly three meters tall, are set ablaze. The fiery pillars transform the quiet town into a glowing inferno of spiritual energy.
Day Two: A Glorious Return
On the afternoon of August 27, the two portable shrines pick up where they left off, making their way through the streets once more. The mikoshi are carried around the taka-amahara, a sacred space said to represent the heavens. Following behind is a line of parishioners and worshippers holding susukino tamagushi, simple but meaningful offerings made from pampas grass. It’s a powerful blend of tradition and community—an unforgettable finale to this two-day celebration.
How to Get There
To reach the Yoshida Fire Festival by public transport, take a bus from Fujisan Station to the Sengen Jinja-mae stop. From there, it’s just a short walk to the main festival area around Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine.
If you're driving, it's about a five-minute ride from Kawaguchiko Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. Alternatively, you can access the site in roughly five minutes from the Fujiyoshida-Osino Smart Interchange on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road. Be aware that traffic congestion and limited parking are common during the festival, so early arrival is recommended.
