Nachi Ougi Matsuri (Nachi Fire Festival)
The fire festival at a Grand Shrine near a majestic waterfall
The Nachi Fire Festival, also known as Nachi Ougi Matsuri, is an annual event held at Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine in Wakayama, japan. This festival is a Shinto ritual that takes place on July 14th every year and is one of the most famous and breathtaking festivals in the region.
The festival is held to purify the divine spirits of the waterfall, which are represented by 12 portable shrines. These shrines are carried by participants who are dressed in traditional attire and wield flaming torches. The chanting, the thick smoke, and the roaring cheers create an electrifying atmosphere that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
The Nachi Fire Festival is not only a religious event but also a celebration of Japanese culture and tradition. It showcases the deep spiritual connection that the Japanese people have with nature and their reverence for the divine. The festival is a testament to the rich history and heritage of Japan and allows participants to immerse themselves in the country’s ancient traditions.
The festival begins with a procession from Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine to Nachi Waterfall. The stone staircase that leads visitors to the waterfall is usually taken slowly, allowing them to enjoy the lushness of the surrounding nature. However, during the festival, the staircase becomes a vibrant and energetic scene as the torch-bearers make their way up, accompanied by the chanting and cheering of the crowd.
The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, both locals and tourists. It is an opportunity for people to witness the power and beauty of the waterfall and to experience the spiritual energy that permeates the air during the festival. The Nachi Fire Festival is a unique and unforgettable event that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.
To get to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, visitors can take a bus from nearby JR Kii-Katsuura Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and the bus stops at Nachisan, which is the nearest stop to the shrine. From there, visitors can easily access the shrine and participate in the festival.
In addition to the festival, visitors to the area can also explore Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi Waterfall. The shrine is a sacred place of worship and is one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. It is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Nachi Waterfall, on the other hand, is one of the tallest waterfalls in Japan and is considered a sacred site. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and offers breathtaking views of the waterfall cascading down into the river below.
The Nachi Fire Festival is not to be missed for anyone visiting Wakayama. It is a unique and cultural experience that allows visitors to witness the rich traditions of Japan and to immerse themselves in the spiritual energy of the festival. The combination of the vibrant atmosphere, the breathtaking scenery, and the deep sense of reverence and spirituality make the Nachi Fire Festival a truly unforgettable event.
So, if you are planning a trip to Japan, make sure to include the Nachi Fire Festival in your itinerary. It is an opportunity to experience the beauty and power of nature, to witness ancient traditions come to life, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event and the chance to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
Address And Maps Location:
1 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama-ken
Subscribe, follow @idbcpr and idbackpacker.com