The “Oniyo” held every year on January 7th at Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. This fire festival, boasting a history of over 1600 years, is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and is counted as one of Japan’s three major fire festivals. This time, we will introduce the highlights, history, and access information of the Oniyo at Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine.
What is the Oniyo at Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine?
The Oniyo at Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine is an event that concludes the final day of the “Onie” (Demon Meeting), which is held from New Year’s Eve to January 7th. Its origin is said to have begun with prayers for the elimination of epidemics during the reign of Emperor Kinmei.
At this fire festival, six giant torches, reaching a height of 10 meters, are lit, and hundreds of naked men walk around the precincts while supporting the torches with tools called “karimata.” The heat of the flames and the passion of the men become one, creating a magnificent prayer that overwhelms viewers.
Highlights of the Oniyo at Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine
- Lighting of the Great Torches: The moment when six giant torches reaching a height of 10 meters are lit is truly overwhelming! The flames that dye the night sky red steal the hearts of viewers.
- Torch Swinging: The sight of hundreds of naked men walking around the precincts while supporting the blazing torches with “karimata” is full of power! The shouts of the men and the crackling of the flames further enhance the excitement of the festival.
- Demon’s Precinct Run: The sight of men wearing demon masks running around the precincts while being bathed in the flames of the torches is a scene unique to the Oniyo.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
| Date | Tuesday, January 7, 2025 |
| Time | 1:00 PM to 10:35 PM (Lighting of the great torches is around 8:45 PM) |
| Venue | Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine |
| Address | 1463-1 Miyamoto, Daizenji-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Access | About a 5-minute walk from Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line “Daizenji Station” Take the Nishitetsu Bus (route 15) from JR Kurume Station, get off at the “Miyamae” bus stop, and walk for about 3 minutes About 40 minutes by car from the Kyushu Expressway Kurume IC |
| Parking | Limited parking available in the surrounding area |
| Fees | Free (Paid box seats available: 2,000 yen) |
| Contact | 0942-27-1887 (Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine Office) |
The “Oniyo at Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine” boasts a history of 1600 years. Be sure to experience the powerful fire festival with your own eyes.