The “Fire Swinging Ritual” at Aso Shrine in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is held every year in March. Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, this ritual is a fantastical festival of fire that celebrates the marriage of the agricultural deities, the Kokuryu god and the Princess god.
History and Origin of the Fire Swinging Ritual
The Fire Swinging Ritual is held as part of the “Tasaku Festival,” an agricultural festival of Aso Shrine, which is said to have a history of more than 2,300 years. The Tasaku Festival is a series of events held from the first month to the tenth month of the old calendar, praying for a bountiful harvest. Among these events, the Fire Swinging Ritual holds particular significance as the climax celebrating the marriage of the Kokuryu god and the Princess god.
Highlights
Omae-Mukae (Welcoming the Divine Spirit): In the evening, when the Princess god’s divine spirit, wrapped in branches of oak, arrives at Aso Shrine, the parishioners swing torches and bundles of grass with fire at their ends to welcome the Princess god.
Rings of Fire: The sparks of fire swung by the parishioners create beautiful rings of light in the night sky. The magical sight overwhelms viewers.
Aso Shrine: Aso Shrine, the stage for the Fire Swinging Ritual, is the head shrine of approximately 450 Aso shrines nationwide. There are many highlights, including the two-storied gate (Roumon), which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
| Date | The day of the Monkey (申) between the first day of the Rabbit (卯) and the day of the Boar (亥) in March |
| Location | Aso Shrine (3083-1 Miyaji, Ichinomiya-machi, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture) |
| Access | About 10 minutes walk from JR Hohi Line “Miyaji Station” |
| Contact | Aso Shrine TEL: 0967-22-0064 |
Other Information
The Fire Swinging Ritual is held at night. Dress warmly to participate.
Photography is permitted, but the use of tripods is prohibited.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Mount Aso: An active volcano with one of the world’s largest calderas. You can enjoy the magnificent nature.
Kusasenri: A grassland spreading at the northern foot of Mt. Eboshi, one of the five peaks of Aso. You can also enjoy horseback riding.
Aso Farm Land: A leisure facility where you can interact with animals, enjoy hot springs, and gourmet food.
Aso Shrine’s Fire Swinging Ritual is a festival full of history and tradition, praying for a bountiful harvest. Be sure to experience the magical sight of rings of fire dancing in the night sky.