The traditional fire festival Katsuyama Sagicho Matsuri has been held on the last Saturday and Sunday of February for the last 300 years and draws great crowds.
What happens?
To pray for a good harvest in the new year, local artists perform traditional skills along with music and drumming whilst being carried around the city of Katsuyama on 12 high wooden stages on Saturday.
On Sunday, on the banks of the Kuzuryu river, new year’s ornaments and decorations will be burned in a Dondo-yaki ceremony.
Schedule
There are various activities throughout the day on Saturday, but the final fire-lighting begins at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Maps for photography spots have been provided here as well as detailed travel information.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.