Kumano Nachi Taisha, a World Heritage Site, to Host One of Japan's Three Great Fire Festivals — 'Nachi no Ogimatsuri' Purification Ritual Featuring Fire and Water on July 14

Kumano Nachi Taisha (located at Nachisan 1, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture), a component of the World Heritage Site 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,' will hold its annual grand festival, the 'Nachi no Ogimatsuri,' at Hiryu Shrine (Nachi Waterfall) on Tuesday, July 14, Reiwa 8 (2026).

About Kumano Nachi Taisha's Grand Festival 'Nachi no Ogimatsuri'

It is believed that twelve deities descended upon 'Nachi no Otaki' in ancient times. In 317 (the 5th year of Emperor Nintoku), these deities were enshrined at Kumano Nachi Taisha, located halfway up Nachi Mountain. The base of the waterfall became Hiryu Shrine, a branch shrine that venerates the waterfall itself as its sacred object, and continues to attract deep devotion to this day.

The 'Nachi no Ogimatsuri' is the annual ritual in which these twelve deities return to Hiryu Shrine at the foot of the falls. Known as one of Japan's Three Great Fire Festivals, it captivates numerous visitors from both Japan and abroad.

Event Overview

Name: Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Festival 'Nachi no Ogimatsuri' Date and Time: Tuesday, July 14, Reiwa 8 (2026), 10:00–15:30 Venue: Kumano Nachi Taisha, Hiryu Shrine (Nachisan 1, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture) Organizer: Kumano Nachi Taisha

Main Program and Highlights (Schedule and content subject to change)

[10:00] Ceremony at the Main Shrine

[11:00] Yama-to-mai Dance Offering at Kumano Nachi Taisha A traditional 'Yama-to-mai' dance will be performed on a special stage within the precincts of Kumano Nachi Taisha. With its ancient gestures and music, this dance transports visitors into a mythical world amid the serene atmosphere of Nachi Mountain.

[11:30] Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: 'Nachi no Dengaku' Performance Also on the special stage, 'Nachi no Dengaku'—designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—will be performed. Characterized by its unique rhythms, vibrant costumes, and powerful movements, this performance carries prayers for bountiful harvests and peace, passed down continuously through generations.

[13:00] Procession Ritual (Toigyosai)

[13:30] Ogimatsuri Sacred Ritual (Fukuhai)

[13:50] Departure of the First, Second, and Third Envoys; Light Peak Remote Worship Ceremony

[From around 14:00] Go-hi Shiki (Fire Ritual) and Ogihoko Shiki (Highlight) The 'Go-hi Shiki,' beginning at 14:00, is the climax of the Nachi no Ogimatsuri. Each of the twelve deities transfers into a 'Ogi-mikoshi' (fan-shaped portable shrine) representing Nachi's sacred waterfall, slowly descending the stone staircase toward the base of the falls. At Hiryu Shrine's approach, twelve massive torches—each weighing over 50 kg—ignite to welcome the Ogi-mikoshi. Their flames purify the path, creating a dramatic contrast between the roaring white cascade of Nachi Waterfall and the blazing fire. This rare spectacle of 'water and fire' draws significant attention from tourists and photography enthusiasts worldwide.

Participation and Visitation Information

• Eligibility: Open to the general public. • Pre-registration: Not required. • Admission: Free (open access to the shrine grounds).

※ The venue is expected to be crowded; please allow ample time for travel and arrival.

Access to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Hiryu Shrine (Nachi Waterfall)

Address: Nachisan 1, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture

By Public Transportation: • Take the JR Kisei Main Line to 'Kii-Katsuura Station.' From the station front, board a local bus bound for 'Nachisan,' get off at the 'Nachisan' bus stop, and walk approximately 15–20 minutes. • From accommodations in Nachikatsuura Town, take a taxi (approximately 20–30 minutes).

By Car: • Approximately 90 minutes via National Route 42 from 'Susami-Minami IC' on the Hanwa Expressway. • Parking near the shrine grounds is limited.

Safety, Infection Control, and Visitor Guidelines

• To prevent heatstroke, please frequently hydrate and wear hats or carry parasols. • The site includes many stone steps, some of which may be slippery. Please wear comfortable, sturdy footwear. • During the fire ritual, large torches produce flames and sparks. Please cooperate by staying behind designated viewing barriers. • In case of severe weather or natural disasters, parts of the ritual may be modified or canceled to prioritize safety.

Seasonal and Tourism Context

July marks the beginning of the summer travel season, including 'Natural Park Day' (July 21). Nestled in rich natural surroundings, Nachikatsuura Town offers diverse outdoor activities such as visiting Nachi Waterfall, hiking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, enjoying hot springs, and seaside bathing.

Held just before the summer vacation and Marine Day holiday period, the Nachi no Ogimatsuri is ideal for extended stays combining visits to the World Heritage Kumano Kodo trails with the hot springs and beaches of Nachikatsuura. As a sustainable travel destination offering authentic Japanese landscapes and spiritual culture, it is gaining increasing attention among domestic and international travelers.

Future Information Updates

For the latest updates, event status, and access information, please visit the official Kumano Nachi Taisha website: • Kumano Nachi Taisha Official Website: https://www.kumanonachitaisha.jp/

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Kumano Nachi Taisha Address: Nachisan 1, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture TEL: 0735-55-0321 FAX: 0735-55-0643 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━