Walking on flames in the spring when cherry blossoms are falling: a fire-walking training exercise to pray for good health
A Special Spring Experience—A Traditional Event Praying for Health and the Fulfillment of Wishful Desires
On the first Sunday of April, when the cherry blossoms bloom with the arrival of spring, a special event unfolds, featuring solemn prayers and dynamic training. This is a rare opportunity to experience up close the powerful rituals of the Yamabushi priests, praying for the fulfillment of wishes and good health.
Daihannya Tendoku Ceremony (9:30-10:30)
In front of the Yakushi Mandala, a sacred treasure created by the great Buddhist sculptor Matsumoto Myokei, a Yamabushi priest recites sutras aloud in this traditional ceremony. The vigorous "tendoku" of the sutras transforms the atmosphere into one of holiness. Attendees join in the prayers and experience the solemn atmosphere.
Procession (10:40-11:10)
After the ceremony, the Yamabushi priests perform a powerful procession. The procession of yamabushi in dignified attire is a spectacular sight, and you can watch them up close.
Saito Goma Prayer Ceremony (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Amidst the raging flames on the goma altar, yamabushi perform prayers with dynamic rituals. With commentary from the host, even first-time visitors will find it easy to understand and experience the power of prayer more deeply.
Fire-Walking Training (From 12:30 PM)
The climax of the event is the "Fire-Walking Training." Regular worshippers can also participate in the training by walking barefoot over the burned goma by registering for a regular prayer. By preparing their mind and finding courage to cross the fire, they can pray for good health and the fulfillment of their wishes.
Food and drink are also available for purchase (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM), so you can enjoy local delicacies in between services. Experience the world of traditional Japanese training and prayer in the spring sunshine!
For more details, please call us (0829-31-1803)
INFORMATION
- date
- First Sunday of April every year
- Start time
- Great Prajnaparamita Recitation Ceremony 9:30-10:30; Parade 10:40-11:10; Fire-Walking Ceremony 11:30-12:30; Fire-Walking Training from 12:30; Food and Drink Sales 11:00-16:00
- Target age
- No age restriction
- Travel time
- Daihannya Tendou Ceremony (approx. 60 mins), Parade (approx. 20 mins), Saito Goma Prayer Ceremony (approx. 60 mins)
- Number of participants
- ~1,000 people
- price
- Regular Prayer: 1,500 yen
(Participate in the fire-walking ceremony; receive a gohei and a sashimi goma stick)
Special Prayer: 5,000 years
(Participate in the fire-walking ceremony; receive a gohei, a sashimi goma stick, and a medium-sized wooden plaque)
Large Special Prayer: 10,000 yen
(Participate in the fire-walking ceremony; receive a gohei, a sashimi goma stick, and a large wooden plaque)
Extra Large Special Prayer: 30,000 yen
(Participate in the fire-walking ceremony; receive a gohei, a sashimi goma stick, and an extra-large wooden plaque)
Additional sashimi goma stick: 500 yen each
Additional sashimi goma stick: 1,000 yen each
*Regular prayers and additional goma sticks can be ordered on the day.
(Prices current as of April 2025)
- Meeting place
- Yakushido Hall of Shokakuin Betsuin Temple, Shokakuin Temple North Square
- address
- Yakushido: 5-16 Sakuraohonmachi, Hatsukaichi City
Shokakuin Temple North Square: 3-1 Tenjin, Hatsukaichi City
- Phone Number
- 0829-31-1803
- Fax number
- 0829-32-9230
- Website
- Supported Languages
- none
- Number of parking spaces
- 20
- Parking fee
- none
- Parking notes
- The entire trip will finish between 11:00 and 16:00. If the parking lot is crowded, you may not be able to leave midway. The nearest station is Hatsukaichi Station, Hiroden, which is about a 5-minute walk away. We recommend coming by public transportation.