The 540 year old Akiba Fire Festival involves prayers, workshops, and ends with a fire-walking ceremony. By receiving a 「ご祈祷」(Gokito = prayer) at the temple, receiving an 「お札」 (Ofuda = paper money) and participating in the 「火渡り」 (Hiwatari = fire-crossing or fire-walk), the impurities of this year is put to an end, bringing in auspicious fortune and happiness in the new year.
The message behind the Fukugonji Akiba Grand Festival
Fukugonji Temple's Great Akiba Festival relates to the passing of Akiba Sanshakubo Daigongen, the god of fire prevention. Akiba was originally a human, who studied the prevention of fire and traveled across Japan to teach his ways. Although he was a human, his self-sacrificing way of life is what gave him the title of “Kamisama” or god.
However, today he stands for much more than the terror of literal fires. He taught that if handled carelessly, fire can quickly lead to catastrophes such as the loss of homes and families. But there are more fires to be be wary of. The fire of the Akiba Festival symbolises not only the “physical” fires but also our “mental” fires.
In today's world of stress, anger, luxuries and yearnings, if we leave ourselves at the mercy of the three main fires or toxins the heart 無知 (Muchi = ignorance) ・欲望 (Yokubou = desire)・怒り (Ikari = anger), we can lose the trust of our family, work and loved ones and lead our lives to ruin.
Therefore, the message of the Great Festival is to "experience the horror of fire and regain humility by going through the searing flames." Participants cleanse their minds and bodies through a fire-walking ritual as they reflect on the past year and pray for an even better new year. Each year, thousands of worshippers take part in the fire-walking ritual, regardless of gender or age. The act reduces any impurity or bad luck to ashes, letting brave participants be reborn as they meet another year. This is the significance of continuing this traditional event today and throughout the future.
If you wish to go further with cleansing your impurities, reserve a prayer here.
If you wish to receive a prayer, prepare your mind and body, and come in formal attire.
Prayers: From 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm
Firewalking ritual: From 5pm
No admission fee necessary. Only prayers require reservation.
FAQ
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Anyone can participate in the fire-walk, free of charge.
However, when entering the grounds of Fukugonji from the gate, the etiquette is to pay your respects to Kannon and contribute a monetary donation to the donation box.
(This is not compulsory, however.)
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Anyone can participate in the fire-walk, but it is not recommended for people in poor health, pregnant women and small children. There is a limit to the amount of people allowed to enter the premises, so leave yourself plenty of time and come early.
Umbrellas, high-heeled shoes and flammable clothing such as vinyl are also dangerous and may not be permitted.
Please do not joke or make a fuss and always follow the guidance of the staff when participating and practising.
The festival bears no responsibility whatsoever regarding injuries during the firewalking ritual. Participate at your own risk.
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In order to avoid confusion on the day, prayers are now by appointment only.
Due to there being a limited number of seats, please apply as soon as possible if you wish to pray with us.
If there are too many applicants, it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here to apply.
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The temporary car park that was available until last year will not be available this year for various reasons, so please come by public transport (bus, taxi, etc.).
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The ceremony may be cancelled depending on the weather, but if it rains or snows a little, it will be held rain or shine.
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The ceremony takes place in the precincts of Fukugonji Temple in Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture.
Address: 5229, Okusa, Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture, 485-0802.
As crowds are expected on the day of the festival, please come by public transport if possible.
Click here for details on access to the venue.
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In 2023, the festival will be held on Saturday 2 December (rain or shine).
The festival will be solemn and lively with workshops and an array of food and drink stalls. The sounds, colours and exciting atmosphere of the festival will be an unforgettable memory for adults and children alike. We welcome you to share the festival invitation with your neighbours and family members.
We hope that you can join us at the festival and we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the happiest of holidays.