Guide
The Notojima Komata Fire Festival is a traditional fire ritual held at Iyami Shrine on Noto Island, Naoe City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Recognized as one of Japan's three greatest fire festivals, it is also designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Ishikawa Prefecture. The most striking feature of this festival is the massive "Hashira Tomoshibi" (pillar torch), which stands approximately 30 meters tall. At the climax of the festival, local residents and visitors throw straw torches into the pillar simultaneously. The sight of the giant flames illuminating the night sky, followed by the dramatic collapse of the burning structure, is a visually stunning spectacle that defines this event.
This festival is deeply intertwined with the ancient Kiriko (sacred lantern) culture of the Noto Peninsula. It has been passed down through generations as a ritual for Iyami Shrine. In 1987, it was designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Ishikawa Prefecture, and in 2015, it was recognized as part of the "Japan Heritage" under the theme of the passionate Kiriko festivals of the Noto Peninsula. The ritual reflects the deep faith of the people who prayed for bountiful harvests and successful fishing in the harsh natural environment of Noto. Local beliefs are even embedded in the ritual's outcome: if the burning pillar falls toward the sea, it signifies a bountiful catch, while falling toward the mountains signifies a bountiful harvest.
The highlight of the festival begins around 8:00 PM with the "throwing of the fire" into the pillar torch. The procession starts with the Mikoshi (portable shrine) carrying the sacred light, accompanied by seven large and small Kiriko (sacred lanterns). Once the procession reaches Sakiyama Plaza, the 30-meter-tall pillar torch takes center stage. The ritual involves transferring the light from the Mikoshi to the straw torches held by locals and visitors. Upon the signal of the flute, the crowd throws the torches into the pillar at once, creating a massive pillar of fire that pierces the night sky. The sheer power of the flames and the tension of watching the pillar collapse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Notojima Komata Fire Festival is held annually on the last Saturday of July. Since the main event takes place at night, visitors should plan to arrive in the evening. The climax occurs around 8:00 PM, so you can enjoy the earlier parts of the festival by watching the Mikoshi and Kiriko processions. Because you will be experiencing the intense heat of the fire and the humidity of a summer night, it is highly recommended to prepare for the weather accordingly. Visiting in late July is the only way to witness this spectacular event.
This is not just a spectacle to watch, but an event where you can feel part of the ritual. As the light is transferred to the straw torches held by the crowd, you can feel the shared energy and excitement of the community. The sight of the Kiriko lanterns illuminating the darkness is a quintessential symbol of Noto culture. The heat of the flames and the cheers of the crowd create an atmosphere that cannot be fully captured by photos or videos alone.
To deepen your understanding of the local culture, you might visit the Wakura Onsen area in Nanao City. The "Wakura Onsen Matsuri Kaikan" features exhibits of traditional floats and festival tools from the region, including those used in Noto's festivals. Notojima itself is a beautiful, nature-rich area, making it a perfect place to enjoy the scenic landscapes before or after the festival festivities.