Guide
Oiso no Sagicho is a traditional fire festival held annually on January 17th in Oiso Town, Nakadori District, Kanagawa Prefecture. This festival is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, making it a precious event that preserves the traditional forms of Japanese ritual. The most striking feature is the nine massive, conical fire towers known as "saito" erected along the Oiso Kitahama Coast. The moment the fires are lit simultaneously in the darkness of the night, the sight of these 7 to 8-meter-tall pillars of fire roaring upward, illuminating the entire coastline in a crimson glow, is an overwhelming and powerful spectacle for all who watch.
The origins of this festival are rooted in legends surrounding the "Seenokami-san" (guardian deity). According to local lore, an evil spirit known as "Mehitotsu Kozo" once roamed the area, recording the deeds of the villagers. As dawn approached, the spirit hurriedly handed its records over to Seenokami-san. The legend says the fire festival began when Seenokami-san burned those records. Also known as "Seeto Barie" or "Dondoyaki," this event is a deeply rooted historical ritual that has been carefully passed down through generations.
The greatest highlight of the festival is the "Simultaneous Ignition" that begins around 6:30 PM. As the nine massive structures, built through the cooperation of different local districts, are set ablaze, the bamboo inside crackles and pops loudly, sending sparks flying into the sky alongside the rising pillars of fire, a ritual meant to drive away evil spirits. Before the main fire lighting, the "Yanna-gokko" ritual takes place. Men dressed in traditional fundoshi loincloths pull sleds carrying small shrines through the cold sea waves in a high-energy, vigorous display of strength. Additionally, there is a custom of eating grilled dumplings (dango) cooked by the fire, which is said to prevent one from catching a cold for the entire year.
Oiso no Sagicho is a winter event held on the night of January 17th every year. The most critical time to be present is from 6:30 PM, when the fire lighting begins. We recommend arriving at the coast shortly before sunset so you can witness the exact moment the fire pillars rise against the darkening sky. Because this event takes place during a very cold period, heavy winter clothing and heat protection are absolutely essential for viewing the festival from the coast.
Spectators can witness the massive pillars of fire rising from the shoreline and the intense sea rituals from a close distance. The traditional culture of eating "fire-grilled dango" is also a part of the experience, allowing you to connect with traditional Japanese food customs while feeling the warmth of the flames. These activities offer a rare opportunity to directly experience the traditional ritualistic life of a Japanese local community.
The area around Oiso Kitahama Coast, where the venue is located, features historical sites such as the former residence of the famous novelist Toson Shimazaki, making it a lovely area for strolling. You can explore the historic streets of Oiso, which once served as a post town, before or after the festival. However, please note that the area becomes extremely crowded on the day of the festival, so please allow plenty of time for travel.