Guida
The Ohitaki Grand Festival is one of the three most significant annual events at Mogami Inari in Okayama Prefecture, a ritual deeply rooted in local tradition. This ceremony is a sacred expression of gratitude through 'Otakiage,' the ritual burning of sacred talismans. The flames rising from the Goma altar are believed to carry the prayers and gratitude of the people toward the heavens.
The centerpiece of this festival is the powerful, dancing flame of the Goma altar. According to tradition, by warming your body near these sacred flames, you can pray for good health and protection from illness for the coming year. Feeling the intense energy of the fire and witnessing the solemn ritual up close offers a profound sense of peace and spiritual connection, providing a rare opportunity to experience the visual and physical intensity of Japanese traditional faith.
This event is held annually over two days on December 1st and 2nd.
The ceremony takes place in front of the Main Hall (Reiko-den) of Mogami Inari.
As the rituals begin in the early morning, please plan your schedule with plenty of time to spare. The lighting ceremony on the first day starts at 6:00 AM. While the experience of feeling the heat from the Goma altar is incredibly mystical, please remain mindful of your surroundings and follow the instructions of the staff during the ceremony.
Since the festival takes place in early December, temperatures are expected to be quite low. Please dress warmly with heavy layers to stay comfortable. As this is a sacred ritual of gratitude, please maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor while observing the ceremony. For the most up-to-date information regarding fees or operational changes, please consult the official website.