Guida
The Nachi Ogi Matsuri is an annual grand festival held at Kumano Nachi Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture every July 14th. Because of the ritual where the path to the waterfall is purified by the flames of giant torches, it is also known as the 'Nachi Fire Festival.' This is a highly significant ritual where the divine spirit is transferred from the main shrine on the mountain to twelve 'Ogi' (fan-shaped) portable shrines. It is widely recognized as a ceremony that preserves traditional Japanese festival forms and expresses profound gratitude to the natural world.
The festival is deeply rooted in the worship of the Nachi Falls (Mikitaki). Historically, the origins are linked to the era of Emperor Jimmu approximately 2,700 years ago, when this land was enshrined as a representation of the deity Okuninushi-no-Mikoto. Furthermore, the origins of Kumano Nachi Taisha date back to the 5th year of Emperor Nintoku's reign, when the shrine was moved to its current location. For centuries, this festival has been passed down as a sacred rite to honor the sanctity of water and fire, and to offer thanks for the blessings of nature.
The festival proceedings begin at 10:00 AM with the 'Gohonsa Daizen-no-Gi' (Ritual before the Main Shrine), where offerings are made to pray for national peace and prosperity. Following this, traditional dances such as 'Yamato-mai' and the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage 'Nachi Dengaku' are performed on a special stage. The absolute highlight is the sight of giant torches moving along the approach to the waterfall to purify the path. The sight of torches weighing up to 50kg moving with intense energy is incredibly dynamic. Other important highlights include the procession of the twelve fan-shaped portable shrines and the 'Fukami Ogi-tate' ritual.
The festival takes place during the daytime on July 14th every year. The morning is centered around rituals and dances within the shrine grounds, transitioning into the more intense purification rituals involving fire in the afternoon. The moment the giant torches advance along the path is the most critical and exciting time of the festival. As it is held during the height of summer, it is highly recommended to prepare thoroughly for the heat.
Visitors can enjoy watching traditional dances and observing the sacred rituals. The 'Yamato-mai,' performed by local elementary school children, allows you to feel the deeply rooted community culture up close. Additionally, the 'Otaue-shiki' (rice planting ceremony), where participants move through the stage singing songs of rice planting using ancient agricultural tools, offers a rare chance to touch the essence of Japanese agricultural culture.
The area surrounding Kumano Nachi Taisha, where the festival is held, features the famous Nachi Falls (Hiro-jinja Shrine), the sacred approach, and lush, mountainous scenery. Since many people gather during the festival, please be mindful of parking and transportation availability. To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the festival, we recommend exploring the surrounding natural areas.
As the festival occurs during a hot summer day, it is essential to bring items for heatstroke prevention, such as water, parasols, and hats, and to wear breathable clothing. Please maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor to honor the sacred rituals being performed.