Guida
The Notojima Mukoda Fire Festival is a traditional fire ritual held at the Iyame Shrine on Notojima Island, Ishikawa Prefecture. Recognized as one of Japan's three great 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 'Hashiramashu' (pillar torch), which stands approximately 30 meters tall. At the climax of the festival, local residents and visitors throw straw torches into this giant structure simultaneously. The sight of the massive flames illuminating the night sky, followed by the dramatic descent of the burning structure, provides a visually stunning and unforgettable experience.
This festival is deeply rooted in the 'Kiriko' (sacred lantern) culture that has been passed down through generations in the Noto region. As a ritual for the Iyame Shrine, it has preserved its traditions over a long history. In 1987, it was designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Ishikawa, and in 2015, it was recognized as part of the 'Japan Heritage' under the theme 'The Peninsula of Dancing Lights: Noto's Enthusiastic Kiriko Festivals.' The festival reflects the deep faith of the people who have prayed for bountiful harvests and successful fishing in the harsh natural environment of Noto. Interestingly, the direction in which the pillar torch falls carries spiritual meaning: if it falls toward the sea, it signifies a bountiful catch, and if it falls toward the mountains, it signifies a bountiful harvest.
The highlight of the festival begins around 8:00 PM with the ritual of throwing fire into the pillar torch. First, a portable shrine (Mikoshi) carrying the sacred light and seven large Kiriko lanterns follow a procession from the Iyame Shrine. Upon arriving at the Sakiyama Plaza, the 30-meter-tall pillar torch is revealed. The ritual involves transferring the sacred light from the Mikoshi to the straw torches held by the crowd. At a signal from a flute, people throw the burning straw torches into the pillar all at once, causing a massive eruption of flame into the night sky. The intensity of the heat and the tension of watching the burning structure collapse is a unique experience found only here.
The Notojima Mukoda Fire Festival is held every year on the last Saturday of July. Since the main event occurs at night, it is best to plan your visit for the evening. While the climax of the fire-throwing occurs around 8:00 PM, you can enjoy the procession of the Mikoshi and the Kiriko lanterns in the hours leading up to it. Because the event is held in the heat of a summer night, it is recommended to prepare for the temperature and the intense heat of the flames. Visiting in late July ensures you witness the peak of this summer tradition.
This festival is not just a spectacle to watch; it is an immersive experience where visitors feel part of the ritual. As the procession moves through the streets, the sight of the Kiriko lanterns illuminating the darkness creates a powerful sense of connection to Noto's culture. The heat, the cheers of the crowd, and the sheer scale of the fire provide a sensory experience that cannot be fully captured by photos or videos alone.
To deepen your understanding of the local culture, you can visit facilities in the nearby Wakura Onsen area, such as the 'Wakura Onsen Matsuri Kaikan.' This center exhibits festival floats and artifacts from the Noto region, including those related to the traditions of Noto Island, making it an excellent place to learn about the history before the event.