Kōda no Himatsuri

Overview

The Kouda no Himatsuri (Kouda Fire Festival) is a summer festival held at the Iyahime Shrine (Iyahime Jinja) located in Kouda-machi, Notojima, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and takes place annually on the final Saturday of July. This festival is renowned for burning a giant pillar torch (hashira taimatsu) that reaches approximately 30 meters in height and weighs around 10 tons, earning it a place as one of Japan's Three Great Fire Festivals. It has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Ishikawa Prefecture and, as a key component of the Noto Peninsula's Kiriko Festival tradition, has been selected by the national government as a folk cultural property requiring measures such as record creation. Historically known as the “Osuzumi Festival” or “Nōryō-sai” (Cooling-off Festival), this event is a major community-wide undertaking involving all residents. On the day of the festival, a portable shrine (mikoshi) and a set of seven large and small decorative lantern floats (kiriko) depart from Iyahime Shrine and parade around the giant pillar torch erected at Sakiyama Square, located approximately 500 meters away. Following this, residents hurl a collection of handheld torches (tadaimatsu) simultaneously at the pillar torch, creating a towering column of flame that ignites the night sky, a spectacular sight that captivates many visitors and tourists.

History and Origins

The precise origins of the Kouda no Himatsuri remain unclear, but historical records indicate that in the early modern period, it was held on the last day of the sixth month of the lunar calendar. This date marked a significant juncture dividing the year into two halves and was a time when farming communities were particularly vigilant against insect damage and wind damage to rice and wheat crops. During this season, purification rites known as “Nagoshi-sai” (Summer Purification Festival) were performed across various regions to cleanse sins and impurities, and the Kouda Fire Festival is believed to have evolved from this tradition. The Iyahime Shrine's “Shamunikki” (Shrine Diary) from the Meiji 20s (1887-1896) confirms that the entry for July 31st was recorded as “Nagoshi-sai” and was also referred to as “Nōryō-sai,” with the diary noting that the portable shrine's procession, the accompanying lantern floats, and the ritual of igniting the great pillar torch were all conducted. This demonstrates that the festival's form had been largely established by that era. According to the shrine's own traditions, the ceremony of lighting the great pillar torch is performed for the “Hishizume-sai” (Fire-Settling Festival), indicating a deep-seated belief in appeasing fire and seeking purification at the festival's core. One theory suggests that the festival's origins lie in the region's past salt-making industry, as Kouda was once a thriving center for salt production, and locals sometimes paid their taxes in salt instead of rice. The legend holds that when large quantities of “shiba” (brushwood used to fuel the salt fires) were left over, young men began burning it for entertainment, which is said to have given rise to this event. Furthermore, the festival is intertwined with a mythological narrative: a legend speaks of Iyahiko no Kami (a male deity who created Echigo Province) visiting Notojima to meet his beloved Iyahime no Kami (a female deity) for their annual rendezvous. In the book “Kaga・Noto no Minzoku” (The Folklore of Kaga and Noto), it is recorded that in 1950, the then-chief priest of Iyahime Shrine told local residents that the gods come to the top of the great pillar torch's sacred paper streamers to consummate their marital union. Thus, the fire festival is not merely entertainment but a sacred rite deeply connected to local life, faith, and mythology, faithfully preserved into the present day.

Highlights

Giant Scale of the Pillar Torch The centerpiece of the festival is a gigantic conical pillar torch, standing approximately 30 meters tall and weighing around 10 tons. This massive structure is erected with great care by the town's men starting the day before the festival, using a three-legged scaffold and pulleys to carefully assemble its components. Its immense size is the primary reason the Kouda Fire Festival is counted among Japan's Three Great Fire Festivals, and its silhouette towering against the night sky builds anticipation among spectators long before the event begins. The sheer effort required to construct and raise this torch is a testament to the community's dedication and a key visual highlight of the festival.

Vigorous Procession of the Kiriko Floats As evening falls and the sacred rites at Iyahime Shrine conclude, the portable shrine and a set of seven large and small kiriko lantern floats depart for Sakiyama Square. The procession is accompanied by the stirring sounds of “Hōnen Daiko” (Harvest Drums) played on gongs and large drums, along with flutes and small drums, which dramatically heighten the festival's excitement. These illuminated floats, shining brightly as they travel through the pitch-dark night, create a line of light that is both fantastical and deeply impressive to all who witness it. The rhythmic energy and visual beauty of the kiriko parade form a compelling prelude to the main fire event.

The Hand Torch Ignition Ceremony Upon arrival at Sakiyama Square, fire from the sacred lantern of the portable shrine is transferred to approximately 200 hand torches, each measuring about 1.8 meters in length and 20 centimeters in circumference, which are then distributed to the assembled residents. The participants swing these blazing hand torches as they run in circles around the immense pillar torch, the atmosphere reaching a fever pitch of excitement. At the sound of a flute signal, the hundreds of hand torches are thrown all at once toward the pillar torch, instantly erupting into a colossal pillar of fire. This dramatic and coordinated act of ignition is the festival's most breathtaking moment.

The Tradition of Divination As the enormous pillar torch burns intensely, it eventually collapses with a loud roar, and the direction of its fall is used to divine the fortunes for the coming year. It is believed that if the torch falls toward the sea, it signifies a “bountiful catch” (hōryō) for fishermen, while if it falls toward the mountains, it signifies a “bountiful harvest” (hōsaku) for farmers. The assembled crowd watches the torch's fate in breathless anticipation, making this moment a powerful and suspenseful climax. This practice clearly reflects the deep connection between the community's livelihood, centered on agriculture and fishing, and their spiritual beliefs.

The Scramble for the Gohei Attached to the tip of the pillar torch is a sacred paper streamer called a “gohei,” and it is said that whoever manages to secure it will be granted “enen sokuzai” (prolonged life and freedom from illness). After the torch collapses, a frenzied scramble ensues as people rush forward to claim this talisman, creating a scene of intense and chaotic competition. This moment serves as one of the festival's key climaxes, vividly demonstrating the participants' fervent desire to obtain the sacred object's protective power.

A Night Steeped in Mythology The fire festival is also traditionally explained as a celebration of the annual tryst between the male deity Iyahiko no Kami and the female deity Iyahime no Kami. The massive flames that roar into the night sky are seen as a beacon celebrating their union, infusing the event with a romantic and sacred dimension that connects the present to ancient mythology. Understanding this legend allows observers to perceive the festival's spectacular visuals as something more profound, holy, and uniquely special.

Event Information and Access

• Event Period: The festival is held annually on the final Saturday of July. It is essential to check the official website for the most current schedule and confirmation of whether the event will proceed as planned.
• Venue: Sakiyama Square (Sakiyama Hiroba), Kouda-machi, Notojima, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
• Access (Public Transportation): From JR Nanao Line's “Wakura Onsen Station,” take a Notojima Kotsu bus and alight at the “Kouda Miya-mae” bus stop, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the venue.
• Access (By Car): From the Hokuriku Expressway's “Oyabe JCT,” take the Noto Expressway. It is about a 35-minute drive from the Nanao Joyama Interchange. Access via the Kan-etsu Expressway and Joshin-etsu Expressway is also possible.
• Parking: Temporary parking lots are arranged for the event. As the number of spaces is limited, the use of public transportation is strongly recommended. Visitors should follow the guidance provided on the day of the festival.
• Admission: Viewing from along the procession route is free. If paid seating or special programs are offered, their prices may vary from year to year, so it is advisable to refer to official announcements for details.

Surrounding Area Information

Notojima is an island floating in Nanao Bay, known for its tranquil rural landscapes and beautiful coastline, making it a popular tourist destination. During the summer when the Kouda Fire Festival is held, the emerald green sea and blue sky create a striking impression, and visitors can enjoy driving around the island before or after the festival. The island is also home to several family-friendly attractions, including the “Notojima Mosque,” considered the oldest wooden mosque in Japan, and the “Notojima Aquarium,” where visitors can interact with dolphins. Besides the Kouda Fire Festival, Nanao City boasts three other major traditional festivals collectively known as the “Nanao Four Great Festivals”: the Seihakusai, the Okumakōsai, and the Ishizaki Hōtōsai. These festivals are held at different times of the year and are invaluable for passing on the rich culture and history of the Noto Peninsula. When planning a visit to the Kouda Fire Festival, researching information on the other festivals can provide a deeper understanding of Noto's cultural heritage. The entire Noto Peninsula was designated a Japan Heritage site in 2015 under the title “Lights Dancing on the Noto Peninsula: The Passionate Kiriko Festivals,” and the Kouda Fire Festival is one of its component cultural assets. This region is home to numerous “Noto Kiriko Festivals” from summer into autumn, where gigantic illuminated floats (kiriko) are shouldered and paraded through the streets. By incorporating multiple Kiriko festivals into a travel itinerary, visitors can more fully experience the passionate summer of the Noto region.

Related Information

• Cultural Property Designation: On January 14, 1987 (Showa 62), the Kouda Fire Festival was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Ishikawa Prefecture.
• Japan Heritage Recognition: On April 24, 2015 (Heisei 27), it was recognized as a component cultural property of the Japan Heritage site “Lights Dancing on the Noto Peninsula: The Passionate Kiriko Festivals.”
• Name Variations: The festival's name is written in Japanese as both Kouda no Himatsuri (向田の火祭) and Kouda no Himatsuri (向田の火祭り), and both notations can be confirmed across various sources. The English translation is consistently “Kouda Fire Festival.”
• Historical Names: Historically, the festival was known as the “Osuzumi Festival” or the “Nōryō-sai” (Cooling-off Festival).
• Contact Information: The Nanao City Exchange Promotion Division (Tel: 0767-53-8424) serves as the official point of contact for inquiries about the festival.
• Sponsorship Recruitment: The festival's executive committee actively seeks sponsorships from individuals, corporations, and organizations to support the event's operation. The names of all sponsors are published on the official festival website as a token of gratitude.

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