Nachi-No-Hi Matsuri

A Summer of Mystical Kumano, Where Waterfalls and Flames Intertwine

2025/07/13

Every July, the forests of Kumano Nachi Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture are enveloped in mystical flames during the Nachi Fire Festival. With Japan’s tallest waterfall, Nachi Falls, as a dramatic backdrop, priests dressed in white carry giant torches weighing over 50 kg down the stone steps—a breathtaking sight. The heat of the fire, the scent of burning pine, the crackling sound of the flames, and the voices of prayer echo through the woods, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a mythic world beyond time.

The festival is held annually on July 14th at Nachi Taisha, drawing pilgrims, photographers, and culture enthusiasts from all over Japan. For those who want to experience the ancient prayers of Kumano and the raw power of nature, this is a summer event that promises to awaken all your senses.

Main Attractions

The Great Torch Procession

The centerpiece of the festival is the procession of twelve giant pine torches, carried by priests down the stone steps leading to Nachi Falls. The swirling flames and flying sparks are overwhelming, wrapping the crowd in the fragrant smoke and heat of burning pine. The priests’ chants and prayers, illuminated by firelight, cast a mystical glow over the ancient Kumano forest.

Main Rituals & Events

Before the torch procession, purification and offering rituals are held at the shrine, accompanied by the sound of conch shells and sacred prayers. The climax comes when twelve portable shrines, representing the deities of Nachi Falls, are purified by the flames, reenacting the descent of the gods. It is a grand ritual where fire, water, and prayer become one.

Costumes and Decorations

Priests and torch bearers wear pure white robes and headbands, creating a mystical atmosphere in the firelight. The portable shrines are adorned with gold, vermilion, and intricate carvings, while the approach to the shrine is lined with sacred ropes and banners. The combination of blazing flames, deep green forest, and the roar of the waterfall creates an otherworldly scene.

Traditional Food & Drink

On the day of the festival, you can enjoy local specialties such as mehari-zushi (rice balls wrapped in pickled mustard leaves), salt-grilled ayu (sweetfish), and shaved ice. The aroma of charcoal and sweet soy sauce drifts through the forest, mingling with the sounds of the waterfall and fire. Visitors often savor their meals at the base of the falls, soaking in the nature of Kumano and the lingering atmosphere of the festival.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Nachi Fire Festival traces its origins back over 1,700 years to ancient rituals honoring the deities of Nachi Falls. The festival reenacts purification and rebirth through fire, and the descent of the gods into the portable shrines. As a central event in Kumano spirituality, it has long gathered prayers for health, safety, and abundant harvests.

Today, it is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan and is a summer tradition that symbolizes the spiritual culture of Kumano, attracting visitors from across the country.

Participant Voices

“Standing right next to the torches, I could feel the heat and the scent of pine in the forest… I’ve never experienced a festival that was both so powerful and so sacred at the same time.”

Fun Facts

Each torch weighs over 50 kg and can be up to 3 meters long.
The twelve torches represent the twelve deities of Nachi Taisha.
Nachi Falls is Japan’s tallest waterfall, with a drop of 133 meters.
The Nachi Fire Festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan.
The combination of fire and water is believed to have the power to purify and renew both land and spirit.