Ikoma Taisha Fire Festival (Hi Matsuri) 2026

Why You Should Visit

The annual fire festival of Ikoma Taisha in Ikoma City, a shrine long worshipped for its fire deities. It is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nara Prefecture as the Ikoma Fire Festival. The Ikoma Mandala of the Kamakura period already depicts the festival buildings in much the same form as today. The eve on the 10th features a giant torch fire and shrine taiko, and the main day on the 11th opens with a mikoshi procession, followed by contests between the north and south groups to be fastest at offerings and raising torches. The climax, around 16:00, is the Hitori: runners receive the sacred flame and dash down the stone steps with their torches. Most visitors come for this late-afternoon finale.

Programs

Timetable & Map

Essentials

location

Ikoma Taisha Shrine, Ikoma

period

October 10, 2026 (Sat) - October 11, 2026 (Sun)

Time

Sat, Oct 10 15:00–21:00; Sun, Oct 11 10:00–approx. 16:00 (Hitori around 16:00)

cost

No fee information on the official site

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

7 minutes on foot from Ichibu Station on the Kintetsu Ikoma Line. There is no parking on festival days and the road in front of the shrine is closed, so come by public transport

NOTE

Road closures

Oct 10: 14:00–23:00
Oct 11: 10:00–18:00

*There are no large coin car parks near the shrine; the nearest are around Ikoma Station

*Do not park at nearby supermarkets or convenience stores

*Inquiries: Ikoma Taisha 0743-77-8001 (8:00–16:30)

FAQ

When is the highlight?

The Hitori fire run around 16:00 on Sunday, October 11. It follows the 15:00 mikoshi procession, food offerings, giant torches and the Benzui dance.

Can I go by car?

There is no parking on festival days and the road in front of the shrine is closed. The shrine asks visitors to come by train; it is a 7-minute walk from Ichibu Station on the Kintetsu Ikoma Line.

Are there events for children?

Yes. A children's mikoshi starts at 17:00 on the 10th and a children's doll mikoshi at 13:00 on the 11th, both departing from in front of the Ebisu shrine.

Calendar

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