Yassai Hossai Fire Festival at Ishizuta Shrine 2026

period: December 14, 2026 (Mon)
cost: No admission fee information has been published
Venue & access: Ishizuta Shrine Get off at Ishizugawa Station on the Nankai Main Line, or Ishizu Station on the Hankai Tramway.

There are 1 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Ishizuta Shrine. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

Every year on 14 December, Ishizuta Shrine in Sakai's Nishi Ward holds a fire-walking ritual. A fire of 108 bundles of firewood is lit before the shrine, and participants cross through the flames shouting "yassai hossai". The custom recalls a legend in which local fishermen burned 108 bundles of wood to warm the god Ebisu after he washed ashore at Ishizu beach, and it is known as one of the unusual festivals of the Senshu region. Taking home a charred piece of the leftover firewood is said to ward off bad luck. The ritual is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Sakai City, and is a rare chance to see a deep-rooted local tradition of fire and chanting on a winter night.

NOTE

About Ishizuta Shrine

The two main halls, said to date from the mid-17th century, and the first and second torii gates are Tangible Cultural Properties designated by Sakai City
Yassai Hossai is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Sakai City

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出典: 堺観光ガイド（公益社団法人堺観光コンベンション協会）

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FAQ

When is it held each year?

It is held on 14 December every year, regardless of the day of the week. In 2026 it falls on a Monday.

What is the meaning of the leftover firewood?

Taking a leftover piece home is said to serve as a charm against bad luck.