Torchlight Traditions: Japan Fire Festival Tour
Every February, the sacred city of Shingu comes alive with the Oto Matsuri (in English, Torch Festival)—an ancient ritual unlike any other in Japan. On this exceptional and rare small-group journey, you will have the extraordinary chance not only to witness the festival, but to take part in it yourself.
The Oto Matsuri follows traditions that have been honored for generations, with different roles for those who carry torches and those who watch the fiery procession. Male participants step into the ritual by donning white festival garments, tying on a woven rope belt, and slipping into grass sandals. Together with local women, everyone purifies themselves with simple “white foods.” As a guest, you will join them.
Once night falls, men climb the steep stone steps to Kamikura Shrine, torches inscribed with blessings for the year ahead in hand. The descent is dramatic—some men racing down the mountain while others walk in unison, forming a river of fire in the darkness. With a private guide by your side, you’ll join locals in the slower part of the procession, ensuring both safety and authenticity.
Women experience the festival from another perspective: gathered at the base of the mountain, they watch as the fiery dragon of torchlight winds its way down through the night. Although they are waiting for their own family or compatriots, everyone joins in continuously thanking the torch carriers for bringing the sacred fire.
At the end of the night, everyone reunites in celebration, sharing a communal meal with the local community. It is a time of reflection, joy, and togetherness after the intensity of the ritual. On this small-group journey, you’ll have the rare and exceptional chance to be part of it all—whether carrying a torch or witnessing the descent, and celebrating together as guests of Shingu.
TRIP DATES
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February 1 to February 7, 2027
Days 1–2
Tanabe / Kawayu
Arrive in Tanabe, the gateway to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Meet your fellow travelers and trip leader for a welcome dinner before heading into the mountains the next day.
We will hike the beginning of the Nakahechi route, a challenging uphill section of the Kumano Kodo, from Takijiri to Chikatsuyu. If time permits, we will stop to explore a small museum and/or the village of Chikatsuyu. A private chartered bus carries us the rest of the way to a riverside Japanese inn (ryokan), where we can soak our tired legs in the evening in natural hot springs (onsen).
Hike: Takijiri-oji → Chikatsuyu — ~13.3 km (8.3 mi), ~6–8 hrs, sustained forest hiking with notable ascents and descents; a physically demanding section of the Kumano Kodo.
Exclusive Experiences: Welcome dinner in Tanabe, mountain river hot springs
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Onsen ryokan
Day 3
Hosshimon-oji / Hongu Taisha / Kawayu
Walk a scenic section of the Kumano Kodo with your trip leader, starting at Hosshimon-oji and winding through quiet forests toward Hongu. Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three Grand Shrines, and stop at the Heritage Center for stories of the pilgrimage. Return to your inn to relax in the onsen.
Hike: Hosshimon-oji → Hongu — ~7–10 km (4–6 mi), ~3–4 hrs, mostly rolling forest trail with gentle ascents/descents
Exclusive Experiences: Guided Kumano Kodo hike & Hongu visit
Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Onsen ryokan
Day 4
Kawayu / Nachi
Travel to Nachi and explore one of Kumano’s most dramatic sacred sites. With your local guide, hike the cobblestoned Daimonzaka slope to approach Kumano Nachi Taisha, its adjacent Buddhist temple Seiganto-ji, and the iconic view of the vermilion pagoda beside Nachi Waterfall.
Hike: Daimonzaka to shrine complex — ~2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi), 45–90 min, steady uphill on stone steps; additional walking at shrine and waterfall (~400 stairs)
Exclusive Experiences: Guided Daimonzaka pilgrimage walk & Nachi Taisha visit
Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Seaside onsen ryokan
Day 5
Nachi / Shingu
Head into Shingu for a day of culture and hands-on workshops. Try straw sandal making, Japanese calligraphy, or a tea ceremony, and meet local artisans keeping these traditions alive. Visit Hayatama Taisha, another of the three Grand Shrines. In the evening, practice a sunset climb to Kamikura Shrine, up which men will ascend the next night, fiery torches in hand.
Hike: Kamikura Shrine — ~0.5 km each way, ~15–25 min up, very steep stone stairs, ~120 m / 400 ft gain
Exclusive Experiences: Cultural workshops with local artisans
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Seaside onsen ryokan
Day 6
Shingu & Oto Matsuri Fire Festival
Spend the morning on a guided e-bike tour through hidden corners of Shingu, followed by a relaxed lunch. In the afternoon, preparations begin for the legendary Oto Matsuri Fire Festival at Kamikura Shrine. Male participants will have one guide per person to walk with them through one of Japan’s most extraordinary rituals. Female participants will stand witness as what looks like a flaming snake descends the torchlit mountainside in the night.
Exclusive Experiences: Insider access to Oto Matsuri Fire Festival
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Shingu guesthouse or hotel
Day 7
Departure
Enjoy a farewell breakfast with your group before departing Shingu by train. Carry with you memories of sacred trails, hands-on traditions, and the unforgettable blaze of Oto Matsuri.
Choosing your onward path, you have three options:
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Option A: Conclude your tour in Nachi-Katsuura and depart by train.
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Option B: Extend your journey with two nights at a temple-stay in Koyasan
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Option C: Add a private guided hike or cultural experience before same-day departure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
