CAPE TOI FIRE FESTIVAL
Kushima, Miyazaki
More a ritual than a festival, the Cape Toi Fire Festival honors an old legend which tells of a monk who defeated the giant serpent that was terrorizing the local population by throwing a torch into its mouth.
On a hill overlooking the Hyuga-nada Sea, a 30-meter pine tree is erected to represent the serpent. Giant torches surround the tree, which are lit when a procession of volunteers enters the arena.
After performing a traditional dance, the volunteers try to set the tree alight by taking turns throwing flaming torches at it. When they miss, it’s dangerously exciting for visitors, who sometimes must dodge the falling fireballs. When the tree is finally set ablaze, it ignites a firework display and then comes crashing to the ground.
Before all the excitement, there are music peformances and plenty of festival food stalls to raid, including takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (grilled noodles), karaage (fried chicken) and yakitomorokoshi (grilled corn).
Date
- End of August, weather permitting
Hours
- Friday: 16:00~21:00
Saturday: 16:00~21:00
Price
- Free
Venue
- Cape Toi, Kushima-shi, Miyazaki-ken
Hi, I'm Simone! I was born in New York, raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and spent 4 years living in Miyazaki. As a writer and photographer, I enjoyed travelling all over Japan's sunniest prefecture, but my favourite places would have to be Nichinan, the entire Koyu-gun area, and Nishimera. Canoeing down the sacred Takachiho Gorge, walking with wild horses in Cape Toi and setting lanterns alight on the steps of Takanabe's old castle are some of my most memorable experiences. The beauty of Miyazaki, and the warmth and kindness of its people, will always have a special place in my heart.
