For January tourism in Fukuoka and Kurume, this is the place! Japan's Three Great Fire Festivals: "Ozenji Tamatsurigu Shrine's Oni Night"

During the New Year, when traditional celebrations marking the start of the season are held across Japan, Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu hosts an overwhelming and majestic 'Fire Festival' that paints the winter night sky a brilliant crimson.

The "Oniyo" festival held annually on January 7th at Tamatare Shrine in Daizenji-cho, Kurume City.

This sacred ritual, boasting over 1,600 years of history, is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and is one of the "Three Great Fire Festivals of Japan." It is truly a representative festival worthy of gracing the beginning of the year for Kurume and all of Kyushu.
Why not experience the fiery power of the blazing giant torches and the fervor of the torchbearers in person?

Here's the highlight! The overwhelming scale of "Oniyo"

Japan's Largest Torch

Around 9 p.m., six giant torches—the largest in Japan—are lit simultaneously. The temple grounds, illuminated by the fiery red flames, create an otherworldly and fantastical scene.
(Large torch: 13 meters long, 1 meter in diameter, weighing 1.2 tons)

A Rivalry of Sparks

Under the January sky, the sight of hundreds of parishioners in ceremonial attire parading a blazing giant torch while showered with sparks is nothing short of spectacular. The heroic interplay between the men and the flames, unfolding to the chant of "Oi-sa, Oi-sa," is filled with an energy that stirs the soul of every spectator.

The flames of Tsuina, warding off calamity

This festival is a Tsuina ritual to drive away evil spirits and pray for good health and fortune in the new year. It is said that bathing in the shower of sparks will ensure a year free from illness and misfortune.

As 2026 dawns, the flames of "Oni Night" blaze with the passion of the Year of the Fire Horse. Wish to purge the year's misfortunes through this powerful traditional ritual and draw in the strongest luck?

Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Location: Daizenji Tamatsurigu Shrine

1463-1 Miyamoto, Daizenji-machi, Kurume City

Inquiries: Daizenji Tamatsurigu Shrine
TEL: 0942-27-1887
Daisenji Tamatsurigu Shrine Homepage (External Link)

The ritual will take place from approximately 1:00 PM to 11:10 PM, with the large torches being lit around 8:40 PM.

■Parking Lot
Shinen (Tamatsuri Park) Approximately 150 vehicles
Daisenji Elementary School: Approximately 100 vehicles
※Parking lot may be full and surrounding traffic congestion possible

■Transportation Access

● Get off at Daizenji Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line (5-minute walk)
●From JR Kurume Station, take Nishitetsu Bus Route 15 and get off at Miyamae bus stop (3-minute walk).
●Take a taxi from JR Araki Station (approx. 10 minutes)　
●Approximately 40 minutes from Kurume Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway

■Road Stations around
Roadside Station Kurume　Roadside Station Oki　Roadside Station Tachibana

name	Tamatsurigu Shrine
address (e.g. of house)	1463-1 Miyamoto, Daizenji-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture 830-0073
supplementary information	▼For more information, please visit the official website. https://tamataregu.or.jp/