It’s getting hot in here! So hot! Sooo let’s play with fire in a fun little town. Come explore the fire and the humble little town of Yuasa in Wakayama, Japan. If you’re looking for an exciting, local Japanese festival experience outside of the typical tourist attractions, this is a must-add to your Japan travel 2025 itinerary.
You already know I am all about my magical movie moments! You can check out some of those adventures here:
That being said, I have to tell you about the time I “played with fire” in Japan. A little exaggeration, but I literally walked around town wielding fire haha. Let me tell you all about it so you can also “play” with fire too.
The Inamura Fire Festival will be held on October 19th, 2025. It’s a little early, BUT I wanted to bring it to your attention now so more people can plan ahead and attend. Mark your calendars for a hot time!
Yuasa, in Wakayama Prefecture, is perfect if you want to escape crowded tourist areas and enjoy a rural, coastal experience. This small town in the Arida District is quiet, charming, and historically fascinating. You may not have heard of Yuasa, but you might recognize the story of Hamaguchi Goryo, a local hero.
During the Ansei Nankai earthquake in 1854, Goryo noticed the beginnings of a huge tsunami. He instructed villagers to evacuate to safety and, in a clever move, ordered them to burn stacks of rice sheaves (known as inamura) that were drying after the harvest. The fire from the rice sheaves served as a guide to help villagers reach the evacuation site safely.
Since then, Hamaguchi Goryo has been a local legend, and the Inamura No Hi Festival (The Fire of Rice Sheaves Festival) was born. This festival not only celebrates history but also teaches tsunami awareness and disaster preparedness.
The Rice Sheave Fire Festival (稲村の火祭り) is held annually in Yuasa, though it briefly paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2023, the festival has resumed and continues to delight locals and visitors alike.
((This festival also promotes Tsunami Awareness Day on November 11th, making it both exciting and educational.))
Reaching Yuasa is easier than you might think! I recommend preparing a playlist or a book for the journey—it’s a scenic ride and a great time to relax before the festival starts.
Public transportation or driving are both options, and having a map or navigation app ready will make it stress-free.
The festival started with a lively local show featuring kids, games like rock-paper-scissors, and exciting prizes, including premium Wagyu beef. It was heartwarming to see the community come together in celebration.
After the show, I walked a short distance to the community center, where there was a gap before the main fire event.
During this downtime, I enjoyed a local school chorus, professional Taiko drum performances, and speeches from council members. I tried my best to follow along in Japanese—it was a bit tricky, but very engaging haha.
As night fell, the real fun began. Don’t worry—you’re safe! Gloves are provided so you don’t get burned. You’re given a long pole with gasoline in the center lamp. It smells strong, but it’s not dangerous if you follow instructions.
Everyone lines up, dips their poles into a pit of fire🔥, and prepares to carry the fire through the town.
Walking through the streets with the fire was exhilarating. It felt like I was a fire bender for a short period of time, connecting with locals and the town’s history in a unique way.
After the procession, we extinguished the fires and visited a local shrine where festivities continued. You can pray, receive an omamori, and even get a small goodie bag with local treats and green tea. It’s a truly immersive cultural experience that you won’t want to miss.
I highly recommend attending the Inamura Fire Festival if you want a unique, intimate Japanese festival experience. I give it 10/10!
Keep in mind: it’s a small, local festival, so don’t expect massive crowds or tourist-style spectacles. But that’s exactly what makes it special—it’s charming, meaningful, and gives you a real connection to Japanese culture. Interacting with locals and hearing their perspectives makes the festival even more memorable. Even though it’s small, it’s big in heart and history.
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