Nachi Ogi Matsuri uses large torches to purify fan-shaped mikoshi on their route towards Nachi Falls. Often called the Nachi Fire Festival, it is a shrine ritual rather than a fireworks display.
Nachi Ogi Matsuri dates
Usually July 14
Usual annual timing
Dates and times use JST. Usual timing is not a confirmed next-edition schedule. Read the organiser’s programme for start times, tickets, postponements and cancellations.
Where to watch
Nachikatsuura · 那智勝浦
The approach from Kumano Nachi Taisha towards Hiro Shrine at Nachi Falls
熊野那智大社・那智の滝
The ceremonial route descends from Kumano Nachi Taisha to Hiro Shrine in front of Nachi Falls. The large-torch rite takes place by the waterfall.
The directions below use one representative location, not every venue entrance or the complete procession route. Use the official venue map for your ticket or programme.
Getting there by train or bus
Take a Kuroshio limited express from Osaka or Tennoji to Kii-Katsuura, then a bus towards Nachisan. Consult event road restrictions and the appropriate bus stop.
Planning your visit
Choose a designated viewing place for the torch ritual towards the waterfall. Keep the ritual route clear and follow shrine instructions.
This is an editorial travel suggestion, not a claim of a personal visit or a guarantee of the programme. When travelling from Canada, use your Japan arrival date to select the festival day.
What to look for
- Large torches
- Ceremonial fans
- Waterfall-side rites
History and traditions
This principal annual rite of Kumano Nachi Taisha is associated with the shrine's founding traditions. Ogi refers to its ceremonial fans.
Photo: Zairon · CC BY 4.0. Original or supplied reduced image; no additional edits. See the original file for its date and context.
Nearby places to consider
Nachi Falls · 那智の滝
The waterfall landscape and its shrine setting.
Choose permitted viewing areas during the festival; ordinary walking access can change for the rite.
The description and suggested visit refer to the first attraction listed. Other links are separate nearby options; festival traffic and opening hours may affect your plans.
Nachi Ogi Matsuri questions
When is Nachi Ogi Matsuri?
Usually July 14. Usual annual timing is not confirmation of the next edition.
How do I reach Nachi Ogi Matsuri by public transport?
Take a Kuroshio limited express from Osaka or Tennoji to Kii-Katsuura, then a bus towards Nachisan. Consult event road restrictions and the appropriate bus stop.
Does the Nachi Fire Festival mean fireworks?
No. Large torches purify fan-shaped mikoshi as part of a shrine ritual. The attraction is the torch and mikoshi procession towards Nachi Falls.
Official programme and sources
- Official reference · www.mlit.go.jp ↗
- Official reference · visitwakayama.jp ↗
- Official reference · kumanonachitaisha.or.jp ↗
Shared source records reviewed October 3, 2026. Some official pages are in Japanese. JapanLiveNow’s English guide is independently edited; the organiser’s latest announcement takes precedence.