Tengu no Hiwatari: Fire-Walking Ritual of Bikuni Shrine｜Events｜HOKKAIDO LOVE! -Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

Tengu no Hiwatari: Fire-Walking Ritual of Bikuni Shrine

A Centuries-Old Ceremony of Power and Purification

Witness a mystical Tengu and sacred mikoshi pass through towering flames in a dramatic ritual to purify the land and sea.

In the coastal town of Shakotan, summer arrives with a powerful spectacle of fire and faith that has endured since the Edo period. The Bikuni Shrine Annual Festival, held each July, reaches its climax with the “Tengu no Hiwatari” (Tengu Fire-Walking). In this awe-inspiring ritual, a Tengu—wearing a striking Sarutahiko mask—steps boldly through blazing fires. Following behind, locals carry heavy mikoshi (portable shrines), moving through the flames to cleanse and protect the community.

Over three days, from July 4 to 6, the town comes alive with vibrant tradition. By day, the harbor is adorned with colorful fishermen’s flags during “Kaijo Togyo,” a lively maritime procession. As night falls on July 5 and 6, the atmosphere transforms—glowing embers, rising heat, and the silhouettes of participants create a deeply spiritual and unforgettable scene.

This extraordinary festival offers a rare chance to witness courage, devotion, and tradition woven together in one of Hokkaido’s most powerful summer rituals.

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* The event information is based on the dates and content of the most recently held events. Please check the official website for details as the contents are subject to change.