First they go along the main street toward Shigaraki Station. In the background is a Shigaraki pottery shop.84 views
Shigaraki taiko drummers' main competitor for attention was the smartphone (or maybe Pokemon Go).70 views
Shigaraki Fire Festival in late July in Koka, Shiga Prefecture.68 views
Shingu Shrine (新宮神社) near Shigaraki Station holds the annual Shigaraki Fire Festival on the fourth Sat. of July closest to July 23.42 viewsIt is a torch procession of 700 people (including children) who carry wooden torches on their shoulders from Shingu Shrine to Atago Shrine on a hill and ending at the parking lot of the Shimin Center.
Shigaraki Fire Festival: Burned hot and high. It got quite hot even at this distance. I thought my camera would melt.37 views
They all carry the torches on their shoulders.35 views
35 views
The festival is held to give thanks to fire (for use in pottery kilns, industry, everyday life, etc.) and to pray for fire safety.25 views
The festival starts at 7 pm and the route is about 2.4 km long, taking about 50-60 min. From 9 pm, they shoot fireworks.24 views
Shingu Shrine ready for the festival.23 views
Shingu Shrine23 views
They held a Shinto ceremony at the shrine from 7 pm to 7:25 pm.23 views
A small candle flame inside a lantern dedicated at the shrine is carried to the large pile of wood at around 7:30 pm.23 views
Crossing Asahi Bridge.23 views
The Shigaraki taiko drummers were very good. 信楽太鼓「炎」23 views
Pile of wood to be lit as a bon fire to light the torches.22 views
Three large torches.22 views
22 views
Reception counter for torch bearers.22 views
Chinese protest drum with a rooster on top symbolizing peace in the land.22 views
Bon fire is lit.22 views
Since the wood pile had been drenched with kerosene, it lit up very quickly.22 views
First the large torches led the procession.22 views
Then they turn right and go along the river toward Atago Shrine.22 views
The torch bearers end up at the Shimin Center parking lot (where the pottery festival is held in autumn).22 views
Smaller torches on the side. Torch bearers make their own torches using the provided materials.21 views
Shingu Shrine21 views
The torch procession route will be lined with paper lanterns in front of the shrine.21 views
Pouring kerosene into the large torches.21 views
21 views
Then they started lighting the torches one after another and proceeded along the route.21 views
Now the kids light their torches and off they go.21 views
Torch bearers pass through the torii as they leave the shrine.21 views
Not a crowded festival at all.21 views
The Shimin Center parking lot had a large fire where the torch bearers dumped their torches at the end of the route.21 views
Next to the fire were taiko drummers entertaining the crowd.21 views