Yoshida Fire Festival Marks End of Mount Fuji’s Summer Climbing Season in Fujiyoshida
On August 26th, the traditional Yoshida Fire Festival, a centuries-old event steeped in cultural significance, took place in the city of Fujiyoshida, nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture. The festival not only celebrated local heritage but also signaled the conclusion of the annual summer climbing season on Japan’s iconic peak.
The Yoshida Fire Festival, with a history spanning over 400 years, is rooted in the North Gate Honmuku Fushimi Inari Shrine in Fujiyoshida. The festival began with a solemn shrine ceremony, setting the stage for the vibrant spectacle that was to follow. Local residents, united in tradition, carried a sacred palanquin shaped like Mount Fuji, chanting energetically as they paraded through the city towards the Otabisho, a location believed to be a temporary resting place for the deities.
Upon the arrival of the palanquin-bearing procession at the Otabisho, the night sky was illuminated by the ignition of over a hundred torches, each standing approximately three meters tall. The flickering flames transformed the nocturnal landscape, casting an ethereal glow upon the streets of Fujiyoshida, as if conjuring a mystical ambiance that reflected the spiritual essence of the festival.
This annual event not only serves as a symbolic farewell to the summer climbing season on Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but also preserves the cultural heritage of the region. The festival draws thousands of visitors, both local and international, who come to witness and participate in this unique blend of history and folklore. The Yoshida Fire Festival stands as a testament to the enduring connection between the people of Fujiyoshida, their sacred mountain, and the ancient rituals that bind them.
As the embers of the torches gradually fade, the city returns to its usual rhythm, but the memory of the festival lingers, a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Japan. The Yoshida Fire Festival, with its fiery spectacle and deep-rooted traditions, continues to captivate hearts and minds, ensuring that the spirit of Mount Fuji and its people remains ever-burning.
【source】https://nwapi.nhk.jp/nhkworld/rdnewsweb/v6b/zh/detail/20240827_ML06.json
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