Chinka-sai | Events | Miyajima Tourist Association
The Chinka-sai, Fire Prevention Festival, takes place on the last day of the year in front of Itsukushima Shrine.
Local people make both large and small pine torches in December. On the evening of the 31st, as twilight falls, families gather at the shore near the O-torii(Grand gate).
One big torch is carried from the Shrine and all of the other torches, including individual pine torches are lit. The larger pine troch is carried by 30-40 men on their shoulder's, while children carry smaller ones. As the troches intensely burn the coastline become a combination of fire and water as the people run about chanting "Taimatsu Yoi Yoi." After the festival, the embers from the torches are offered to family alters as a good luck charm to prevent fire.
| Date | December 31st, 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Location | Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima |
