Hello everyone, this is Kana from Aso.
The weather is slowly getting warmer here.
After the grasslands are renewed by controlled burning, there is one special event in March that makes us feel spring is really coming.
It is the Hifuri Shinji, a traditional fire ritual held at Aso Shrine.
This ritual is part of the week-long Tazukuri Festival, an agricultural festival with a long history. The highlight takes place on the fourth evening, called Goze-mukae. On this night, a symbolic wedding ceremony of the shrine’s deities is performed. Through this ritual, people pray for a good harvest and a peaceful year.
This year, the Hifuri Shinji will be held on March 23 from 7:00 PM.
As night falls, the shrine becomes quiet. In the cool evening air, participants light bundles of straw and swing them in wide circles. The fire creates bright rings in the dark sky. The light reflects on the shrine buildings and on the faces of the people watching.
The atmosphere is solemn and respectful, but at the same time, you can feel that spring is near. For many local people, this ritual marks the real beginning of the new season.
The nights in March can still be cold, so please dress warmly if you plan to visit. The shrine town is also beautiful at night, even though only a few shops are open.
After the final flames fade, we feel that winter is finally over and the green season of Aso is about to begin.
We hope you can experience this special night with us.
Kana
