Kansai · ShigaFestival
Neighbourhood teams spend months building straw floats, parade them, then burn every one in a spark-filled climax.
Overview
The Sagicho Matsuri in Omihachiman is a boisterous mid-March fire festival held at Himure Hachimangu Shrine. Thirteen neighbourhoods once tied to the castle of warlord Oda Nobunaga craft elaborate floats from straw, bamboo and paper, competing for the best design before the floats are ceremonially set ablaze. Designated a National Intangible Folk Cultural Property, it is regarded as one of Shiga’s most spirited and dangerous festivals.
When & Where
The festival runs over the weekend closest to March 15, falling on March 14-15, 2026, with the fiery climax on Sunday evening. Events centre on Himure Hachimangu Shrine and the historic canal district of Omihachiman. Nearest station: Omihachiman on the JR Biwako Line.
Getting There
Omihachiman is about 35 minutes from Kyoto on the JR Biwako Line. From the station, it is a short bus ride or roughly 20-minute walk to the shrine and old town. The compact merchant quarter, with its willow-lined canal, is easy to explore on foot before the evening burning.
What to Expect
By day the decorated floats are judged and paraded through the streets. After dark, once the winner is chosen, the floats are set alight one after another while men with painted faces dance close to the flames. Sparks fly and the crowd presses in, giving the finale a raw, elemental intensity rarely seen at gentler spring festivals.
Tickets & Access
The festival is free to attend from public streets and the shrine grounds. There is no reserved seating. Because of the open flames and dense crowds, keep to marked areas and follow the instructions of festival staff. Photography is welcome, but mind flying embers near the burning floats.
Tips for Visitors
Sunday evening is the highlight, but arrive in daylight to see the floats intact. Wear clothes you don’t mind smelling of smoke, and keep children well back from the fires. Omihachiman’s canal and merchant houses make a scenic daytime stroll while you wait.
Access and Map
| Dates | March 14-15, 2026 (burning finale Sunday evening) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Himure Hachimangu Shrine and old town, Omihachiman, Shiga |
| Access | Bus or approx. 20-min walk from Omihachiman Station (JR Biwako Line); approx. 35 min from Kyoto |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Omihachiman Tourism Association |
Source: Omihachiman Tourism Association
Image: Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
