Returned to Kyoto with a new visa and passport, just in time to see the Hi-Matsuri (fire festival) in Kurama. We gathered with a small group at Mari’s friend’s machiya-style shop for dinner and a front-row view of the action.
A heavy drumbeat. Local families carrying huge burning torches on their shoulders back and forth along the street, chanting “seiya, seiyo! seiya, seiyo! saire-ya sairyo” Smoke, fire and digicams everywhere. At the shrine down the street, beyond a crowd too deep to penetrate, a huge bonfire rose up, shooting ash and embers into the sky.
Comments
3 responses to “Kurama Hi-Matsuri”
Hi, I’m from Japan.
I’ve also been to Hi-matsuri in Kurama when I was 8 years old or so.
They’re not saying “seiya seiyo”, but just saying “saire-ya sairyo!” means “It’s a festival!!”
Oops!
Chinami-san, thank you for the correction. I should have checked before I wrote that. OK, next time I see the fire festival I’ll know what to say.
I’ve been there last sunday. It was a nice festival :).
~Grauw