Tens of thousands of the ritual tossing prayer sticks gathered from around Japan are burned in bonfires in appreciation of the abundant harvest, to purify one’s transgressions and reduce obstacles, and to pray for one health and happiness at Fushimi Inari Taisha

When the prayer sticks on to the fire, the smoke clears and fires begin to rise up from the bonfires, the priests begin tossing, throwing and scattering prayer sticks onto the fires dynamically. The priests also undertake cleansing rituals in front of each fire, using sakaki leaves, salt and water. It takes more than one hour to burning out all the prayer sticks with people’s wishes.

Fushimi Inari Taisha（伏見稲荷大社）

Address : 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882

Access : 3-minute walk from Inari station on the JR Nara line. 5-minute walk from Fushimi-Inari station on the Keihan main line.

Admission : Free