The Torches Festival – Taimatsu Matsuri
The Taimatsu Matsuri Torches Festival, also known as the “Asama Onsen Taimatsu Matsuri”, is a traditional fire festival with a rich history held annually in Matsumoto. This unique event features large torches, or “taimatsu,” and celebrates the local cultural heritage while also serving as a time of prayer for protection against natural disasters. History The Torches Festival has deep roots in ancient traditions. Historically, the burning of large torches was used as a ritual to cleanse the land and ward off evil spirits. It is said that the event was inspired by practices of mountain worship, which were common in the Japanese Alps. In Shinto beliefs, fire is considered a […]