- Firewalking at Konpira Temple in Kutchan, Hokkaido
- What Happens at Konpira Temple’s Firewalking Ceremony?
- Konpira Temple Firewalking 2026: Dates, Access and Parking
- Konpira Temple Firewalking: Frequently Asked Questions
- Best Time to Visit Konpira Temple and What to Know Before You Go
- Is Konpira Temple Firewalking Worth Seeing?
- Plan Your Visit to Konpira Temple in Kutchan
Firewalking at Konpira Temple in Kutchan, Hokkaido
Ever seen people walk barefoot across the remains of a huge fire?
On October 10, 2026, I visited Konpira Temple in Kutchan, Hokkaido, to watch a traditional Buddhist firewalking ceremony during the annual Konpira Autumn Festival.
First, monks lit a large ceremonial fire. As the flames rose against the autumn trees, the scene was incredible to watch.
Later, after the fire had been brought under control, monks walked barefoot across the darkened embers. Members of the public followed.
This Shingon Buddhist ritual is held as a prayer for good health and protection from illness.
I watched and photographed the ceremony rather than taking part myself. It was one of the most memorable cultural experiences of my autumn in Hokkaido.
Planning a trip to Niseko or Kutchan? This guide covers what to expect, the 2026 festival schedule, public participation, access, parking, and practical tips, all based on my visit and published festival information.
Visit date: Saturday, October 10, 2026.
What Happens at Konpira Temple’s Firewalking Ceremony?
A Buddhist ceremony surrounded by autumn colors
I arrived at Konpira-ji Temple on October 10, 2026, just after the traditional drum performance had finished.
Monks dressed in golden-yellow robes were gathered in the temple grounds, where visitors had come to watch the annual ceremony.
The surrounding trees were beginning to turn shades of yellow and orange, adding a beautiful Hokkaido autumn backdrop to the event.
Since I arrived after the drums, this report focuses on the firewalking ceremony itself.
Watching the ceremonial fire come to life
The monks lit a carefully arranged pile of wood in the temple grounds.
At first, the flames were relatively small. Then the fire grew dramatically, sending bright orange flames high into the air.
Seeing that enormous fire against the blue sky and autumn foliage was unforgettable.
Ropes marked the viewing area, and spectators watched from a safe distance.
The fire is part of a Buddhist ritual known as goma, which uses fire in prayers and religious purification.
Why were the monks holding bags near the fire?
Something else caught my attention during the ceremony.
I watched a monk hold visitors’ personal belongings, including bags and backpacks, near the remaining fire. He moved the items around as part of the ritual.
I later learned that Shingon Buddhist goma ceremonies can include a practice called Ohikaji, in which personal belongings such as bags and wallets are held near a sacred fire for purification and blessings.
What I saw at Konpira-ji Temple looked similar. However, I haven’t confirmed the exact name or purpose of this particular practice with the temple.
It was a fascinating part of the ceremony that I hadn’t expected to see.
Walking barefoot across the embers
After the large flames had subsided and the fire had been extinguished, darkened embers remained.
Then came the moment I had been waiting for.
The monks walked barefoot across the prepared area, followed by members of the public.
It was surprising to see people walking over the very spot where such a large fire had been burning just moments earlier.
Firewalking is a religious practice associated with prayers for health and protection from illness. Participation was open to the public at the 2026 festival.
I chose to observe rather than participate, but watching the entire sequence was a remarkable experience.
Can families with children watch?
Yes. During my visit, I saw children watching the ceremony alongside other visitors.
The large flames and unusual ritual can make a lasting impression, especially if you’re interested in Japanese traditions.
However, this is a real fire ceremony, not a staged performance. Children should remain with an adult, and everyone must stay behind the designated boundaries.
For families visiting the Niseko area in autumn, observing the ceremony offers a chance to experience a different side of Hokkaido.
Konpira Temple Firewalking 2026: Dates, Access and Parking
Konpira-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Kutchan, the town next to the Niseko resort area.
Here’s what visitors needed to know for the 2026 festival, along with what I experienced on the day.
Konpira Autumn Festival 2026: Key information
- Temple: Konpira-ji Temple (象頭山金毘羅寺)
- Location: Kita 7-jo Nishi 1-chome, Kutchan, Hokkaido 044-0057, Japan
- Buddhist tradition: Koyasan Shingon Buddhism
- 2026 festival dates: October 9–11
- Firewalking date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Ceremony start: 1:00 PM
- Venue: Temple grounds
- Public participation: Permitted in 2026
- Nearest station: JR Kutchan Station
- Distance from station: Approximately 1.7 km on foot
- Parking: Limited parking was available near the temple during my visit
- Parking fees and capacity: Not confirmed
- Restrooms at the temple: Not confirmed
- Telephone: +81-136-22-0352
These details refer to the 2026 festival. Future dates, parking arrangements and participation rules may change.
Getting there from JR Kutchan Station
Konpira-ji Temple is approximately 1.7 km from JR Kutchan Station on foot.
Walking is possible, but driving is my recommendation, particularly for families with children or anyone who prefers a shorter journey.
Keep in mind that parking can be busy when the firewalking ceremony begins.
The festival’s food and game stalls are held at a different location, Kutosan Park, around a two-minute walk from Kutchan Station.
If you’re visiting for the firewalking ceremony, make sure your destination is Konpira-ji Temple, not the street-stall area.
Parking near Konpira Temple: My experience
I drove to the temple on Saturday, October 10, 2026, and arrived at around 1:00 PM.
By then, the temple parking area was already full. Fortunately, I was still able to find a parking space near the temple.
Other visitors appeared to be parking considerately, leaving room for vehicles to pass.
However, I couldn’t confirm the official capacity, parking fees or all permitted parking areas.
Parking tip
Based on my 2026 visit, arriving before the 1:00 PM ceremony would give you more time to find an available space.
Only park where permitted, and follow all signs and staff instructions. Parking availability is not guaranteed.
2026 firewalking festival schedule
- October 9, 6:00 PM: Opening ceremony
- October 10, 10:30 AM: Buddhist prayer and goma ceremony in the main hall
- October 10, around 12:50 PM: Traditional drum performance by Koryu Junior
- October 10, 1:00 PM: Outdoor goma and firewalking ceremony
- October 11, 10:00 AM: Closing ceremony
The 1:00 PM time refers to the start of the firewalking ceremony, not necessarily the moment when participants begin crossing the embers.
If you want to see the full ritual, allow time for the fire ceremony before the actual firewalking begins.
Festival road closures and traffic restrictions
Road restrictions affected the festival’s street-stall area in 2026.
2026 traffic information
- The road in front of Tokyu Community Arena Kutchan was closed to vehicles from October 9 to 11, between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
- Kutosan Park parking lot was unavailable for general parking from October 6 to 11 because of the festival stalls.
- Parking on nearby private property, in shop parking lots without permission, or on the street was prohibited.
These restrictions applied in 2026. Check the current festival announcement before travelling in future years.
Konpira Temple on Google Maps
Konpira-ji Temple, Kutchan
Open Konpira-ji Temple in Google Maps
You can check directions from JR Kutchan Station, your accommodation in Niseko, or another starting point.
For festival dates and travel restrictions, refer to the latest official visitor information.
Konpira Temple Firewalking: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Konpira Temple firewalking festival held?
The Konpira Autumn Festival usually takes place around October 9–11. In both 2025 and 2026, the firewalking ceremony was scheduled for October 10 at 1:00 PM. Dates and activities are subject to change, so check the official announcement for the year you plan to visit.
Can tourists take part in the firewalking ceremony?
Public participation was permitted at the 2026 event, according to the official festival announcement. I also watched members of the public follow the monks across the embers. However, participation requirements may change, so contact the temple before making plans to join.
Do I need to book the firewalking experience?
I couldn’t confirm whether advance registration was required in 2026 or how participants were registered on the day. If you’re hoping to join rather than just watch, contact Konpira-ji Temple for the latest registration instructions and safety requirements.
Is the firewalking ceremony free?
I couldn’t verify the participation fee or whether a donation was expected. The 2026 festival also offered a prayer activity involving wooden prayer sticks, but I couldn’t confirm the cost of that activity either. Ask the temple before participating.
Can children take part in firewalking?
The official 2026 announcement said public participation was open, but I couldn’t confirm specific age limits or rules for children. Families should ask the organisers directly. During my visit, children were also watching from the spectator area.
Can I watch without walking across the fire?
Yes. I attended as a spectator and photographer, and other people were watching too. The ceremony was interesting even without taking part. Follow staff directions and stay outside the marked ritual area until invited to enter.
Does the firewalking ceremony take place if it rains?
I couldn’t find confirmed rain or cancellation rules for the 2026 ceremony. As the ritual takes place outdoors and involves a large fire, check the organisers’ latest announcements if poor weather is forecast.
Why do monks hold bags and other belongings near the fire?
In some Shingon Buddhist goma ceremonies, an act called Ohikaji involves holding personal belongings near the sacred fire for purification and blessings. I saw something similar at Konpira-ji in 2026, but the temple’s exact name for the practice and its participation arrangements remain unconfirmed.
Best Time to Visit Konpira Temple and What to Know Before You Go
An autumn tradition in October
The Konpira Autumn Festival takes place in October, when the weather in Hokkaido is becoming cooler.
During my visit on October 10, 2026, the trees around the temple were starting to turn golden yellow and orange.
Autumn colors vary from year to year, but they made the ceremony even more memorable during my visit.
Crowds and where to watch
When I arrived, spectators were gathered around the firewalking area, with ropes separating them from the ritual space.
I couldn’t confirm typical visitor numbers or the busiest time on other festival days.
If you’re hoping to photograph the ceremony or watch from the beginning, arrive with enough time to find an appropriate viewing spot.
What to wear and bring
- Comfortable shoes for walking around the temple grounds
- An extra layer for cool October weather
- Weather-appropriate clothing and rain protection
- A camera or phone if you want to photograph the ceremony
- Close adult supervision for young children
Important firewalking safety advice
Even when the flames have disappeared and the embers look dark, they may still be extremely hot.
Never attempt to walk across them independently. Participate only when permitted and under the supervision of the organisers.
Always respect the ritual boundaries and follow instructions from temple staff.
Is Konpira Temple Firewalking Worth Seeing?
Yes, especially if you’re interested in Japanese culture beyond the usual tourist attractions.
I’d recommend this experience to visitors who enjoy:
- Traditional Japanese festivals and Buddhist ceremonies
- Local cultural experiences in the Niseko and Kutchan area
- Autumn sightseeing in Hokkaido
- Family-friendly cultural sightseeing from designated viewing areas
- Documentary photography and unusual local traditions
For me, the most memorable moment was watching people walk barefoot across the embers after such an enormous fire.
I didn’t participate myself, but observing the monks, the flames and the ceremony was a remarkable experience.
If you prefer a quiet temple visit, a day outside the festival period may suit you better.
A different side of Hokkaido
Niseko is famous for skiing and mountain scenery, but the surrounding area also has fascinating local traditions.
Konpira Temple’s firewalking ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to experience one of them.
If you’re visiting Kutchan in October, check the festival dates and consider adding this experience to your autumn travel plans.
Plan Your Visit to Konpira Temple in Kutchan
Festival dates, parking arrangements and public participation rules may change from year to year.
Before travelling, check the latest official information.
Official Konpira Autumn Festival Information
The Kutchan Tourism Association provides festival announcements, ceremony schedules and traffic information.
View the Official 2026 Konpira Festival Announcement (Japanese)
This link is the 2026 event record, not a confirmed schedule for future years.
Find Konpira-ji Temple
Use Google Maps to check the route from your accommodation or JR Kutchan Station.
Get Directions to Konpira-ji Temple on Google Maps
Read the Original Japanese Article
The original report includes my photographs and detailed first-hand observations from the 2026 ceremony.
Konpira Temple Firewalking: Japanese Article
For a future visit, start by checking the current festival dates and whether visitors can participate in the firewalking ceremony.