Chinka - sai

Date: Dec31st 6pm
Place: Itsukushima Shrine, MIYAJIMA

Hello from Hiroshima Hana Hostel, it's Kana here.
Just can't believe how time goes this fast...Only 2 weeks to 2014 !!

Let me introduce you one of exciting event in Hiroshima for New year's eve.
One of reason to suggest you all this festival is, it will be held in MIYAJIMA which is one of world heritage in Hiroshima.

"Chinka - sai"

 

is Fire Prevention Festival, takes place on the last day of the year in front of Itsukushima Shrine.

Local people make both large and small pine torches throughout the month of December. On the evening of the 31st, as twilight falls, families gather at the shore near the Otorii(Grand gate).

A fire torch is carried from the Shrine and all of the individual pine troches are lit. The larger pine troches are carried by 30-40 men on their shoulder's, while children carry smaller ones. As the troches intensely burn the coastline become a combination of fire and water as the people run about chanting "Yoi, Yoi."

 After the festival, the embers from the troches are offers to family alters as a good luck charm to prevent fire and to welcome the New Year.

Hiroshima HANA Hostel is located only few minutes walk from Hiroshima St, so get your JR pass and go to Miyajima! Only 25minutes by JR local train and another 10minutes by JR ferry.
Why don't you enjoy Japanese traditional festival in Hiroshima!?