Usuki Stone Buddhas Fire Festival 6
The Usuki Stone Buddhas Fire Festival is a traditional summer event held annually at the end of August in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, around the National Treasure Usuki Stone Buddhas. This festival has evolved from local traditions such as "mushi-okuri" (insect driving), prayers for a good harvest, and Jizo (guardian deity) celebrations. It is a way to express gratitude for the protection of the Stone Buddhas, send off ancestral spirits who returned during the Obon season, and ward off pests—a practice historically passed down in the Fukada district. The highlight of the festival begins at 7:00 PM, when around 1,000 torches and bonfires are lit simultaneously, illuminating the Stone Buddhas and their surroundings with a magical glow. This enchanting spectacle not only leaves visitors with unforgettable summer memories but also offers a deep appreciation of the region's rich culture and traditions.