The Sagicho Festival is an annual, 430-year-old Shinto fire festival that this year takes place March 14–15 in the historic town of Omihachiman, Shiga prefecture. The highlights of the free-to-attend festival are the 13 Sagicho: elaborately decorated floats adorned with depictions of the year’s Chinese zodiac animal.
The floats take months to construct. On a base of pine wood and paper, the animal – the horse for 2026 – is detailed with a range of edible materials like red and black beans, glutinous rice flour and noodles, and dried gourds. The use of food symbolises gratitude for last year’s harvests, as well as a prayer for an abundant crop for the year ahead.
Adorned with red streamers believed to prevent fires, the Sagicho are paraded through town during the festival. The climax on the second night sees the floats burned in a dramatic finale at Himure Hachimangu Shrine, offered up to the gods alongside prayers for protection from fire and evil spirits, and good health for the community.
Food stalls selling street food will be set up near the shrine on both days, with staples like yakisoba, skewered meats and takoyaki available in ample quantities. Don’t forget to bring some cash.