Shujou Oni-e (Joubutsuji Temple and Iwatoji Temple)
A 1,000-Year-Old Fire Festival Where the Demons Bring Blessings
Shujou Oni-e is a rare and sacred tradition on the Kunisaki Peninsula, where Buddhist and Shinto practices have uniquely fused over the centuries. This extraordinary festival, passed down for over 1,000 years, has been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
On the festival night, monks dressed as oni (demons) wield blazing torches, dancing with wild vigor to pray for national peace, bountiful harvests, and good health. Far from being malevolent, these demons are considered incarnations of Buddhas, believed to bring blessings. They scatter sparks over worshippers and playfully strike shoulders or backs, symbolizing the sharing of good fortune. Afterward, the oni leave the temple, running through the village to visit homes where they make offerings to the Buddha. In return, villagers welcome the oni with food, drinks, and dancing, celebrating together.
Today, this festival is preserved at only three temples: Iwatoji in Kunisaki City (held in odd-numbered years), Joubutsuji in the same city (even-numbered years), and Tennenji in Bungotakada City, where it is held annually.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Category
Basic Information
- Event period
- [Iwadoji Temple]
February 1, 2025 (Saturday)
[Tennenji Temple]
February 4, 2025 (Tuesday) - Event venue
- [Even Years]
Jobutsuji Temple: 1140 Jobutsu, Kunisaki-machi, Kunisaki City
[Odd Years]
Iwatoji Temple: 1232 Iwatoji, Kunisaki-machi, Kunisaki City
[Every Year]
Tennenji Temple: 1152 Naga-Iwaya, Bungotakada City - Address (Japanese)
- 873-0535 大分県国東市国東町成仏1140（成佛寺）、国東町岩戸寺1232（岩戸寺）
- Address
- 1140 Jobutsu, Kunisaki-cho (Jobutsuji Temple) and 1232 Iwatoji, Kunisaki-cho (Iwatoji Temple), Kunisaki City, Oita, 873-0535
- Telephone Number
- 0978-72-2677（Kunisaki City Cultural Property Division）
- Prices
- Free
- Access
- [Jobutsuji Temple]
Approximately 30 minutes from Oita Airport
[Iwatoji Temple]
Approximately 35 minutes from Oita Airport
[Tennenji Temple]
Approximately 25 minutes from JR Usa Station - Website
＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
