Step into the sacred world of Shingon Buddhism through the powerful flames of the Goma fire ritual

At Yonako Takizan Fudo-ji Temple, the goma fire ritual, a central part of the faith, is held in the main hall at 11:00 AM on the 1st and 15th of each month. Worshippers write their wishes on special wooden tablets called gomagi and burn them in the sacred fire lit in front of the statue of Fudo. It is believed that this fire will directly deliver the written wishes to the statue and resolve the believers’ worries. Anyone can participate in this goma fire ritual, which has granted wishes for many people since ancient times. During the goma fire ritual, a ritual called “blessing of one’s belongings” is also held. In this ritual, monks pass worshippers’ belongings through the fire to receive the blessings of Fudo-son. As a memento of your visit to Japan, why not participate in the goma fire ritual and inscribe your wish on a gomagi stick, which brings hope for the future? You will also have the special opportunity to sit alongside the goma fire ritual.

Pray Before the Sacred Fire at Yonako Takizan Fudoji Temple

Yonako Takizan Fudoji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple traditionally counted among Japan’s Three Great Fudo temples. Its principal image of Fudo Myoo (Acala) is traditionally said to have been a personal devotional image of Uesugi Kenshin, one of the most renowned samurai warlords of Japan’s Sengoku period. Today, this legacy of faith and prayer continues as the Goma fire is performed by a Buddhist priest who is a descendant of the Sanada family, associated with Sanada Nobushige (Yukimura), the legendary samurai celebrated as “Japan’s Greatest Warrior.” This is not a temple where history is merely remembered. Here, a centuries-old tradition of prayer still lives in the flames of the Goma fire.

More Than Watching the Sacred Fire

Goma is one of the most important traditional practices of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. At Yonako Takizan Fudoji Temple, the sacred Goma fire is kindled before Fudo Myoo, and wooden prayer sticks called gomagi are offered into the flames with prayers and Buddhist chanting. The flames symbolize the wisdom of Fudo Myoo — burning away spiritual obstacles and worldly attachments while carrying our sincere prayers. Our Goma experience is much more than simply watching the ritual from a distance. Participants are permitted to come to a designated place close to the Goma altar — an area not normally accessible during ordinary worship — where they can feel the heat of the rising flames, hear the chanting and ritual drum, and personally offer their own gomagi into the sacred fire under the guidance of a Buddhist priest. Experience the power of the sacred fire and a moment of prayer that photographs and videos cannot fully capture.

Special Goma Fire Ritual Experience

A Buddhist priest will explain the meaning of Goma, prayer to Fudo Myoo, Buddhist mantras and traditional procedures before guiding you through the practice. Come close to the sacred fire, offer your own gomagi into the flames, and pray. A special Goma prayer will be performed for you, and you will receive a special Goma prayer Ofuda (sacred prayer tablet). No knowledge of Buddhist sutras, mantras or traditional procedures is required. First-time participants are welcome and will be guided step by step. What matters is not what you know, but the sincerity of your prayer before Fudo Myoo.

Goma Ritual Dates & Special Requests

Goma rituals are normally performed in our Main Hall at 11:00 AM on the 1st and 15th of every month. Goma may also be performed during temple festivals and other special Buddhist observances, when participation in the Goma experience may also be available. We can also discuss requests for a special Goma ritual on a date that is personally important to you, your family or your group. Please contact us to discuss the date, prayer intention, number of participants and fees.

Advance Reservation Required

Advance reservation is required for the Goma Fire Ritual Experience. Please visit only after your date and time have been confirmed by the temple. Yonako Takizan Fudoji is an active Buddhist temple where Goma rituals, memorial services, funerals, Buddhist ceremonies and other religious duties continue to be performed. For this reason, we may not be able to accept your requested date. Walk-in participation in the Special Goma Fire Ritual Experience is not available.

Tours & Groups Welcome

Individual participants, tour groups and organized groups are all welcome. We also welcome inquiries and arrangements from travel agencies and professional guides. Please feel free to contact us to discuss group size, dates, scheduling or special requests.

Do not simply watch the sacred fire from a distance.
Come closer. Offer your prayer into the flames.
Before the image of Fudo Myoo revered through generations — including by the great warlord Uesugi Kenshin — now bring your own prayer before the sacred fire.
Face the flames. Face your own prayer.
Experience the living tradition of Japanese Esoteric Buddhist prayer at Yonako Takizan Fudoji Temple.

Fee

30,000 yen per person at a time
※Please cancel at least 3 days in advance.
※If you are not feeling well on the day of the meditation, we advise against performing it. In that case call us.

Booking

Book via phone call
+81-26-245-0972
Reception time:9 am-5pm
Book by email
You can submit the form below.