The 33rd Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival
❚ Held on August 23, 2026
The "Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival" will take place at Sugao Stone Buddha Front Square in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture.
Starting with sacred rituals and Buddhist ceremonies in the evening, the festival will be filled with exciting taiko performances, kagura, and torch throwing, creating a lively atmosphere as night falls. One of the highlights is the "Rooster Imitation Contest," inspired by local legends. Participants don handmade costumes (though costumes are not required) and showcase their unique performances imitating rooster sounds in a fun event. Enjoy the nostalgic and rich atmosphere of this fire festival at the venue.

【Date】Sunday, August 23, 2026
【Location】Sugao Stone Buddha Front Square (Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture)
【Parking】Parking is available in front of Sugao Elementary School (a free shuttle taxi will operate to the venue)
【Event Schedule】
15:00 Sacred rituals and Buddhist ceremonies
15:10 Oni Welcoming
15:20 Opening Ceremony and Mochi Throwing
15:30 Toyokai Taiko
16:00 Rooster Imitation Contest
17:00 Torch Throwing
18:00 Okubata Kagura
20:00 End

▶ Rooster Imitation Contest Participants Wanted
【Participation Fee】Free (Participation prizes available)
【Application Deadline】Thursday, August 20, 2026
【Prizes】1st place: 30,000 yen; 2nd place: 20,000 yen; 3rd place: 10,000 yen in gift certificates
【Additional Prize】Roadside Station Mie gift certificate
Applications can be made through the Sugao Regional Promotion Council

【Organizer and Contact Information】
Sugao Regional Promotion Council
TEL: 090-7455-4739

❚ What is the Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival?
It is organized by local residents to promote regional revitalization and raise awareness of the Sugao rock-carved Buddha.
The "Rooster Imitation Contest" is based on local legends. According to the legend, an oni (demon) that had settled in the area demanded, "Give me a village girl as a bride!" The troubled village chief consulted a monk, who told the oni, "If you carve five stone Buddhas into the cliff in one night, I will give you a daughter as a bride; if not, you must leave the village." Concerned villagers went to check at night and found the oni carving the fifth statue. They had the village's rooster imitation master imitate a rooster's crow, tricking the oni into thinking it was morning, causing it to flee.

■■ Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City ■■■
About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture
About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture
About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture
About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture

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Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture
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