【Uedahara Yutate Kagura (kamitawara yutate kagura)】 The "Uedahara Yutate Kagura" took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered every three years to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest, drew many spectators on the day. The Uedahara Yutate Kagura begins with the fire deity tending two large cauldrons of boiling water while the waters are inspected. Afterward, dancers wildly leap over the charcoal embers, scattering sparks as they perform. Next, two performers dressed in eboshi caps and hakama stir the hot water and scoop it by hand to collect the yudama (hot-water spirit) to offer before the shrine. Then two performers in white robes drench themselves with sasa bamboo leaves, dance barefoot over the charcoal, enter the cauldron area to recite norito (Shinto prayers), and conclude with a final dedicatory dance. The courageous and otherworldly spectacle drew loud applause from the audience. 【Location】 Mitarai Shrine grounds (Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City) ■■■ Access to downtown Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram, we share recommended spots in Bungoono City for sightseeing, dining, and accommodations⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked from our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■