Walking through fire!? Ceremony in preparation for a bountiful harvest
In Nishimeya, the eastern part of the Shirakami Sanchi, there is a traditional winter ceremony called the Nio Falls Ice Festival.
![Niougataki in Shirakami sanchi,Nishimeya Village Niougataki in Shirakami sanchi,Nishimeya Village](http://experience-shirakami.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/niouga02.jpg)
The festival is used to predict the upcoming harvest, and is offered as a prayer to increase the crop.
At the center of the festival is a massive, powerful, 33 meter high ice pillar.
![Niougataki in Shirakami sanchi Nishimeya Village is 33m. Niougataki in Shirakami sanchi Nishimeya Village is 33m.](http://experience-shirakami.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/niouga03.jpg)
According to local beliefs, the shape of the ice predicts the size of the year’s upcoming harvest. (It is said that if the ice pillar connects it becomes a good harvest as shown in the picture.)
Behind the Nio Fall lies a cave in which the local deity is worshipped. It is locally known as a place of spiritual power.
![the shape of the ice predicts the size of the year’s upcoming harvest. the shape of the ice predicts the size of the year’s upcoming harvest.](http://experience-shirakami.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/niouga01.jpg)
Each year, a fire-walking ceremony is held for a good harvest.
Unbelievably, people can walk through burning fire in bare feet without getting hurt!
The heartfelt desire for a good harvest has remained from long ago to today.
![a fire-walking a fire-walking](http://experience-shirakami.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/niouga04.jpg)
When: On the third Sunday of February.
Where: Nishimeya, Nio Fall