The Fox Fire Festival has roots in the old Japanese folklore of kitsunebi (or "fox fire" in English), which were eerie glowing lights sometimes seen at night. The fox-fire folklore is often compared to the will-o'-the-wisp folklore found in European cultures; however, the lights seen in Japan were thought to have been the torchlight of fox processions.
In this festival a fox-wedding procession marches solemnly throughout the town and ultimately guides the ritual’s bride and groom, who are a real-life couple chosen from a pool of nationwide applicants, to the location where the wedding ceremony will be held.
It is said that those who view the procession of the foxes will be blessed with an abundant harvest, a happy household, and prosperity.
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Basic Information
| Date | Fourth Saturday of September |
|---|---|
| Venue | The streets of Hida Furukawa |
| Address | Downtown Hida City, Gifu |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Hida Furukawa Station |
| Telephone Number | 0577-74-1192 |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Notes | Both free and paid parking spaces are available |
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