Dondo-yaki: Japan's New Year Bonfires

Discover dondo-yaki, the mid-January bonfires where Japan burns its New Year decorations, with history, customs and friendly tips for joining in.

Published October 17, 2026 at 10:41 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Dondo-yaki, also called sagicho, is a mid-January bonfire in which Japanese communities burn their New Year decorations. It is linked with Koshogatsu, the Little New Year around January 15, and is a way to thank the kami and pray for good health.

Warm Flames at the End of New Year

In the crisp, bright days of mid-January, smoke rises from fields, riverbanks and shrine grounds across Japan. Neighbors gather around towering piles of bamboo, straw and pine, and flames crackle against a winter sky. This is dondo-yaki, the traditional bonfire that closes out the New Year season. It is a communal, outdoor celebration that mixes gratitude, warmth and a bit of spectacle, and it is a lovely event for visitors to stumble upon.

The name varies by region. In some places it is called sagicho, and in others it goes by different local names, but the idea is the same. People bring the decorations that welcomed the New Year and burn them together in one large fire. Because the event is organized by neighborhoods and shrines, each bonfire has its own personality, from small community gatherings to bigger festivals.

This guide explains the meaning of the fire, what happens at a typical event, and how visitors can take part respectfully.

Why Japan Burns Its New Year Decorations

To understand dondo-yaki, it helps to think about how the New Year is welcomed. Households put up decorations such as kadomatsu, the paired pine and bamboo arrangements placed at entrances. These are not mere ornaments. They are traditionally seen as temporary dwellings for the toshigami, the deity who brings blessings for the year. After the festivities, the decorations have done their job and need a respectful send-off.

Japanese tradition does not treat them as ordinary trash. Instead, the decorations are traditionally burned, an act understood as sending the kami back with thanks. Kadomatsu historically stayed up until January 7, or January 15 in the Edo period, and afterward were burned. This timing links dondo-yaki with Koshogatsu, the Little New Year, which is observed around January 15. That day was traditionally a time for prayers for a good harvest and for eating azuki bean porridge.

The symbolism of the kadomatsu itself is worth knowing. It is made of pine and bamboo, and sometimes sprigs of plum, which stand for longevity, prosperity and steadfastness. The pieces are placed in pairs on either side of a gate or doorway, and many people put them up after Christmas. Today bamboo is the more common material, with the central part usually made of three large bamboo stalks. Seeing a pile of these tidy arrangements waiting to be burned is a charming sight.

So the bonfire is both an ending and a beginning. It closes the holiday period while carrying wishes for health and good fortune into the months ahead.

What Happens at a Bonfire

Preparations usually begin with collecting the decorations. Residents bring items such as kadomatsu and shimekazari, the straw rope decorations hung on doors, and add them to a large stack built by volunteers. At many events, other items from the New Year, such as old charms, are also gathered, depending on the shrine's rules. The stack is lit with ceremony, often after a short prayer or blessing, and the flames climb quickly.

As the fire burns, people gather to feel the warmth and watch the sparks rise. In many communities, there is a custom of roasting rice cakes or dumplings on sticks over the embers, and the food is shared among the crowd. It is often said that eating food warmed by this fire helps people stay healthy through the year. Customs differ from place to place, so you may see slightly different traditions depending on where you are.

Food has a role beyond the fire itself. On the morning of Koshogatsu, rice porridge with azuki red beans has traditionally been eaten, and in some places it is used in a gentle divination ceremony to predict the year's harvest. Linking the bonfire with a warm bowl of red bean porridge makes for a cozy winter routine. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Children play, neighbors chat, and older residents may explain how things were done in the past. Because it is so community oriented, an invitation to join a nearby event is a warm opportunity to see local life.

Regional Flavor Across Japan

Dondo-yaki is held all over the country, in cities and in the countryside. Some neighborhoods hold small events in a local park or field, while some shrines make it a large public ceremony. Different regions give the event its own twist, from the shape of the bonfire to the foods eaten around it. The variety is part of what makes the tradition so interesting.

Because the fire is tied to local customs, the dates differ. Most events are held in January, often on a weekend near January 15, though some places choose another day. Small neighborhood events and larger shrine festivals can both be rewarding. If you see a notice posted at a shrine or on a community noticeboard, it is a good sign that an event is on the way.

Even if you cannot find an event, the idea behind it is easy to appreciate: gratitude for the year that has just begun, expressed together with neighbors. For travelers, a bonfire can be an unexpected highlight of a winter trip. The glow of the flames against a dark sky is a memorable scene, and the people nearby are usually happy to share the moment.

Tips for Visiting a Dondo-yaki

Check local information in advance, because events are organized by communities and shrines and may not be heavily advertised in English. A tourist information center or your accommodation may know about nearby events. Dress warmly in layers, as January mornings and evenings can be cold, and wear shoes that can handle damp or muddy ground. Bring a small towel or gloves if you can.

Safety matters at any open fire. Keep a respectful distance, follow instructions from organizers and watch for sparks. Do not throw anything into the fire unless the organizers say it is acceptable, as some places have rules about what may be burned. If you have decorations from a New Year trip, ask the shrine staff whether they accept them.

Finally, be polite with photography. People are gathered for a communal ritual, so ask before photographing individuals, and avoid blocking the view of others. A friendly greeting goes a long way.

Quick Takeaways and a Warm Farewell

Dondo-yaki is the mid-January bonfire in which Japan burns its New Year decorations, thanks the kami who visited and prays for good health. It is linked with the Little New Year around January 15, it varies by region, and it is organized by neighborhoods and shrines. Dress warmly, respect the fire and check the local schedule.

If you get the chance to join a bonfire, accept it with a smile. It is a cozy, memorable way to end the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dondo-yaki?

Dondo-yaki is a traditional bonfire held in January, when people gather to burn New Year decorations such as kadomatsu and shimekazari. It is also known as sagicho in some regions. The fire is understood as a respectful send-off for the New Year deity.

When is dondo-yaki held?

It is usually held in January, often around Koshogatsu, the Little New Year on about January 15. Exact dates differ by neighborhood and shrine, with many events on a nearby weekend. Check local notices or ask a tourist information center.

Can visitors join a dondo-yaki bonfire?

Many community and shrine events welcome visitors, but they are local gatherings, so ask or check notices first. Dress warmly, keep a safe distance from the fire, follow organizers' instructions and do not throw anything into the flames unless it is allowed.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: Omizutori: Todaiji's Spring Fire Ritual, Hadaka Matsuri: Japan's Winter Purification Festivals and Gujo Odori: Gifu's All-Summer Dance.