Wakakusa Yamayaki

Mount Wakakusa in Nara Prefecture is near several World Heritage Sites, including Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest. Many people visit these sites, but not everyone knows about Wakakusa Yamayaki, an exciting tradition held every January. For one night only, the entire mountain turns red with flames, fireworks burst overhead and the ancient capital bears witness to sacred history.

Wakakusa Yamayaki

Photo by: PIXTA/ mahuhu

Wakakusa Yamayaki tradition goes back over 250 years, but its exact origins remain unclear. One legend speaks of Uguisutsuka Tumulus, a keyhole-shaped burial mound near the summit. People long ago believed that spirits arose from the tomb and that burning the mountain during this time would calm them. Others say the fire encouraged new growth in spring or served as a memorial for ancestors.

In the past, people even lit fires on their own, which eventually became dangerous to the nearby temples of Todaiji and Kofukuji. At the end of the Edo period, all the well-known temples came together to organize a fire ceremony. The primary purpose of the Wakakusa Yamayaki festival is to pray for protection, peace and the arrival of a new season.

Festival Highlights

Photo by: PIXTA/ サム

Yama means mountain and yaki means burning, which explains what this event is all about. Held on the fourth Saturday of January each year, this traditional festival celebrates burning Mount Wakakusa in a special way. Throughout the day, there are supporting events in and around Nara Park. Families and travelers also enjoy the lively activities near the foothills, from music performances to the playful Deer Cracker Throwing Competition.

The mountain burning is the highlight of this festival, but the torch procession begins late afternoon. People involved in the mountain-burning procession, dressed in traditional attire, carry the fire to set the mountain ablaze. They have the sacred fire from Kasuga Taisha’s ritual grounds and walk it toward the hill.

As the sky darkens, conch shells and trumpets signal the start of the burning. Around 6:15 p.m., almost 600 fireworks rise into the cold air, glowing above Nara’s historic temples and shrines. It is the only large fireworks display in this prefecture. Around 6:30 p.m., nearly 300 people carry torches up the grassy slope and ignite Mount Wakakusa at once.

The massive fire burns across the mountain. For the best views, head to Ukigumoenchi or Kasuganoenchi.