Wakakusayama Burning: Traditional Mountain Burning Event Coloring Nara's Winter

Wakakusayama Yamayaki (the burning of Mt. Wakakusa) is a winter tradition of Nara held on the fourth Saturday of January every year. It is a grand event in which about 33 hectares of withered grass on 342-meter Mt. Wakakusa are set alight all at once, and the scene woven by the flames scorching the night sky and the fireworks launched beforehand is nothing short of spectacular. Coloring the winter night of the ancient capital of Nara, this event captivates many spectators. The fantastical view in which the burning mountain, the clear winter night sky, and the streets of Nara become one is an unforgettable sight once seen.

Origins of the Mountain Burning

There are various theories about the origin of the Wakakusayama Yamayaki, and it is not clearly known. One theory concerns a legend surrounding the old burial mound at the summit of Mt. Wakakusa; others relate to a territorial dispute between Todaiji and Kofukuji, or to practical purposes such as exterminating pests and encouraging new shoots. The very fact that so many theories are told speaks to the long history of this event and to the depth of the ancient capital of Nara. Today it is solemnly conducted by those involved as a traditional event that calls spring to Nara, and as a Shinto rite carrying meanings of fire prevention and the repose of souls. It is a major winter event unique to Nara, handed down through a long history.

Fireworks and Flames Together

The highlight of the Wakakusayama Yamayaki is, above all, the interplay of fireworks coloring the night sky and the flames of the burning mountain. Fireworks launched ahead of the ignition color the clear winter night sky, and then fire is set to the whole mountain. The withered grass spreads into flame all at once, and the sight of Mt. Wakakusa being enveloped in fire is magnificent; the band of red flame floating in the darkness overwhelms all who see it. Nara Park and various surrounding locations serve as viewing spots, and many people look up at the winter night sky. It is a precious scene found nowhere else, where fireworks, the flames of the burning mountain, and the night view of the ancient capital can all be enjoyed at once. Flames seen amid the cold are etched into the memory all the more strongly.

Hiking on Mt. Wakakusa

Beyond the burning period, Mt. Wakakusa offers hiking during its open season (March-November). Panoramic views of the Nara Basin and the Yamato Three Mountains (Miminashi, Unebi, and Amanokagu) spread from the summit.

Best Season and Access

The event is held on the fourth Saturday of January every year. It may be postponed in the event of severe weather, so it is reassuring to check the latest information in advance. For access, viewing spots around Nara Park can be reached on foot or by bus from JR or Kintetsu "Nara Station." Because the day is busy with many spectators, allow plenty of time. As this is an outdoor event on a winter night, thorough measures against the cold such as heavy winter clothing and heat pads are essential. Do experience this grand traditional event unique to winter in the ancient capital of Nara, woven from flames and fireworks scorching the night sky.

Practical Information

• Date: The fourth Saturday of January every year. In 2026 it was held on Saturday, January 24
• Timetable: 16:45 Goshinka Hotaisai (Tobihino, Otondo site) -> 17:05 Sacred flame procession departs (Tobihino) -> 17:25 Torch lighting (near Mizuya Bridge) -> 17:40 Nogami Shrine rite (foot of Mt. Wakakusa) -> 18:15 Lighting of the great bonfire and the grand fireworks (about 600 shells) -> 18:30 Simultaneous ignition of Mt. Wakakusa (climax). After ignition, the burning finishes in about 30 minutes. At the foot of the mountain, a deer-cracker throwing contest is held from 10:30 to 14:00
• Venue: Mt. Wakakusa (Zoshicho, Nara City, 630-8211). About 33 hectares are burned, on a mountain 3,800 m in circumference
• Nearest station and access: From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the city loop bus (outer loop), alight at "Todaiji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha-mae" and walk about 15 minutes; or take the bus bound for Kasuga Taisha Honden to the last stop and walk about 5 minutes. On foot, the official access page gives about 30 minutes east from Kintetsu Nara Station and about 38 minutes east from JR Nara Station
• Parking: There is no dedicated parking. There are paid car parks nearby including prefectural ones, but on the day there are traffic restrictions and heavy congestion, so the official guidance is to use public transport. Unauthorized parking on private land or on the street is prohibited
• Traffic restrictions (2026): Pedestrian-only roads and vehicle prohibition 15:00-20:00 (excluding permitted vehicles, buses, taxis, bicycles, etc.) / vehicle parking prohibited all day / vehicles prohibited from entering park roads all day / stopping and parking prohibited zones 14:00-20:00 / vehicle parking prohibited around Yakushiji 12:00-20:00. On the Nara Okuyama Driveway, the "Shin-Wakakusayama Course" and "Nara Okuyama Course" are closed 14:00-20:00 (the "Takamadoyama Course" remains passable as usual, with restrictions lifted around 20:00 when extinguishing is complete). In recent years general vehicles have been restricted from around 15:00 between the Kencho-higashi intersection and the Daibutsu-mae intersection, and between the Daibutsu-mae intersection and Mt. Wakakusa, and from about 18:00 to 19:30 all vehicles including tour buses and taxis are fully restricted
• In case of rain: Light rain does not stop the event. Whether it will be held is decided by 9:00 a.m. on the day, and the decision is announced via Teledome at 0180-991-707. It may be cancelled in severe weather (strong wind or heavy snow) or by administrative instruction, and if cancelled there is no postponement or later rescheduling
• Crowds: About 30,000 people attend in a typical year

*Fees and sales periods for the 2026 paid viewing areas (inside the gate at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa and the rooftop of the Nara Park Bus Terminal), as well as food stalls and toilets, have not been officially announced.*

📚 Sources

• Nara Prefecture official Wakakusayama Yamayaki event website
• Nara City Tourism Association