Wakakusa Yamayaki

What to know

In 2027, the Yamayaki is scheduled for January 23.

The Wakakusa Yamayaki is an annual festival where the grass on the slopes of Nara's Mount Wakakusayama is set ablaze. The mountain sits at the eastern edge of Nara Park, and the fire is visible across the city. The burning is preceded by a fireworks display. The festival occurs every year on the fourth Saturday of January, but may be canceled or postponed due to bad weather.

Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasuga Shrine all participate in the festival's ceremonies. The Wakakusa Yamayaki has been held for hundreds of years, and its exact origins remain unclear. One theory suggests the burning began during boundary disputes between Nara's great temples, while another claims it was used to drive away wild boars.

The festival officially starts at noon, followed by various small events at the base of Wakakusayama. Among these is a giant rice cracker (sembei) throwing competition from 12:30 to 15:00. Travelers will recognize these as oversized versions of the crackers sold in Nara Park as deer food.

Around 17:00, a procession of people involved in lighting the mountain departs from the Tobino area of Kasuga Taisha toward the mountain, stopping at Mizuya Shrine to light torches. Around 17:30, the procession reaches the base of Wakakusayama, where several hundred spectators have already gathered. A large bonfire is lit partway up the mountainside, just past the public barrier.

At 18:15, a 15-minute fireworks display begins. Afterward, the bonfire is used to ignite the grass, and the fire gradually spreads across the mountain. It usually takes 30 minutes to an hour for the entire area to burn, depending on grass conditions. Dry grass burns quickly, while wet conditions result in slower, partial burning.