Wakakusa Yamayaki

Photo : Courtesy of Wakakusa Yamayaki Event Executive Committee
Photo : Courtesy of Wakakusa Yamayaki Event Executive Committee
Photo : Courtesy of Wakakusa Yamayaki Event Executive Committee
Photo : Courtesy of Wakakusa Yamayaki Event Executive Committee
Photo : Courtesy of Wakakusa Yamayaki Event Executive Committee
Photo : Courtesy of Wakakusa Yamayaki Event Executive Committee

Traditional spectacular event heralding spring's arrival

※Unauthorized reproduction of images on this page is prohibited

The "Wakakusa Yamayaki" event is a traditional ceremony that marks the arrival of early spring in the ancient capital of Nara. It is held annually on the fourth Saturday of January. This festival is a fusion of the deities and Buddhist spirits of Kasugataisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and Todaiji Temple, dedicated to honoring the souls of ancestors, praying for fire prevention across Nara, and wishing for peace for people around the world.

The starter fire for the mountain burning is brought from the Kasuga no Otondo, which is held in Tobihino on the same day.


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General Information

Event period
Saturday, January 25, 2025
*Cancelled in case of bad weather
Event venue
Mount Wakakusa
Address
469 Zoshi-cho, Nara City, Nara
contact details
0742-27-8677(Wakakusa Yamayaki Event Executive Committee (Nara Prefectural Office))
Access
JR Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Station: 12 minute walk from "Daibutsu-den Kasuga Taisha-mae" bus stop on the city loop bus.
Website

Wakakusa Yamayaki Event Executive Committee website

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