Wakakusa Yamayaki
Area
- 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
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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 24, 2026
*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
