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Wakakusa Yamayaki

Name: Wakakusa Yamayaki
Address: Mount Wakakusa, Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8211, Japan
Rating: 4.6

4.6 (200)・Natural Feature・Establishment

Wakakusa Yamayaki is an extraordinary and fiery festival held annually in Nara that lights up the winter night sky. This unique event involves setting Mount Wakakusayama ablaze, creating a spectacular sight that attracts thousands of spectators each year.

The tradition dates back hundreds of years, though its exact origins are unclear. Some believe it started as a boundary dispute between Nara's great temples, while others think it was a way to drive away wild boars or pests. Today, the Wakakusa Yamayaki serves as a symbol of renewal, clearing old grass on the mountain to pave the way for new growth in the spring.

The festival takes place on the fourth Saturday of January and begins with a grand fireworks display, setting the stage for the main event. As the fireworks end, the grassy slopes of Mount Wakakusayama are set on fire. The fire, visible from many parts of Nara, casts a warm glow that reflects the community spirit and historical significance of the event.

The area

Address

Mount Wakakusa, Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8211, Japan

Top ways to experience Wakakusa Yamayaki

8hrs

Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara Temples

From $210 /person

4hrs

Private Nara - Family Bike Tour with Electric Bikes

From $356 /person

approx. 7-21 days

Ultimate JR Pass – Travel All of Japan Freely

From $195 /person

What other travelers are saying about Wakakusa Yamayaki

Crazy hike for the Mountain Peak! Great view as well! Since you already paid to travel to Japan and Nara Park might as well finish off at Peak of Mount Wakakusa. However if you are not up for it there is a small hill on the mountain right as you enter. Bonus luck managed to catch the deer feeder uncle too! He said he feeds them once or twice a week. Entrance to Mount Wakakusa is 150 yen for adults. Remember to buy deer biscuits at nara park ground level and bring it up to the Mountain *hide your biscuits well 😇🦌

Syed Hariz Shah

Oct 31, 2024

One of the most beautiful hills I've seen in the Kansai region. The path from Nara is a bit steep with a lot of stairs, but it's definitely worth it. After you enjoy a spectacular view from to the top, you can stay on the path and continue to Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest and admire Uguisu Waterfall and then follow the path even further to walk down around the hill, see Kasugayama Stone Cavern Buddhas, an abandoned temple and then get back to Nara from the south entrance and visit Shiga Naoya's Old Residence and Ukimido. If you start and end this wonderful trip on Nara train station, it fills you an entire day.

Marian Pekár

Aug 29, 2024

Absolutely wonderful views over Nara! Would highly recommend this short hike up to the top. There are lots of deer at the top too.

Beth Harrell

Aug 3, 2024

- A short hike to the summit but there will be wild deers along the way and at the top. - You can see the whole Nara from up there.

Andil Ong

Sep 17, 2024

Was a very surprising gentle 30-min hike, I managed to find another route that didn't need to pay the entrance fee of ¥150. What I did was, I first walked towards the google pin for Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest, and from there made my way to the wakakusa View Point. It's an extremely easy and shady walk but do note you will not be able to use strollers as there's some loose gravel. Totally worth the hike, the view is stunning