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 $218 /person

4hrs

Private Nara - Family Bike Tour with Electric Bikes

From $368 /person

approx. 7-21 days

Ultimate JR Pass – Travel All of Japan Freely

From $202 /person

What other travelers are saying about Wakakusa Yamayaki

It's a beautiful place. We visited there in early Dec, sunlight to the dried grass makes it looks like gold mat. Go there earlier to avoid crowded. Japan air is very clean and fresh. Love it!

Choy Chloe

Jan 15, 2025

Wonderful spot in Nara, it's like 20 minute walk to arrive here and admire all the city from above. There are deers even here so really special place indeed.

Jomin Neelikatt

Nov 11, 2024

Breathtaking view on top of the mountain. Can walk up from nara park or take a drive with private tol up near the top.

Jian Zhou

Dec 5, 2024

Beautiful white sky with the green grass and all the deers, it located at the Nara park, have to hike for some distance but it worth for the views. Recommend visit on the evening to see the day and night views

Nov 12, 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.