The Kurama Fire Festival, held on the night of 22 October in the mountain village of Kurama north of Kyoto, is one of the most dramatic and primal festivals in the region. As night falls, watch-fires are lit along the narrow main street and villagers, from children to grown men, parade enormous flaming pine torches — some several metres long and weighing over 80 kilograms — up through the village to Yuki Shrine, shouting as they go. The whole valley fills with fire, smoke and roar, culminating as two portable shrines are brought down the steep slope. It is small, intense, extremely crowded and utterly unlike the stately festivals of the city.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kurama, Kyoto |
| Hours | Evening of 22 October, from ~18:00 |
| Admission | Free to watch |
| Time needed | An evening |
| Best time | 22 October; go very early, return late |
What to Expect
- Villagers parading giant flaming torches through the streets.
- Watch-fires lining the narrow mountain main street.
- The climb of the torches to Yuki Shrine.
- A small, intense, primal festival of fire.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Kurama-dera temple and the hills by day.
- Pair with the Kibune shrine and river nearby.
- Read our Kyoto overview .
Getting There
- By train: Eizan Railway to Kurama Station — extremely crowded on the night.
- Timing: trains and the village are severely congested; plan carefully.
Tips
This is a genuinely difficult festival logistically — the single small railway to Kurama is overwhelmed, with long queues and entry restrictions on the night, so go very early and be prepared for a long, slow return well after midnight. The narrow street gets dangerously packed; follow police direction, keep children close, and weigh whether the crush is worth it before committing to the trip.
