The Wakakusa Yamayaki, held on the fourth Saturday of January, is one of Nara’s oldest and most spectacular festivals: after nightfall, the entire dry grassy dome of Mount Wakakusa behind Nara Park is deliberately set on fire, its whole slope glowing red and orange against the winter dark. The blaze is preceded by a large fireworks display over the hill, making a rare and dramatic combination of fireworks and mountain fire. Rooted in old traditions variously linked to boundary disputes and pest control, it now draws huge crowds who watch the burning hillside from vantage points across the city.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Mount Wakakusa, Nara |
| Hours | Fourth Saturday of January, evening (~18:00 fireworks & burn) |
| Admission | Free to view |
| Time needed | An evening |
| Best time | Fourth Saturday of January |
What to See
- The entire mountainside set ablaze after dark.
- A large fireworks display preceding the burn.
- The glowing red slope against the winter night.
- One of Nara’s oldest and most dramatic festivals.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with a daytime visit to Todaiji and Nara Park.
- Pair with a climb of Mount Wakakusa in warmer months.
- Read our Nara overview .
Getting There
- On foot: viewing spots across Nara Park; the area around Todaiji and the pond has good views.
- Timing: the fireworks and burning begin around early evening — arrive early for a spot.
Tips
Arrive well before the early-evening start to claim a viewing spot with a clear line to the hillside — the area around Nara Park, Todaiji and Sarusawa Pond offers good vantage points, and it gets crowded. Dress very warmly for the January night, and note that if conditions are too wet or windy the burning may be postponed; check the schedule and weather, and combine it with daytime park sightseeing.
