The Yoshida Fire Festival, held each late August in Fujiyoshida, is one of Japan’s three most unusual festivals, traditionally marking the close of Mount Fuji’s climbing season with a dramatic display of fire. On the main evening, dozens of giant torches, some three metres tall, are lit along the town’s main street alongside smaller fires outside homes and shops, filling the streets with flame and smoke as portable shrines are paraded through, in a centuries-old ritual tied to the Sengen shrine and Fuji worship, praying for safety on the mountain.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi |
| Hours | Evening, late August (typically 26–27 Aug) |
| Admission | Free to view |
| Time needed | Several hours in the evening |
| Best time | Check exact annual dates, typically late August |
What to See
- Dozens of giant torches, some three metres tall, lit along the main street.
- Portable shrines paraded through the flame-lit streets.
- A centuries-old ritual tied to the Sengen shrine and Fuji worship.
- One of Japan’s three most unusual festivals, marking Fuji’s climbing-season close.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Chureito Pagoda sightseeing in Fujiyoshida.
- Pair with Climbing Mount Fuji , whose season the festival closes.
- Read our Yamanashi overview .
Getting There
- By train: Fujikyu Railway to Fujisan Station, with the festival along the main street nearby.
- By car: expect heavy traffic and parking restrictions during the festival.
Tips
The festival draws large crowds along the main street where the torches are lit, so arrive early for a good position and be prepared for heat, smoke and dense crowds near the flames. Check the exact dates each year, as the festival is traditionally held on fixed late-August dates but timing details and road closures are worth confirming in advance.
