Wakakusa Yamayaki
Nara, Japan • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan
0°C – 9°C, cold and dry winter weather, with crisp clear evenings ideal for outdoor events, high crowds, peak season
0°C – 9°C, cold and dry winter weather, with crisp clear evenings ideal for outdoor events, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Steep hillside, unpaved trails, walking and some climbing required.
Steep hillside, unpaved trails, walking and some climbing required.
Value for money
High
It's free, offering a spectacular, unforgettable experience.
It's free, offering a spectacular, unforgettable experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Spectacle
Couples found the fireworks and fire on the mountain incredibly romantic and memorable.
Unforgettable Evening
Travelers raved about the unique experience, calling it a highlight of their trip to Nara.
Breathtaking Views
Visitors were stunned by the dramatic beauty of the burning mountain at night. A must-see!
Chilly Night
Couples mentioned the cold weather, advising to dress warmly for the outdoor event.
Crowded Event
Travelers found the large crowds challenging, making it hard to find a good viewing spot.
Weather Dependent
Some couples were disappointed by weather impacting the view; plan accordingly.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
A tourist revels in the captivating spectacle of Wakakusa Yamayaki.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-
Open
Not recommended
January
HIGH
0-9°C
Cold and dry winter weather, with crisp clear evenings ideal for outdoor events. Occasional light rain possible, but snow is rare.
Cold and dry winter weather, with crisp clear evenings ideal for outdoor events. Occasional light rain possible, but snow is rare.
Open
Event may be canceled or postponed in case of bad weather or high winds. Mountain access is limited to foot gates at the base; expect some crowd control and area closures for safety.
Event may be canceled or postponed in case of bad weather or high winds. Mountain access is limited to foot gates at the base; expect some crowd control and area closures for safety.
Recommended
Wakakusa Yamayaki, the annual mountain burning festival, is held on the fourth Saturday of January. The event features torch processions, food stalls, performances, and a large-scale fireworks display. The festival is a major seasonal highlight in Nara and draws both locals and tourists.
Wakakusa Yamayaki, the annual mountain burning festival, is held on the fourth Saturday of January. The event features torch processions, food stalls, performances, and a large-scale fireworks display. The festival is a major seasonal highlight in Nara and draws both locals and tourists.
February
LOW
1-10°C
Cold with occasional rain. Clear and crisp winter days are common, but nights remain chilly.
Cold with occasional rain. Clear and crisp winter days are common, but nights remain chilly.
Closed
No Wakakusa Yamayaki festival or related events are scheduled in February.
No Wakakusa Yamayaki festival or related events are scheduled in February.
Not recommended
There are no mountain burning activities or related events. The area is open for general sightseeing, but no special festivities occur.
There are no mountain burning activities or related events. The area is open for general sightseeing, but no special festivities occur.
March
MEDIUM
4-14°C
Early spring brings milder temperatures and increased rainfall. Occasional chilly days and some early blossoms.
Early spring brings milder temperatures and increased rainfall. Occasional chilly days and some early blossoms.
Closed
No Wakakusa Yamayaki festival or related events. General access is unrestricted.
No Wakakusa Yamayaki festival or related events. General access is unrestricted.
Not recommended
No festival activities. The mountain and Nara Park are accessible for sightseeing, but the main event has passed.
No festival activities. The mountain and Nara Park are accessible for sightseeing, but the main event has passed.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Taxi
Recommended
Train
Recommended
Walking
Recommended
Bike
Car
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required