Wakakusayama-yaki

Traditional events that tell early spring to ancient capital Nara

Wakakusayama Yaki, a winter tradition that represents Nara, is a traditional event held on the fourth Saturday of January every year.
This is a festival of flames in which Shinto and Buddhas of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Todai-ji Temple are combined to pray for the soul and memorial service of the ancestors, fire prevention throughout Nara and the peace of the people of the world.

The Wakakusayama Yaki event begins with the “Gojin Fire Service Festival”, a festival that receives a sacred fire from Kasuga Taisha Shrine “Kasuga no Otodo”.
The sacred fire is led by the priest of Kinmineyama-ji Temple, and is transported to Nogami Shrine at the foot of Wakakusa by a torch procession of about 40 people, including officials of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple, and Nara Magistrate's Office.
After arriving, a bonfire will be ignited and a festival will be held to pray for the safety of the mountain grilling event.
Next, during the reading of Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple, and Kinmineyama-ji Temple, the fire is transferred from the bonfire to the torch, and the large bonfire at the center of the foot of the mountain is ignited.

At the "Large Fireworks Launch" held just before the ignition at the foot of the mountain, a rare "shakutama" in the prefecture is launched, and beautiful fireworks delivered by fireworks will color the winter night sky.
After that, about 300 members of the Nara City fire brigade moved the fire from a large bonfire to a torch, and ignited at the signal of a conch and trumpet.
The appearance of the whole mountain burning dynamically as if burning the night sky is impressive!

※The photo of the mountain grilling and fireworks together is taken by long exposure, and is different from the actual appearance.