Hello and welcome from Waplus Nara –

our kimono rental shop at the Nara Park Bus Terminal

 

 

A new year has begun, and the air in Nara feels crisp and beautifully clear once again. ✨

 

【Traditional Event in Nara】

One of Nara’s iconic early-spring traditions, the Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival,

will take place this year on January 24th. 🎵

 

Each year, the entire slope of Mount Wakakusa is set ablaze,

and the sight of the flames illuminating the clear winter night sky is truly breathtaking. 🌙✨

【What Is the Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival?】

The Wakakusa Yamayaki is a traditional event that signals the arrival of early spring in the ancient capital of Nara. ✨

 

Held every year on the fourth Saturday of January,

the festival features a dramatic combination of fireworks and a mountainside blaze that lights up the crisp winter night sky.

The view is truly spectacular! ❣❣

In 2026, the festival is scheduled—just like every year—

on the fourth Saturday of January, which falls on January 24th. 🎵

 

★ Paid Viewing Areas Introduced for the 2026 Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival ❣❣

For the 2026 Wakakusa Yamayaki, two areas that were previously free will now become paid viewing zones:

The area inside the Wakakusa Mountain Gate, which had been open to the public for free

The rooftop of the Nara Park Bus Terminal, which previously required winning a free lottery

✨Starting this year, both locations will be operated as paid viewing areas.

Only visitors with advance-purchase tickets will be allowed to enter.

Same-day ticket sales may not be available, so we highly recommend checking in advance.

 

Since the viewing system is changing significantly this year,

please make sure to review the details —

whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to enjoy the event again‼

Official Website: https://www3.pref.nara.jp/yamayaki/

【The Origins of the Wakakusa Yamayaki】

At the third peak of Mount Wakakusa stands the Uguisuzuka Kofun, an ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound.

In the past, people believed that ghosts emerged from the tomb, and that burning the mountain would calm the spirits.

There was also a superstition that “something bad would happen if the mountain wasn’t burned before January,”

which led travelers to light fires on their own.

 

As the fires began to threaten nearby temples—especially Tōdaiji—

the Nara Magistrate posted a ban on unauthorized burning in 1738.

Even so, the fires continued, and the risk of spreading remained.

 

Eventually, in the late Edo period, Tōdaiji, Kōfukuji,

and the Nara Magistrate began supervising the event,

turning it into an official, controlled ceremony.

 

Today, the Yamayaki survives as a traditional ritual to appease and honor the spirits connected to the ancient tomb.

 

The sacred fire is taken from Kasuga Taisha Shrine and carried to the foot of Mount Wakakusa in a ceremonial procession.

After an opening fireworks display, the mountain is set ablaze. ✨

 

The sight of fireworks and flames spreading across the dark winter sky is absolutely breathtaking —

a powerful blend of Nara’s history and sacred tradition. 🦌🌙

Enjoy the Wakakusa Yamayaki in Kimono | Perfect for Day & Night 👘✨

● Daytime: Stroll Through Nara Park in Kimono

The Nara Park area is filled with beautiful photo spots —

Tōdaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kōfukuji Temple, and Naramachi are all within walking distance. 📷🎵

The crisp winter air and clear blue skies make kimono photos look stunning. ❣❣

Taking a photo with Nara’s friendly deer is also a must! 🦌✨

 

● Evening: Watch the Yamayaki & Fireworks

From late afternoon into the evening, it’s finally time for the Wakakusa Yamayaki. 🔥

The glow of the fireworks and the flames turning the mountain red create a magical backdrop —

and kimono photos look absolutely beautiful under the evening light. 📷👘

Enjoy a truly unforgettable night in Nara. 🎵

 

【Kimono Rental Return Information👘✨】

Our standard kimono return time is 5:30 PM.

For guests who wish to stay longer to watch the Yamayaki and fireworks,

we offer a convenient Next-Day Return Option. ❣❣

◎ Next-Day Return Option

You can return your kimono between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM the following day.

This option is especially popular among guests who want to enjoy the entire event without rushing. ❣❣

※ A copy of your ID is required for next-day returns. Thank you for your understanding.

【Stay Warm in Winter — Kimono Rental with Cozy Options 🧣】

Winter in Nara can be quite chilly,

but we offer shawls, scarves, and gloves for rent to keep you warm. ✨

Please note: quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

We also recommend wearing heat-tech layers, leggings,

or other warm innerwear under your kimono. ❣❣

These layers help you stay comfortable without changing the silhouette of the kimono,

so you can fully enjoy exploring Nara and watching the Wakakusa Yamayaki even in cold weather. 🎵

For more detailed winter tips, please check our other blog post:

→ Winter Kimono Warmth Guide

🦌 Winter Kimono Rental in Nara | Explore Nara Park, Tōdaiji & Kasuga Taisha 👘✨

Winter is the perfect season to enjoy Nara in kimono.

Stroll through Nara Park, visit Tōdaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine,

and take memorable photos with the deer — all while wearing a beautiful kimono. 🦌📸

 

Waplus Nara offers a wide selection of kimonos and accessories,

plus friendly staff to help you create your perfect outfit. ❣❣

 

Our Nara Park Bus Terminal store is conveniently located,

so you can start exploring right after changing into your kimono.✨

 

Make your winter Nara trip unforgettable with a kimono experience! 👘⛄

 

*゜*•.¸¸*゜*•.¸¸*•.¸¸*

 

Kimono Rental Shop

Waplus Nara　 Nara Park Bus Terminal store.

 

Address； Nara Park Bus Terminal West Wing 2F
76 Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8213, Japan

Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/waplusbt/