{"id":7851,"date":"2026-01-12T09:00:02","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T00:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/waplus-kimono.com\/nara\/?post_type=en_blog&p=7851"},"modified":"2025-12-06T10:44:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T01:44:57","slug":"%e3%80%902026%e3%80%91wakakusa-yamayaki-festival-in-nara-dates-fireworks-best-viewing-spots-reserved-seats-guide-kimono-rental-tips-included-%f0%9f%a6%8c","status":"publish","type":"en_blog","link":"https:\/\/waplus-kimono.com\/nara\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/12\/%e3%80%902026%e3%80%91wakakusa-yamayaki-festival-in-nara-dates-fireworks-best-viewing-spots-reserved-seats-guide-kimono-rental-tips-included-%f0%9f%a6%8c\/","title":{"rendered":"\u30102026\u3011Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival in Nara | Dates, Fireworks, Best Viewing Spots & Reserved Seats Guide \u2013 Kimono Rental Tips Included \ud83e\udd8c"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello and welcome from Waplus Nara \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

our kimono rental shop at the Nara Park Bus Terminal\"\ud83d\udc58\"\"\u2728\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\ud83d\udc58\"\"\ud83e\udd8c\"\"\ud83d\udc58\"\"\ud83e\udd8c\"\"\ud83d\udc58\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A new year has begun, and the air in Nara feels crisp and beautifully clear once again. \u2728<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u3010Traditional Event in Nara\u3011<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

One of Nara\u2019s iconic early-spring traditions, the Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival,<\/strong><\/p>\n

will take place this year on January 24th. \ud83c\udfb5<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Each year, the entire slope of Mount Wakakusa is set ablaze,<\/strong><\/p>\n

and the sight of the flames illuminating the clear winter night sky is truly breathtaking. \ud83c\udf19\u2728<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u3010What Is the Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival?\u3011<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Wakakusa Yamayaki is a traditional event that signals the arrival of early spring in the ancient capital of Nara. \u2728<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Held every year on the fourth Saturday of January,<\/strong><\/p>\n

the festival features a dramatic combination of fireworks and a mountainside blaze that lights up the crisp winter night sky.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The view is truly spectacular! \u2763\u2763<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2026, the festival is scheduled\u2014just like every year\u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

on the fourth Saturday of January, which falls on January 24th. \ud83c\udfb5<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2605 Paid Viewing Areas Introduced for the 2026 Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival \u2763\u2763<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

For the 2026 Wakakusa Yamayaki, two areas that were previously free will now become paid viewing zones:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The area inside the Wakakusa Mountain Gate, which had been open to the public for free<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rooftop of the Nara Park Bus Terminal, which previously required winning a free lottery<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2728Starting this year, both locations will be operated as paid viewing areas.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Only visitors with advance-purchase tickets will be allowed to enter.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Same-day ticket sales may not be available, so we highly recommend checking in advance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Since the viewing system is changing significantly this year,<\/strong><\/p>\n

please make sure to review the details \u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

whether you\u2019re visiting for the first time or returning to enjoy the event again\u203c<\/strong><\/p>\n

Official Website: https:\/\/www3.pref.nara.jp\/yamayaki\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u3010The Origins of the Wakakusa Yamayaki\u3011<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

At the third peak of Mount Wakakusa stands the Uguisuzuka Kofun, an ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the past, people believed that ghosts emerged from the tomb, and that burning the mountain would calm the spirits.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There was also a superstition that \u201csomething bad would happen if the mountain wasn\u2019t burned before January,\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n

which led travelers to light fires on their own.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the fires began to threaten nearby temples\u2014especially T\u014ddaiji\u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

the Nara Magistrate posted a ban on unauthorized burning in 1738.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even so, the fires continued, and the risk of spreading remained.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eventually, in the late Edo period, T\u014ddaiji, K\u014dfukuji,<\/strong><\/p>\n

and the Nara Magistrate began supervising the event,<\/strong><\/p>\n

turning it into an official, controlled ceremony.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Today, the Yamayaki survives as a traditional ritual to appease and honor the spirits connected to the ancient tomb.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sacred fire is taken from Kasuga Taisha Shrine and carried to the foot of Mount Wakakusa in a ceremonial procession.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After an opening fireworks display, the mountain is set ablaze. \u2728<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sight of fireworks and flames spreading across the dark winter sky is absolutely breathtaking \u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

a powerful blend of Nara\u2019s history and sacred tradition. \ud83e\udd8c\ud83c\udf19<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Enjoy the Wakakusa Yamayaki in Kimono | Perfect for Day & Night \ud83d\udc58\u2728<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf Daytime: Stroll Through Nara Park in Kimono<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Nara Park area is filled with beautiful photo spots \u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

T\u014ddaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, K\u014dfukuji Temple, and Naramachi are all within walking distance. \ud83d\udcf7\ud83c\udfb5<\/strong><\/p>\n

The crisp winter air and clear blue skies make kimono photos look stunning. \u2763\u2763<\/strong><\/p>\n

Taking a photo with Nara\u2019s friendly deer is also a must! \ud83e\udd8c\u2728<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u25cf Evening: Watch the Yamayaki & Fireworks<\/strong><\/p>\n

From late afternoon into the evening, it\u2019s finally time for the Wakakusa Yamayaki. \ud83d\udd25<\/strong><\/p>\n

The glow of the fireworks and the flames turning the mountain red create a magical backdrop \u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

and kimono photos look absolutely beautiful under the evening light. \ud83d\udcf7\ud83d\udc58<\/strong><\/p>\n

Enjoy a truly unforgettable night in Nara. \ud83c\udfb5<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u3010Kimono Rental Return Information\ud83d\udc58\u2728\u3011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our standard kimono return time is 5:30 PM.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For guests who wish to stay longer to watch the Yamayaki and fireworks,<\/strong><\/p>\n

we offer a convenient Next-Day Return Option. \u2763\u2763<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25ce Next-Day Return Option<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can return your kimono between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM the following day.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This option is especially popular among guests who want to enjoy the entire event without rushing. \u2763\u2763<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u203b A copy of your ID is required for next-day returns. Thank you for your understanding.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u3010Stay Warm in Winter \u2014 Kimono Rental with Cozy Options \ud83e\udde3\u3011<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Winter in Nara can be quite chilly,<\/strong><\/p>\n

but we offer shawls, scarves, and gloves for rent to keep you warm. \u2728<\/strong><\/p>\n

Please note: quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We also recommend wearing heat-tech layers, leggings, <\/strong><\/p>\n

or other warm innerwear under your kimono. \u2763\u2763<\/strong><\/p>\n

These layers help you stay comfortable without changing the silhouette of the kimono,<\/strong><\/p>\n

so you can fully enjoy exploring Nara and watching the Wakakusa Yamayaki even in cold weather. \ud83c\udfb5<\/strong><\/p>\n

For more detailed winter tips, please check our other blog post:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2192 Winter Kimono Warmth Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd8c Winter Kimono Rental in Nara | Explore Nara Park, T\u014ddaiji & Kasuga Taisha \ud83d\udc58\u2728<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Winter is the perfect season to enjoy Nara in kimono.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stroll through Nara Park, visit T\u014ddaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine,<\/strong><\/p>\n

and take memorable photos with the deer \u2014 all while wearing a beautiful kimono. \ud83e\udd8c\ud83d\udcf8<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Waplus Nara offers a wide selection of kimonos and accessories,<\/strong><\/p>\n

plus friendly staff to help you create your perfect outfit. \u2763\u2763<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Our Nara Park Bus Terminal store is conveniently located,<\/strong><\/p>\n

so you can start exploring right after changing into your kimono.\u2728<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Make your winter Nara trip unforgettable with a kimono experience! \ud83d\udc58\u26c4<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\ud83c\udfb5\"*\u309c*\u2022.\u00b8\u00b8\"\ud83c\udf38\"\"\ud83c\udf43\"\"\ud83c\udfb5\"*\u309c*\u2022.\u00b8\u00b8\"\ud83c\udfb6\"*\u2022.\u00b8\u00b8\"\ud83c\udf38\"\"\ud83c\udf43\"\"\ud83c\udfb5\"*<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kimono Rental Shop<\/strong><\/p>\n

Waplus Nara\u3000 Nara Park Bus Terminal store.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Address\uff1b Nara Park Bus Terminal West Wing 2F<\/strong>
\n76 Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8213, Japan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instagram\uff1ahttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/waplusbt\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":6896,"template":"","en_blog_cat":[70,69,68,18],"class_list":["post-7851","en_blog","type-en_blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","en_blog_cat-plan-introduction","en_blog_cat-event-information","en_blog_cat-tourist-information","en_blog_cat-staffblog","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/waplus-kimono.com\/nara\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/en_blog\/7851","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/waplus-kimono.com\/nara\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/en_blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/waplus-kimono.com\/nara\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/en_blog"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/waplus-kimono.com\/nara\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6896"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/waplus-kimono.com\/nara\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7851"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"en_blog_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/waplus-kimono.com\/nara\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/en_blog_cat?post=7851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}