Jan232027
Wakakusa Yamayaki
The dry grass of Mt Wakakusa above Nara Park is burned in a single line of fire, preceded by fireworks.
Nara · City guide
What's on in Nara.
Japan's first permanent capital, an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka that deserves a night: the great bronze Buddha at Todaiji, the deer of Nara Park, the lanterns of Kasuga Taisha, and festivals that predate most of the country.
On in Nara
Jan232027
Wakakusa Yamayaki (Mount Wakakusa burning)
The whole 33 ha grass hillside above Nara Park is set alight after 600 fireworks, a tradition said to settle a boundary dispute between Todaiji and Kofukuji. Nara's signature winter night.
Mar12027
Todai-ji Omizutori (Shunie)
Two weeks of repentance rites at Todai-ji's Nigatsu-do, famous for giant torches swung from the hall's balcony each night.
Mar12027
Todaiji Shuni-e (Omizutori / Otaimatsu torch ceremonies)
The 1,270-year-old Shuni-e penance rite whose nightly otaimatsu, giant pine torches swung from the Nigatsudo balcony, shower sparks over the crowd.
More in the prefecture: What's on in Nara (1 more events).