Kurama Fire Festival
Kyoto’s Fiery Mountaintop Rite
Venue: Kurama Village, Yuki-jinja Shrine (Mount Kurama), Kyoto
When: October 22 (annually) (Dates are subject to change)
Step into the mystical charm of the Kurama Fire Festival, Kyoto’s legendary event. Held every year on October 22 in the mountain village of Kurama, this event showcases a torch-lit procession that honors the Yuki-jinja Shrine’s guardian kami. Locals carry giant flaming torches and portable shrines under the autumn night sky, bringing centuries-old tradition to life. If you’re drawn to the ritual warmth of rural Kyoto or enjoy dramatic cultural experiences, the Kurama Festival offers an unforgettable evening.
Kurama Fire Festival 2025 Key Details | |
|---|---|
Date | October 22, 2025 |
Opening Hours | Ceremonial prayers begin in the morning, and the torch procession lights up the night from around 6:00 PM until after midnight. |
Location | Yuki-jinja Shrine in Kurama Village, nestled on Mount Kurama north of Kyoto |
Admission | Free |
Nearest Station | Kurama Station |
At this hauntingly beautiful fire Kyoto spectacle, locals don traditional attire: loincloths, sandals, braided rope skirts, and shoulder pads. They also carry blazing pine torches weighing up to 80 kilograms (176 lbs). The procession, accompanied by mikoshi (portable shrines), parades through the darkened village, ending in a towering bonfire. The ritual commemorates the journey of the Yuki Daimyōjin since 940 CE and is one of the most dramatic Kyoto festival experiences you can witness. The energy is immersive yet solemn, blending fervour with devotion.
This fire festival in Japan attracts a diverse audience, from cultural enthusiasts fascinated by Shinto rituals and autumn traditions to photographers eager to capture dramatic, flame-lit processions and striking nightscapes.
It also appeals to travelers in Kyoto during October who want an authentic, once-a-year glimpse into local heritage beyond the usual tourist circuit.
The spectacle of fire against the autumn night sky creates a powerful sensory experience, where the chants, drums, and visual drama communicate meaning without words. Although signage and explanations are minimal, the atmosphere itself conveys the cultural significance, making the event accessible and memorable for visitors from around the world.
Arrive by mid-afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM) to navigate limited train capacity and secure a safe viewing spot.
Wear sturdy footwear and bring a flashlight, as the village paths are rugged and dimly lit.
Expect dense crowds, including tour groups, so maintain awareness and plan exit routes.
Stay safe near torches. These are massive and burn fiercely close to pathways.
Dress for autumn chill: layers, a warm jacket, and reliable walking shoes. This Kyoto fire festival's path includes stone steps and outdoor terrain, so you’ll appreciate being comfy and dry.
From Kyoto Station: Take the JR Nara Line or Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line to Demachiyanagi Station, then transfer to the Eizan Electric Railway for Kurama Station (about one hour total). From there, it’s a short walk to the shrine.
From outside Kyoto: Use a JR Pass to travel to Kyoto from other cities, then follow the same route via Demachiyanagi Station and the Eizan Electric Railway to Kurama.
Stop by local cafés in Kurama Village, or enjoy riverside dining in nearby Kibune, which is famous for its kawadoko (summer terraces over water).
Visit the tranquil Kurama-dera Temple or explore the forested Ki-no-ne Michi trail that links to Kifune-jinja Shrine.
Relax post-festival at accommodations in Kyoto. Options like L’Hotel de Hiei, Hostel Sui Kyoto, or the charming Guesthouse Hana Nishijin are just a train ride away. For a curated selection, check JapanDen’s hotel listings for convenience and comfort.
Rooted in a 940 CE tradition, the Kurama Fire Festival recreates the ritual of lighting the road for Yuki Daimyōjin during a time of unrest in the capital. Fusing Tengu legend and mountain worship, it remains one of Japan’s most intimate and dramatic fire festivals. Towering torches, rhythmic chants, and the glow of flames against the night sky create an unforgettable atmosphere. For many visitors, it’s both a spiritual experience and a rare glimpse into Kyoto’s rural heritage.
Book your Kyoto accommodation early. Proximity to Kurama or central transport hubs is key.
Use a JR Pass to simplify travel across regions, plus local transfers to Kurama.
Rent Pocket Wi‑Fi to navigate, check updates, and coordinate your return trip.
Respect local etiquette. Stay clear of procession paths and follow crowd control instructions.
Bring cash, as many mountain-side shops don’t accept cards.
Q: Do I need a ticket for the Fire Festival?
A: No, viewing is free, with no advance registration required.
Q: Is the Fire Festival kid‑friendly?
A: Yes, though the terrain and crowds may be challenging. Keep children close and safe.
Q: Will the Kurama Fire Festival proceed in the rain?
A: Yes, the festival continues rain or shine unless conditions are hazardous.
Q: Are pets allowed at Kurama Fire Festival?
A: No. The Kurama Fire Festival is not suitable for animals due to fire, large crowds, and loud activities that could frighten or harm them.
Q: Are there English signs?
A: Not really, so bring a map or translation app, and follow the flow of the crowd.
Q: When is the Kurama Fire Festival?
A: This fire festival Japan event takes place on October 22 each year, running from dusk until midnight.
Q: What is the Kurama Festival?
A: It is an ancient torchlight procession in Kyoto’s Kurama Village, celebrating a shrine deity’s journey with fire and ritual.
Q: Where is the Fire Festival held in Kyoto?
A: It is held on Mount Kurama, centred around Yuki-jinja Shrine, near Kurama Station in northern Kyoto.
Q: What makes the Kurama Fire Festival special?
A: The visual drama of villagers carrying scorched torches and mikoshi through narrow streets stands out even among Japan’s celebrated regional festivals.
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