What it is
The Kurama Fire Festival is the festival of Yuki Shrine in Kurama, a mountain village north of Kyoto. It recalls the night in 940 when the shrine’s kami was moved here from the imperial palace, welcomed by villagers with torches.
On October 22, bonfires are lit in front of every house. As night falls, children and then young men carry blazing pine torches through the single village street, chanting as they climb to the shrine. It is one of Kyoto’s most dramatic and atmospheric festivals.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Oct 22, evening | Torches lit: Bonfires are lit at houses and children carry small torches |
| Oct 22, night | Great torches: Men carry huge pine torches through the village to Yuki Shrine |
| Oct 22, late night | Mikoshi: The shrine's mikoshi are carried down the shrine steps |
Which day should you go?
Oct 22, evening
Arrive early, follow the police instructions, and be prepared to leave before the end to catch a train.
What to look for
The torches
The biggest torches are several meters long and very heavy, carried on the shoulders of young men.
The chant
“Sairei, sairyō!” rings through the valley all evening.
The village
Kurama is a small mountain village. The whole festival happens in its single narrow street.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kyoto Station | Subway and Keihan to Demachiyanagi, then Eizan Railway to Kurama | about 1 h |
| Osaka | Keihan Line to Demachiyanagi, then Eizan Railway to Kurama | about 1 h 45 min |
On the day. Kurama is a small mountain village. The torches are carried from about 18:00, and the narrow street is controlled by police.
Crowds. Trains are limited, and the queue to leave the village can take hours. Check the year's viewing rules before you go.
Where to stay
Central Kyoto (Shijō–Karasuma)
Easy to reach from Demachiyanagi when you come back late.
Kyoto Station area
More hotels, about 25 minutes from Demachiyanagi.
When to book. October 22 is also the Jidai Matsuri, so Kyoto is busy. Book 2–3 months ahead.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Crowd control. Viewing is managed by police and may be limited. Check the latest arrangements before going.
- Same day. The Jidai Matsuri procession is held in central Kyoto the same afternoon.
- Getting back. Lines for the last trains are very long. Wear warm clothes for the wait.
Glossary
Taimatsu松明
A torch made from bundled wood or bamboo. Giant taimatsu are the centerpiece of fire festivals such as the Omizutori.
Mikoshi神輿
A portable shrine. During the festival the kami rides inside while people carry it through the neighborhood.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Kyoto City official tourism site (Kyoto Kanko Navi): Kurama Fire Festival, https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=4978
Last checked 2026-10-12.