Kurama Fire Festival

The Kurama Fire Festival (鞍馬の火祭), or Kurama no Hi Matsuri, is one of Kyoto’s most dramatic and captivating traditional events, held annually on October 22 in the quiet mountain village of Kurama. Rooted in centuries-old Shinto rituals, the festival honors the spirits of Yuki Shrine and symbolizes protection against disasters. As night falls, towering torches — some weighing up to 100 kilograms — are lit, casting a fiery glow over the narrow streets. Villagers, dressed in traditional garments, carry these blazing torches through the darkened pathways, their powerful chants echoing through the crisp mountain air. The fiery procession creates an intense, almost mystical atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a living display of Japan’s ancient spiritual customs.

The festival begins at dusk with children and families parading smaller torches, gradually building toward the climactic moment when adult participants hoist massive flames high above their heads. The rhythmic chanting of “Sai-rei, Sai-ryo!” blends with the crackling of the fire, creating a truly unforgettable sensory experience. Thousands of spectators gather to witness the dramatic scenes as the flames illuminate the village’s traditional wooden houses against the forested mountain backdrop. Located just under an hour from Kyoto City by train, the Kurama Fire Festival offers a rare chance to experience a raw, authentic piece of Japan’s rich cultural heritage, nestled in the atmospheric northern Kyoto mountains.