Kurama Fire Festival 2026 Confirmed

鞍馬の火祭 — Kyoto (Kansai)

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On the night of October 22, the mountain village of Kurama north of Kyoto fills with fire: villagers carry huge pine torches through the narrow street to Yuki Shrine, chanting "Sairei, sairyo", until the whole village glows. It is one of Kyoto's three great unusual festivals and counted among Japan's great fire festivals.

Background

The festival is said to date back to 940, when the deity of Yuki Shrine was moved from the Imperial Palace to Kurama and villagers welcomed it with countless torches. It is the shrine's annual festival and is held on October 22 whatever the weather.

Getting there

Kurama Station on the Eizan Railway is about 6 min walk from Yuki Shrine. From 3:00 PM on the day, the road between Kibuneguchi and Kurama Onsen is closed to general traffic and all car parks close — come by train.

Tips

• It runs from 6:00 PM until after midnight on October 22, 2026 (a Thursday), rain or shine.
• The whole village street becomes the festival ground and viewing areas are controlled on the night; expect to be directed where to stand.
• Eizan Railway trains to and from Kurama are extremely crowded — allow a long wait to get back to Kyoto.
• Before the festival, the area above Kurama-dera's main gate is closed off, and the shrine's amulet office closes around 4:30 PM.

Last verified against the official source: Sat, September 26, 2026