Guida
The Kurama Fire Festival is the annual ritual of Yuki Shrine in the mountain village of Kurama, Kyoto. It is celebrated as one of Kyoto's Three Strange Festivals, holding deep historical significance. The tradition dates back to the year 940, originating from the ritual of lighting reeds from the Kamo River to welcome the deity Yuki Myojin to Kurama. Today, the festival creates a mystical and powerful atmosphere as giant torches and flying sparks illuminate the dark village, overwhelming all who witness it.
The main attraction is the intense heat and light of the burning torches amidst the darkness. Around 18:00, the 'Eji' (bonfire) lights are lit throughout the village, as the energy builds from small handheld torches used by children to the massive, heavy torches carried by adults. A particularly breathtaking sight is the procession of torches gathering at the stone steps of the Kurama-dera Temple main gate, and the sight of the portable shrines (Mikoshi) descending the steep paths. You may also witness the 'Choppen' ritual, where men hang from the poles of the shrine-carrying structures, a truly unique spectacle.
The festival is held annually on October 22nd. The festivities begin in the evening and continue late into the night.
The event takes place around the Kurama village area in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto.
The streets in Kurama are very narrow, and there are limits to the number of people who can stand in certain areas. Please be mindful of your surroundings, especially near the Kurama-dera main gate, where movement may be restricted. Additionally, all ritual tools (drums, torches, shrines, etc.) are considered sacred; visitors must not touch them under any circumstances. Please respect the local rules and traditions.