日本語A Ritualized burning of the grasses on the hill
Those lovely deer always welcome me when I visit Nara. They’re always really pretty! Oh, yeah, I came here to see the burning of a mountain.
What is The Burning of Mount Wakakusa?
It is one of the most important rituals in Nara during the winter months. The mountain, Wakakusayama, is located in the east of Todaiji Temple. It is a nice and cozy mountain where you can walk up or drive up to the top very easily. There are of course many friendly deer so you can play with them. I especially like the awesome view from the top of the hill. You definitely have to go there if you visit Nara.
The grass part of these hills in this mountain is burned once a year. In total 33 ha is burned. Well, the origin I heard is this; long time ago, there was a rumor that there were ghosts at the grave in this mountain. People were scared. And, there was another rumor that the ghosts would disappear if the mountain is burned by March. So someone put fire in the mountain and it was burned many times. Actually, a part of Todaiji temple got involved in the fire, and they lost some of their properties. And the magistrate’s office banned people firing up the mountain. However, people did not stop burning the mountain. Then, in the Edo era, Todaiji temple, Kofukuji temple and Nara magistrate’s office decided to organize burning the mountain. Since then, this ritualistic mountain burning has been continued until now.
Schedule
16:45 At Tobihino Hill
The sacred flame of the Kasuga Bonfire is carried down to Tobihino Hill.
17:05 At Tobihino Hill
A historical reenactment parade departs from Tobihino Hill and heads for Mr. Wakakusa. The parade is led by monks blowing conch horns, followed by people dressed in traditional costumes.
17:15 At Mizyua Shrine
The sacred fire is transferred to bamboo torches. These torches are carried by a procession of monks to the Nogami Shrine located at the foot of Mr. Wakakusa.
17:40 At Nogami Shrine
The sacred fire is transferred to a beacon at Nogami Shrine for a prayer for the safety of the grass-burning. After that, the sacred fire is transferred to a large beacon in the foot of Mr. Wakakusa.
18:15 At Mt. Wakakusa
The Grand Fire Works Show kicks off.
18:30 At. Mr. Wakakusa
The mountain is set a fire soon after the sound of 300 trumpets blown by firefighters. This is the climax of the festival.
↓Here is a movie and photos. I started from Tobihino Hill and followed the whole thing above. It was very impressive and awesome.
↓The parade of the sacred fire. It is led by monks
↓Mt. Wakakusa before it’s burned.
↓Mt.Wakakusa after it’s fired up. Do you see the little people there? The firefighters burn the mountain safely. They do the opposite of their regular work days. They put on the fire instead of putting out. haha.
↓Do you see deer? The fireworks in Nara is DEER!
↓Me, watching the fire：）
This is an awsome event. If you visit Japan at the end of January, go check this event. It’s worth visiting.
BTW, are deer safe？
Yes. They are scared of fire, so they ran away.
Travel Tips:
It’s really cold there. Wear a warm coat!!! Also, it’d be nice if you carry a news paper or a chair to sit down on the grass to enjoy watching the fire.
Writer: Omotena Sushi
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