An unusual festival near Osaka
The Mont Wakakusayama which peaks at 342 meters, is a former volcano whose slopes are completely ignited during a festival taking place Fourth Saturday of January .
Flickr – scjody
Context
Tradition would have its origin because of a border dispute between the Kofuku-ji Temple located in Nobori Oji-Cho, the city of Nara, and Todai-ji , from Zoshi-cho, which is also in the city of Nara. The dispute had taken an unhealthy turn, an official was appointed to serve as a mediator. He went to the centre of the conflict, Mount Wakakusayama, and set fire there. This was derogated in 1760 and tradition dates back to hundreds of years. Another legend indicates that we set fire to this mountain to flee the dangerous beasts and kill the harmful insects.
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We kiss a sleeping volcano
A torch is lit using the sacred fire of the Kasuga Taisha temple. The fire is then brought into a small sanctuary at the foot of the hill by a procession of Buddhist monks. The members representing the temples of Kofuku-ji, Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha set fire to dry herbs and the hill burns, lighting the passage 200 fireworks . The show is visible from the surrounding cities but it is of course since Nara (which is 45 minutes’ drive from Osaka) is best seen. Don’t forget that winter is cold Japan is that warm clothing should be provided.
What to visit in Nara?
The prefecture of Nara has the peculiarity of having more monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage than any other prefecture of Japan while it is the smallest. On site you will have the opportunity to visit the temples of which those mentioned above: Todai-ji is home to a giant Buddha. But the region has some 36 temples in all, including the palace of Heijō. Be careful because Mont Wakakusayama will not be accessible during the Yamayaki festival.
Flickr – iriskh
How to get there?
After finding a cheap flight to Japan on Skyscanner , to Osaka or Kyoto in particular, it is then possible to reach Nara easily by train. Once at the Kintetsu train station in Nara, just walk 20 minutes to reach the venue of the festival: Mont Wakakusayama.
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