Best Locations for the Fire Festival

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Visit Nara.

To plan your trip, review Nara National Museum.

Photographers often gather at the edge of the field to avoid obstructions. You should arrive by 3:00 PM to secure a prime spot for your tripod. The area becomes very crowded as the sun begins to set. Expect thousands of visitors to fill the park by early evening. Space is limited, so be respectful of other photographers nearby.

Consider shooting from a distance if you want to include the city skyline. Some photographers prefer the view from the rooftop of the Nara Prefectural Government building. This spot provides a unique perspective of the fire against the dark sky. You must book these spots in advance if they require reservations. Always verify access rules for the 2026 event before you go.

• Kasugano-enchi field (Best for close-ups)
• Nara Prefectural Government Building (Best for cityscapes)
• Ukigumo-enchi (Alternative park view)
• Sarusawa Pond (For reflections of the fire)

Essential Gear for Capturing the Wakakusa Yamayaki Fire

A sturdy tripod is the most important piece of equipment for this shoot. The fire burns for a long time, requiring slow shutter speeds. Wind can be strong on the open plains of Nara Park. A heavy tripod prevents camera shake during long exposures. Ensure your tripod feet are stable on the grass or pavement.

Bring a variety of lenses to capture different perspectives of the event. A 24-70mm lens is perfect for wide shots of the entire mountain. Use a 70-200mm lens to zoom in on the flickering flames. Detail shots of the fire can be very artistic and powerful. You should also pack photography gear for cold weather in Nara to stay comfortable.

A remote shutter release is highly recommended for sharp images. Touching the camera can cause small vibrations that ruin long exposures. If you do not have a remote, use the built-in timer. Set it to a two-second delay to allow the camera to settle. This small step makes a huge difference in image quality.

Cold temperatures in January will drain your camera batteries quickly. Always carry at least two spare batteries in an inner pocket. Keeping them warm with your body heat helps them last longer. You do not want your camera to die during the peak of the fire. Bring extra memory cards to handle high-resolution files.

Camera Settings for Long Exposure Fire

Set your camera to manual mode for full control over the exposure. Fire is very bright against a pitch-black sky, which confuses auto modes. Start with a low ISO between 100 and 400 to reduce noise. This keeps your shadows clean and your highlights crisp. You can find more night photography tips for Nara winter events online.

Choose an aperture between f/8 and f/11 for maximum sharpness. This range provides a deep depth of field for the mountain landscape. It also helps create a starburst effect on the fireworks. Avoid using a wide-open aperture like f/2.8 for the main fire. You want the entire slope to remain in sharp focus.

Shutter speeds will vary depending on the intensity of the flames. Try exposures between 10 and 30 seconds to capture the glow. Longer exposures will make the fire look like a smooth orange blanket. Shorter exposures around 1-2 seconds will preserve the texture of individual flames. Experiment with different speeds throughout the hour-long burn.

Focusing in the dark can be difficult for many camera systems. Use manual focus and set your lens to infinity before the fire starts. You can also focus on the distant lights of the city. Check your first few shots on the LCD screen to ensure sharpness. Use the zoom function on your screen to verify the details.

Timing Your Shoot for 2026

The Wakakusa Yamayaki is scheduled for January 24, 2026. The festivities begin in the afternoon with traditional ceremonies and processions. However, the main photography action starts with the fireworks display. These fireworks launch at approximately 6:15 PM over the mountain. They serve as the official signal for the fire to begin.

The mountain is ignited immediately after the fireworks end at 6:30 PM. The fire spreads rapidly across the dry winter grass of the slope. The most dramatic shots usually happen in the first 20 minutes. This is when the flames are tallest and most vigorous. You can find official updates at Visit Nara for any last-minute changes.

The fire will continue to burn for about 30 to 60 minutes. As the flames settle, the mountain takes on a deep red glow. This is a great time for moody, low-light compositions. The smoke from the fire can also create interesting atmospheric effects. Be prepared to adjust your exposure as the light levels change.

Stay for a while after the main fire begins to subside. The crowds often start to leave early, giving you more space. You might find better angles once the initial rush is over. The embers and smoke against the night sky are very photogenic. Pack up carefully and watch your step in the dark park.