Some 1,138 hectares of grassland burn in a morning, and the flames climb higher than a two-storey house.
Overview
Akiyoshidai is Japan’s largest karst plateau, a rolling expanse of grass studded with grey limestone outcrops above the Akiyoshido cave system. The grassland is not natural: it has been maintained for centuries by burning, which clears scrub and evens out the spring growth.
The yamayaki is that burn, done in one coordinated operation in early spring, and it has become one of the region’s great spectacles – a black plateau by lunchtime, brilliant green by early summer.
When and where
The burn is scheduled for a single morning in mid-February; in 2026 it was set for 11 February. If weather prevents it, it is postponed to a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday up to the first Sunday of March, and it is cancelled outright if strong-wind or wildfire warnings are in force. The go-ahead is announced at about 07:30 on the day by the Mine City Tourism Association.
Confirm the 2027 date with the tourism association before booking travel.
Getting there
Mine City is about 40 minutes by bus from Shin-Yamaguchi Station to Akiyoshido, then a short ride or walk up to the plateau viewpoints. By car, allow around 20 minutes from the Mine interchange. Traffic controls are in place on burn day and the viewing areas fill early.
What to expect
The whole thing is over in a few hours, so timing matters.
- Around 1,138 hectares of grassland burned in one operation
- Flames reaching over five metres, visible from the plateau viewpoints
- Firebreaks cut in advance, with entry to them strictly prohibited
- A live stream on the Mine City Tourism Association’s channel if you cannot attend
- Akiyoshido, Japan’s largest limestone cave, open below the plateau the same day
Tickets and admission
Free to watch from the designated viewing areas near the Karst Observatory. Akiyoshido cave charges separate admission. Stay inside the safe areas: the fire moves fast and the smoke shifts with the wind.
Tips for visitors
Get to the observatory area early – parking is limited and the burn starts mid-morning. Wear clothes you do not mind smelling of smoke, and expect ash on the wind. Pair the morning burn with the cave in the afternoon; it is a five-minute drive and stays a steady 17 degrees year-round.
Access and map
| Dates | Mid-February 2027 (11 February in 2026; confirm with organiser) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Akiyoshidai plateau, Mine, Yamaguchi |
| Access | Bus from Shin-Yamaguchi to Akiyoshido, about 40 minutes |
| Admission | Free to watch |
| Official site | Mine City Tourism Association |
Source: Mine City Tourism Association
Image: Photo: そらみみ (Soramimi) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
