Kansai · WakayamaCultural
On a single August night, pilgrims line the two-kilometre approach to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum with 100,000 candles.
Overview
The Koyasan Candle Festival, formally Mandokuyoe, is an Obon memorial held on the mountaintop monastic complex of Koyasan, the heart of Shingon Buddhism. On the night of August 13, visitors light some 100,000 candles along the ancient cedar-lined path through Okunoin, the vast cemetery leading to the mausoleum of the sect’s founder, Kobo Daishi. It is a serene, deeply spiritual event rather than a boisterous festival.
When & Where
The candle lighting takes place on the evening of August 13, 2026, from around 7:00 pm, with a memorial service at Torodo Hall from about 8:00 pm. It runs the full two-kilometre approach to Okunoin, from Ichinohashi bridge to the mausoleum. Koyasan sits at 800 metres elevation in northern Wakayama; nearest access: Gokurakubashi Station and cable car.
Getting There
From Osaka, take the Nankai Koya Line to Gokurakubashi, then the cable car up to Koyasan, followed by a local bus into town, roughly two hours in total. Because the festival is at night on a remote mountain, staying overnight in a temple lodging (shukubo) is highly recommended and part of the experience.
What to Expect
As dusk falls, pilgrims and visitors place and light candles along the mossy, cedar-shaded path past centuries-old tombs. At Torodo Hall, monks conduct the Manto Kuyo memorial service for departed spirits. The flickering corridor of light through ancient forest creates a hushed, otherworldly atmosphere that draws visitors from across Japan and abroad.
Tickets & Access
Participation is free, and visitors can help light candles along the route. No reservation is needed for the event itself, but temple lodgings and transport up the mountain should be booked well ahead for the Obon period. The forest path is uneven in places, so bring a torch and sturdy shoes.
Tips for Visitors
Arrive before dark to walk the approach in daylight first, then return as the candles are lit. Nights on the mountain are cool even in August, so bring a layer. Book a shukubo stay for morning prayers and vegetarian temple cuisine to complete the visit.
Access and Map
| Dates | August 13, 2026, from around 19:00 (service from 20:00) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Okunoin approach, Koyasan, Koya, Wakayama |
| Access | Nankai Koya Line to Gokurakubashi, cable car and bus; approx. 2 hrs from Osaka |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Visit Wakayama (Wakayama Tourism Federation) |
Source: Visit Wakayama (Wakayama Tourism Federation)
Image: Photo: Naokijp / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
