Chubu · YamanashiFestival
Dozens of three-metre torches set a Fujiyoshida street ablaze to mark the close of the Mt. Fuji climbing season.
Overview
The Yoshida Fire Festival (Yoshida no Himatsuri) is a dramatic late-summer rite in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, held to mark the end of the Mt. Fuji climbing season and to calm the sacred volcano. On the main evening, some seventy or more giant torches, around three metres tall, are lit along the town’s main street, turning it into a corridor of fire. Counted among Japan’s most unusual festivals, it is a striking, atmospheric event at the mountain’s northern base.
When & Where
The festival is held annually on 26 and 27 August, so in 2026 it runs Wednesday and Thursday. It centres on Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and Suwa Shrine in Fujiyoshida. On 26 August, portable shrines are paraded in the afternoon and the great torches are lit along the main street in the evening; the 27th features a final procession around the shrine. Nearest station: Fujisan Station on the Fujikyu Railway.
Getting There
From Tokyo, reach Fujiyoshida via the Fujikyu Railway to Fujisan Station (direct limited-express and bus options run from Shinjuku and Otsuki). The main-street torch route and the shrines are within walking distance of the station. Evenings can be cool at this altitude even in August, so bring a light layer, and keep clear of the open flames.
What to Expect
The signature sight is the long line of blazing torches lighting the main street after dusk, alongside bonfires and the distinctive Mt. Fuji-shaped ‘Oyama’ portable shrine. Crowds walk the fiery avenue as embers glow overhead. The mood blends solemn ritual with festival energy, and food stalls line the approach to the shrine.
Tickets & Access
Admission is free and the festival takes place in public streets and shrine grounds; there is no ticketing. Stand back from the torches, as they burn hot and sparks travel, and follow any barriers or steward instructions along the route.
Tips for Visitors
Arrive before dusk on 26 August to see the torches lit and to walk the fiery street before the biggest crowds. Wear closed shoes and keep bags away from flames. Pair the trip with the Fuji Five Lakes and nearby Arakurayama Sengen Park views of Mt. Fuji.
Access and Map
| Dates | 26–27 August 2026 (torches lit the evening of the 26th) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and main street, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi |
| Access | Fujikyu Railway to Fujisan Station; torch route within walking distance |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Fujiyoshida City Tourism (official) |
Source: Fujiyoshida City Tourism (official)
Image: Photo: Sakaori (talk) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (license)
