Written by JC Team
This is a memorial service for the spirits of fallen soldiers and to pray for peace which takes place on August 15 every year.
What happens?
A large 大 (the kanji symbol for “great” or “big”) is set alight on Mount Wakakusa using 108 flames to represent the traditional number of worldly desires possessed by humans.
The event is the culmination of the OBon festival and fires are meant to guide the spirits back to the afterlife.
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Schedule
You can see the fire from various spots in Nara Park from 8 p.m. and the event lasts for around 30 minutes.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
Aug 15, 2026
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8:00pm
奈良大文字送り火
Free
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
- 1.5 km from Kintetsu Nara Station Kintetsu Nara Line (A28)
