Here it comes again, the Kurama Himatsuri is held every October 22 in a tiny mountain village in northern Kyoto. Starting at 6 pm with small kids and small torches, progressively larger torches are paraded up and down this one-street town by teams in traditional costume, as a thumping taiko beat stokes the enthusiasm.
Take the Eizan train from Demachiyanagi to the last station at Kurama. There won’t be enough space for parking, so forget driving. Go at least 2 hours early, and figure on waiting in line 1-2 hours to get back on the train after the climax of the festival.
You will smell terribly of pine smoke when it’s over, and so will your clothes and cameras, but it’s worth it to see this amazing spectacle.
