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Event Guide · Kansai

Koyasan Candle Festival (Mando Kuyo-e)

AugustKoyasan2027: Aug 13 (held every year on August 13)
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Overview

Overview

On August 13, during Obon, the approach to Koyasan's Okunoin is adorned with the light of about 100,000 candles in a memorial service for ancestors and all the souls resting at Okunoin. Worshippers place and light candles on both sides of the roughly 2 km approach from Ichinohashi Bridge to Okunoin Torodo Hall as they pray.

When
Every year on August 13 (the candle festival runs from evening into the night; the Mando Kuyo-e memorial service starts at 20:00)
Confirmed dates: 2027: Aug 13 (held every year on August 13)
Venue
Koyasan Okunoin (the approach from Ichinohashi Bridge to Okunoin Torodo Hall)
Official website
https://www.koyasan.or.jp/kongobuji/event.html
Official website (English) ↗
Highlights

Highlights

The Okunoin approach, lined with cedars hundreds of years old and countless memorial towers, is wrapped in a magical ribbon of candlelight at your feet. You can feel the solemn, prayerful atmosphere unique to an Obon night.

Times

Times

Candle festival18:00–21:00

Okunoin approach. Free to join (annual events, Kongobu-ji official). Some tourism websites list 18:00–20:30

Mando Kuyo-e (memorial service)20:00–

Okunoin Torodo Hall (Kongobu-ji official)

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Participation is free. It goes ahead in light rain (Kongobu-ji official)
  • ✓The candlelight is at its best after sunset (after 19:00). Arrive near Ichinohashi Bridge before dark so you can walk the approach both in daylight and at night
  • ✓The approach is about 2 km long, dark underfoot, with stone steps and uneven ground. Comfortable shoes and a small flashlight are helpful
  • ✓Koyasan is cooler than the lowlands and nights are chilly. Staying at a temple lodging (shukubo) lets you relax after the evening event
  • ✓All of Koyasan is crowded during Obon. Using public transportation is recommended (Kongobu-ji official)
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Ichinohashi-guchi bus stop (Nankai Rinkan Bus)Right next to it (approach entrance / Ichinohashi Bridge)About 15 min by bus from Koyasan Station
  • Okunoin-mae bus stop (Nankai Rinkan Bus)About a 15 min walk (Okunoin Torodo Hall)About 20 min by bus from Koyasan Station
From major stations
  • Namba Station: Nankai Koya Line (Limited Express Koya or Express) to Gokurakubashi Station → Koyasan Cable Car to Koyasan Station → Nankai Rinkan Bus (About 2 hours)
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards such as ICOCA can be used on Nankai trains. Check Nankai's information in advance on whether they can be used on the cable car and Rinkan buses
Getting back
  • On a day trip, pay attention to the last train, cable car and bus from Koyasan Station back toward Osaka after the evening event. Be sure to check in advance
  • Bus stops get crowded after the event. Staying at a temple lodging lets you enjoy it without worrying about the time
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
The approach around sunset on August 13 (around 19:00–20:00)
Quieter times
The 18:00 hour right after it starts, or late after the Mando Kuyo-e service
Time needed
About 1.5–2 hours for the round trip from Ichinohashi Bridge to Torodo Hall
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
August nights on Koyasan (about 800 m above sea level) average around 18–20°C (reference values based on JMA normals). It is several degrees cooler than Osaka and can feel chilly
What to wear
Summer clothes plus a light long-sleeved top or layer. Comfortable shoes, a small flashlight and insect repellent are helpful. Mountain weather changes easily, so bring rain gear too
Rain, snow & typhoons
Goes ahead in light rain (Kongobu-ji official). Check official announcements for stormy weather
Where to check for cancellations
Koyasan Kongobu-ji official website (https://www.koyasan.or.jp/), Koya Town Tourist Association 0736-56-2468
☁ Kansai weather in August →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Okunoin is a place of prayer. Refrain from loud talking and from eating or drinking while visiting
  • !Photography is prohibited in the Kobo Daishi Mausoleum area beyond Gobyobashi Bridge
  • !Be careful around the candle flames and keep clothing and bags away from them. Keep an eye on children
  • !Take your trash home
  • !Do not climb on or touch graves or memorial towers
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
There are public toilets along the approach, such as near Ichinohashi Bridge and the Okunoin-mae bus stop
Lockers & luggage
It is best to leave luggage at Koyasan Station or your temple lodging (the approach is long and carrying a suitcase is difficult)
Paying at food stalls
Some shops and restaurants on Koyasan are cash only, so bring cash
ATMs
There are ATMs, such as at the post office, in central Koyasan (around Senjuinbashi), but only a few. Get cash beforehand
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
The approach has many stone steps and uneven sections and is dark at night, so some sections are difficult to pass with a wheelchair or stroller
Food

Food

Local favorites
Shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine at temple lodgings)Goma-dofu (sesame tofu)Yakimochi (grilled rice cakes)
Vegetarian & halal
Shojin ryori at temple lodgings uses no meat or fish and suits vegetarians (check details of broths and seasonings with the lodging)
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Temple lodgings on Koyasan get very busy during Obon. If you want to stay for the candle festival, book early

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Koyasan Candle Festival (Mando Kuyo-e)PR

PRSee more places to stay near Koyasan Candle Festival (Mando Kuyo-e) on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

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Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30

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