Once a year, on the second Sunday of February, the dry grass on Mt. Omuro is set on fire and the whole mountain burns in about 40 minutes. In 2027 the second Sunday of February is the 14th, but when we checked on 28 October 2026 there was no official notice for 2027 yet. It only happens if the weather allows: rain moves it to the following week, and it cannot go ahead in strong wind. You watch it from nearby, not from the top.
Mt. Omuro is in Izu-Kogen, where we run our workshops. The details of the burning below come from the yamayaki page on the lift operator's official site, checked on 28 October 2026.
What happens on the day
The operator's page says the burning is said to have about 700 years of history. From 1960 Shaboten Park held it on 21 March; today it is held on the second Sunday of February.
The crater at the top is burned first, at a set time the page does not give. Then at noon, ten fireworks signal the lighting of the whole mountain, and the slopes burn in about 40 minutes. The page says about 30,000 visitors come each year.
You can help light it
Officials, the fire brigade, guests and members of the public can all help light the grass, visitors included. Torches for visitors are sold at the lift from the morning of the day, until they run out. The page gives no price and no exact time for sales to start.
Where to watch
For safety, you cannot watch the burning of the whole mountain from the summit. The operator suggests watching from close by, such as Sakura no Sato, or from the east side, or the south side around the Ike district.
The page does not say how the chairlift runs that day. Check the lift's official site, which shows the lift's current operating status, and our lift article has the regular hours and price.
When it is postponed
The operator's page says wet grass will not burn, so rain on the day or the day before moves the burning to the following week. In strong wind it cannot go ahead, because the fire could spread. The organisers decide on the day, depending on the weather and the wind, so check that it is going ahead before you set out.
Getting there
From Ito Station or Izu-Kogen Station, take the Tokai Bus bound for "Shaboten Zoo and Mt. Omuro" and get off at the final stop. Check times on Tokai Bus's route search.
Questions we get
When is the Mt. Omuro yamayaki in 2027?
It is held on the second Sunday of February, which in 2027 is 14 February. When we checked on 28 October 2026 there was no official notice for 2027 yet, so confirm the date before you plan around it.
What time does the mountain burn?
The main burn starts at noon, when ten fireworks are set off. The whole mountain burns in about 40 minutes. The crater is burned earlier the same day, at a time the lift's page does not give.
Can I watch from the top of Mt. Omuro?
No. For safety, the burning of the whole mountain cannot be watched from the summit. The operator suggests watching from nearby, such as Sakura no Sato, or from the east or south side of the mountain.
Can visitors help light it?
Yes. Torches for visitors are sold at the lift from the morning of the day, until they run out. The page does not give a price.
What if it rains?
The operator's page says wet grass will not burn, so rain on the day or the day before moves it to the following week. It cannot go ahead in strong wind either. The decision is made on the day, so check before you set out.