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Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning: Video Introduction

This video, titled "2018 4K Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning" (2018 4K大室山・山焼き), was uploaded by "ATELIER ROCKY KALEIDOSCOPES GALLERY."

The Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning is an exciting event where an entire mountain is engulfed in flames. The Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning, the symbol of Ito, Shizuoka, is not only a popular tourist attraction, but also a traditional winter event that heralds the arrival of spring in Izu.
Please take a look at the aerial footage of showing the magnificent Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning via drone.

Mt. Omuro and the Popular Anime Movie 'Your Name'

Image of Mt. Omuro, Ito, Shizuoka
Photo:Mt. Omuro, Ito, Shizuoka

Mt.Omuro is a dormant volcano sitting at an elevation of 580m in Ito, Shizuoka, in Japan's Tokai region.
At the top of the mountain is a 300-meter-wide, mortar-shaped crater left over from an eruption 4,000 years ago. Because of its unique shape, the mountain attracted a lot of attention among fans of the move Your Name, who speculated that it might have been the model for the mountain in Itomori, where Taki and Mitsuba, the main characters in the movie, met.

Mt. Omuro Sengen Shrine is located halfway up the crater and is dedicated to the god of easy childbirth and matchmaking, and enshrines the Five Dhyani Buddhas. The entirety of Mt. Omuro is known as a power spot.

Mt. Omuro is a popular tourist spot for climbers. For environmental conservation, climbers use the Mt. Omuro lift to climb to the top of the mountain. There is also a popular tour where you can walk around the mortar-shaped mountaintop while enjoying the spectacular view.
You can also enjoy archery and delicious food on the summit as well, and there are also steamed buns with cherry blossom leaves being sold there, as well as a variety of other local specialties and souvenirs.

Mt. Omuro is not only famous for its mountain burning, but is also known for its cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn, so you can enjoy the beauty of Japan's four seasons year-round.

Why Is Mt. Omuro Burned? The History of the Fiery Tradition

Image of Mt. Omuro mountain burning, Ito, Shizuoka
Photo:Mt. Omuro mountain burning, Ito, Shizuoka

The origin of the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning dates back approximately 700 years. Initially, it was done for the purpose of improving the growth of high-quality thatch, which was essential for people's lives, and for the purpose of pest control.
There are 2 types of thatch: Kogaya and Tawaragaya. Kogaya was used for thatched roofs, as fertilizer for growing wheat, and as feed for cows and horses. It is said that Tawaragaya was used to make charcoal bales for packing charcoal, as charcoal production thrived on Mt. Omuro.

The Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning has remained as a traditional event throughout its history, thanks to the efforts of the local people. In order to preserve the tradition of the mountain burning as a sightseeing event, as well as to pass on the skills of mountain burning, the local people formed the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning Preservation Society, which has continued to protect the event to this day while paying close attention to safety.

Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning Festival 2023 Schedule

Image of Mt. Omuro mountain burning, Ito, Shizuoka
Photo:Mt. Omuro mountain burning, Ito, Shizuoka

Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2023. Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning is held on the second Sunday in February every year, and will be held with the same schedule this year.

However, the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning may be postponed due to weather conditions on the day of the event for safety and other concerns. For safety reasons, the event is postponed on windy days as well, so please check the official Ito Tourist Association website before visiting for sightseeing purposes. The 2022 festival was postponed until March 13.

The fires on Mt. Omuro are lit from 9:30 a.m. at the bowl and from 12:00 p.m. for the rest of the mountain. Since it's expected to be crowded on the day of the event, it's recommended that you get there early.
Also, if you want to participate in the lighting of the whole mountain burning with torches, participants are chosen on a first come, first served basis every year. However, no dates, numbers or prices have been announced at this time.
If you would like to participate, please check the information in advance.

The Best Spots to Watch the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning!

Image of the Mt. Omuro lift, Ito, Shizuoka
Photo:The Mt. Omuro lift, Ito, Shizuoka

Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning is a grand-scale event in which the entire mountain is engulfed in fire, so you can pretty much watch it from anywhere in the area.
If you want to experience the flames up close, we recommend going near the Mt. Omuro lift. This is also the place where torches are lit for the all-mountain burning, so you can directly feel the heat and hot air from the burning mountain, making it a powerful spot.

If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning, we recommend Sakura no Sato. The parking lot is nearby, and it's only moderately crowded, so it's suitable for those who want to see the whole mountain.

Also, if you have children with you, they may get bored while waiting for the mountain burning. In such a case, we recommend visiting Izu Shaboten Zoo. In the large park, you can enjoy not only the panoramic view of the mountain burning, but also 1,500 kinds of cacti, feeding animals, and petting capybaras. Your kids are sure to have a great time here!

Summary of the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning

Mt. Omuro is a symbol of Izu, Ito, and Izu Kogen. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a superb view of Mt. Fuji that's great for taking photos.
Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning is a spring tradition known as one of the 8 Views of Ito. Ito Onsen is also nearby, so consider stopping by after watching the Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning. We hope you enjoy this traditional event on the Izu Peninsula!

【Official Website】Mt. Omuro

【TripAdvisor】Mt. Omuro

Written By
Last Updated : Mar. 5, 2023
Japan
平敷 篤(Atsushi Heishiki)
My name is Atsushi Heishiki, a writer who loves Japanese culture and lives in Okinawa.
The Mt. Omuro Mountain Burning – A Traditional Event Heralding the Arrival of Spring on Japan's Izu Peninsula. Witness the Roaring Flames of This 700-Year-Old Tradition in Shizuoka Prefecture
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