Every August, glowing fire characters light up the summer night sky of Kyoto, captivating thousands of locals and visitors alike. This traditional event, known as Gozan no Okuribi, is one of Kyoto’s most spiritual and visually stunning ceremonies. In this article, we explain what the event means, when it takes place, how it works, and what international visitors should keep in mind.
🏮 What Is “Okuribi” (Spirit-Sending Fire)?
“Okuribi” literally means “sending-off fire.” In Japan, during Obon, a time when the spirits of ancestors are believed to return home, people light fires to send those spirits back to the afterlife. While this is a tradition seen in many parts of Japan, Kyoto's version is especially elaborate, lighting five mountains in a coordinated display — hence the name “Gozan no Okuribi”, or “Five Mountain Send-Off Fires.”
📅 When Does Gozan no Okuribi Happen?
It is held every year on August 16.
The fires are lit in the following sequence:
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8:00 PM – Daimonji (character “大” on Mt. Nyoigatake)
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8:05 PM – “Myō” and “Hō” (on Matsugasaki hills)
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8:10 PM – Boat shape (Funagata, in Nishigamo)
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8:15 PM – Left Daimonji (Hidari Daimonji, on Mt. Okitayama)
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8:20 PM – Torii gate shape (Toriigata, in Sagano)
Each fire lasts about 20–30 minutes, gradually fading into the dark sky.
🔥 What Happens During the Ceremony?
On the final night of Obon, enormous characters and symbols—such as “大” (great), “妙・法” (Buddhist words), and a torii gate—are set ablaze on Kyoto's surrounding mountains. These are not fireworks or festive lights, but sacred bonfires, intended to honor and send off ancestral spirits with dignity and care.
Local volunteers and preservation societies maintain and prepare these fires each year, upholding centuries of tradition.
It is important to know that this is not a festival, but a religious and spiritual event.
🌍 Tips for International Visitors
1. Respect the Sacred Atmosphere
This is a solemn ritual to honor the dead. Please avoid cheering, loud conversation, or festive behavior. Think of it as a spiritual observance, not a celebration.
2. Expect Large Crowds and Traffic Restrictions
The event draws huge crowds. Use public transportation and allow plenty of time for moving around.
3. Plan Your Viewing Spot in Advance
Popular viewing spots (such as along the Kamo River, Mount Funaoka, or Kitayama Bridge) get crowded early. Arrive ahead of time and check local guidance for best locations.
4. Follow Good Photography Etiquette
Photos and videos are welcome, but avoid flash, don’t block others, and be mindful of your surroundings.
✨ Final Thoughts: A Quiet Light That Honors the Past
Gozan no Okuribi is not a spectacle of noise and color, but a quiet, meaningful moment. It reflects Japan’s deep respect for ancestors, and the belief that the boundary between the living and the dead can be gently bridged with firelight and prayer.
If you’re visiting Kyoto in August, witnessing this event with understanding and respect will offer you a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.
Useful Links
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Kyoto City Official Tourism Site: Gozan Okuribi（bonfire） | Kyoto City Official Travel Guide
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Gozan no Okuribi Preservation Groups (Japanese only): https://www.gozan-okuribi.com
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