★Kyoto★ What is Kyoto's summer "Gozan no Okuribi"? An explanation of its history, highlights, and how to enjoy it

Every year on August 16th, the mysterious flames of "Gozan no Okuribi" float in the night sky of Kyoto.
In the quiet that follows the end of the Gion Festival, this event, which sends the souls of the departed to the afterlife, is imbued with a long history and deep meaning. In this article, we will carefully introduce its origins, highlights, and how to enjoy it on-site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mERMQ6P6Bj0

Gozan no Okuribi is not just a tourist event, but an important ceremony for offering gratitude and prayers to our predecessors. It is a special night where you can feel the "heart that values the unseen," which is deeply rooted in Kyoto.
At the end of summer, why not spend some time quietly gazing at the fires while thinking of your ancestors?

Gozan no Okuribi is the night when Kyoto welcomes "farewell" most quietly in the year.

▼Gozan no Okuribi

1. What is Gozan no Okuribi?

• A traditional event held in Kyoto City every year on August 16th

• The meaning of "Okuribi" (send-off fire) to send off the spirits of the Bon festival (ancestral spirits)

• Characterized by the shapes of the fires lit on five mountains

  • "Daimonji (Nyoigatake)"

  • "Myo/Ho (Matsugasaki)"

  • "Funagata (Nishigamo)"

  • "Hidari Daimonji (Daikitayama)"

  • "Toriigata (Sagano)"

2. History and Origins

• There are various theories about its origin: said to be from the Muromachi period to the early Edo period

• Buddhist background and Kyoto's folk beliefs

• From a religious event to becoming established as a regional culture

3. Flow of the day of Gozan no Okuribi

• Date and time: Sequential lighting starting around 8:00 PM on August 16th

• Ignition times and order (*subject to slight changes depending on the year)

  • 20:00... Daimonji

  • 20:05... Myo/Ho

  • 20:10... Funagata

  • 20:15... Hidari Daimonji

  • 20:20... Toriigata

• Duration: All mountains finished in about 30 minutes

4. Viewing spots and points of caution

• Recommended viewing locations

  • Daimonji: Kamo River embankment (around Demachiyanagi)

  • Myo/Ho: Around the Takano River

  • Funagata: Kitayama-dori, etc.

  • Hidari Daimonji: Nishioji-dori

  • Toriigata: Around Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge

5. Gozan no Okuribi and the modern era

• Recent initiatives: Environmental considerations, regional cooperation, and new methods of preservation

• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent resumption

• A symbol of Kyoto culture that is also attracting attention from overseas tourists

▼ Things to know before watching the Gozan no Okuribi

• You cannot enter the mountains (many areas are off-limits)

• Loud voices, applause, and drones are prohibited

• Drinking alcohol and leaving trash on riverbanks is strictly forbidden

• It is a 'memorial service,' not an 'event'

▼ Thorough explanation of the [Daimonji Okuribi]

🔥 Daimonji

　This is the first fire to be lit during the Gozan no Okuribi and is the most well-known. The character 'Dai' (大) appears clearly in the night sky on the mountainside of Nyoigatake in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.

• Ignition time: August 16th every year at 20:00

• Number of fire beds: Approximately 75 (places where the fire is lit)

• Size of the character: Approximately 80m high and 160m wide

• Location: Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City - Mountain behind Ginkaku-ji Temple (Nyoigatake)

◆ Origin and History

• While there are various theories regarding its origin, it is said to have begun around the Muromachi period.

• The theory that it was started by the Jodo sect monk Jiun Sonja is considered the most prominent.

• It is a highly religious event that is part of the Obon spirit-sending ritual (sending the souls of ancestors to the afterlife).

• It is currently operated by local residents and the Daimonji Preservation Society, with maintenance of the fire beds and ignition tools carried out throughout the year.

◆ Trivia

• Why is the character "Dai" (Big) used?
  → The character "Dai" can symbolize Mahavairocana (the primordial Buddha of the universe) in Buddhism, and it is also interpreted as embodying respect and prayers for a "great existence."

• The charcoal from the fire beds is a lucky charm
  → The "extinguished charcoal" collected from the mountain the next morning is popular as an amulet for warding off evil and ensuring good health.

🔥 Myo and Ho

◆ Overview
Among the five mountain bonfires, "Myo" and "Ho" are unique in that they consist of two characters, and each is lit on a separate mountain.

• Ignition time: August 16th every year

  • "Myo" around 20:05

  • "Ho" around 20:10

• Number of fire beds: "Myo" approx. 103, "Ho" approx. 63

• Size of characters: approx. 100m each

• Location: Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City

  • "Myo" = Mantoro-yama

  • "Ho" = Daikokuten-yama

◆ Origins and History

• "Myo" and "Ho" are terms taken from the beginning of the Buddhist sutra, the Lotus Sutra, which reads "Myoho Renge Kyo."

  • "Myoho" is a symbol of the Buddha's teachings, or the truth.

• Its origins are said to date back to the early Edo period (17th century) and were started by local residents.

• Although it is relatively new among the five mountains,its religious significance is extremely strong.

◆ Trivia

• Why are there two characters, "Myo" and "Ho"?
  → In Buddhism, it is believed that the teachings are only complete when "Myo" and "Ho" are paired together, andit is said that the meaning is halved if only one is used. For the local people, "Myo-Ho" equals
  a complete form of prayer.

• The pine wood needed for ignition is the "Matsugasaki Red Pine"
  → There is a red pine forest in the Matsugasaki area, and this local pine is used for the fire beds.
  → From the perspective of environmental protection, there are now strict rules regarding the procurement of wood.

Understood! Below, I have summarized the "Funagata" (boat shape) Okuribi (Nishigamo) of the Gozan no Okuribi in an easy-to-understand format, using the same style as the Daimonji and Myo-Ho. This structure can be used as-is for NOTE articles or blogs.

🔥 Funagata Okuribi

◆ Overview

The "Funagata" (boat shape) Okuribi is a bonfire lit on Funayama in Nishigamo, wherea flame in the shape of a boatrises into the night sky.
It is unique among the five mountains for being represented by a "shape" rather than a character.

• Ignition time: Around 20:10 on August 16th (after Myo-Ho)

• Number of fire beds: Approximately 79

• Size of the boat: Approximately 170m long, 50m wide

• Location: Funayama, Nishigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto (approx. 150m above sea level)

◆ Origins and History

• The boat shape symbolizes the "spirit boat" that carries the souls of ancestors to the afterlife.

• There are various theories about its origin, and it is said to have begun between the mid and late Edo period.

• Locally, it has long been called the "Funagata" (boat shape), and it is an event with a slightly stronger folk color than the other mountains.

• Currently, the Nishigamo Funayama Preservation Society is responsible for management and operations, with local youth and residents working together across generations to protect it.

◆ Trivia

• Why the shape of a boat?
  → It signifies a "spirit boat" that sends the spirits of ancestors to the other world (the afterlife).
  The boat drawn in fire carries the souls as they depart for the underworld... this is imbued with a sense of prayer and farewell.

• The Preservation Society's Ingenuity and Traditions
  → Passed down through local wisdom and techniques, such as adjusting the position of the fire beds and securing the pine wood used for fuel.
  → Succession activities for the next generation are also active, such as conducting "fire bed experience learning" at local elementary schools.

🔥 Hidari Daimonji Okuribi

◆ Overview
The "Hidari Daimonji" (Left Large Character) is an Okuribi lit on Mt. Daihokuzan in the Kita Ward, where the character "Dai" (large) emerges in the western sky.
Among the five mountains, it is a major presence alongside the "Daimonji," and is also known as the "Dai" of the West (Pure Land).

• Ignition time: Around 20:15 on August 16th

• Number of fire beds: Approximately 53

• Character size: Approximately 120m high, 80m wide

• Location: Mt. Daihokuzan, Kinugasa, Kita Ward, Kyoto City

◆ Origins and History

• The character "Dai" is paired with the Daimonji of Higashiyama, and it is called "Hidari Daimonji" because it is on the left side when viewed from the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

• Its origins date back to the mid-Edo period (around the 1750s) and were started by local residents.

• Although the number of fire beds is slightly smaller than on other mountains, the mountain is gentle and highly visible, making the clearly floating "Dai" character impressive.

• It is currently managed by the Hidari Daimonji Preservation Society and is carried on as a local event.

◆ Trivia

• Why the "Left" Daimonji?
  → The original "Daimonji" is on the right side (east) when viewed from the Imperial Palace. In contrast, the "Hidari Daimonji" is on the western mountain, and it is said to be imbued with the meaning of sending souls to the Buddhist Pure Land (Western Paradise).

• Materials used for the fire beds
  → Locally sourced red pine is used for the torches. The installation and management of the fire beds are all done by hand, and the entire community works together on this as a major annual event.

Certainly. Below, I have summarized in detail the [Toriigata Okuribi (Torii Gate Shape)], which is the only one among the Gozan no Okuribi that shows a "shape" rather than a "character," using the same format as before.

🔥 Toriigata Okuribi

◆ Overview

The 'Toriigata' (Torii Gate) Okuribi is the final bonfire to be lit among the five mountains, appearing on Mandarayama in Saga Toriimoto, Kyoto.
The shape of the torii gate represents the boundary between the afterlife and this world, or a gate connecting gods and humans, most symbolically expressing the meaning of the Okuribi.

• Ignition time: August 16, around 20:20 (the last of the five mountains)

• Number of fire beds: Approximately 108 (said to represent the number of worldly desires)

• Size of the torii: Approximately 80m high and 72m wide

• Location: Mandarayama, Saga Toriimoto, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

◆ Origins and History

• Because it is the 'last to be lit' among the five mountains, it is also called the 'Gate for the Soul's Departure'.

• Its origins are said to be in the late Edo period, a ritual started by local residents filled with faith and prayers for the deceased.

• The torii is the only shape that symbolizes a Shinto motif, making it a uniquely Kyoto-style Okuribi where Buddhism and Shintoism are fused.

• Management and operation are handled by the Toriigata Taimatsu Preservation Society, and the local people of Saga have protected and passed it down through generations.

◆ Trivia

• Why the 'Torii' shape?
  → The torii is considered the 'entrance to a sacred realm,' symbolizing the end point of the Okuribi—a gate through which the soul enters the afterlife.
  There is also an interpretation that it represents 'passing through the torii to depart for the other shore,' making it a fire with a particularly strong sense of farewell among the five mountains.

• Are the 108 fire beds the number of worldly desires?
  → '108' represents the number of human worldly desires in Buddhism. It is sometimes interpreted that the Okuribi burns and purifies these desires.

▼ The Relationship Between Gozan no Okuribi and Buddhism

• 'Seirei-okuri' (sending off spirits) during Obon = a ritual to see off the souls of the dead

• Influenced by Buddhism, particularly the Jodo, Nichiren, and Shingon sects

• At temples in various areas, 'Segaki Hoyo' (feeding the hungry ghosts memorial service) is sometimes held in conjunction with the Okuribi

▼ Shrines and Temples Deeply Connected to Each Okuribi

Although Gozan no Okuribi is a traditional event held in Kyoto, it is not actually hosted by specific shrines or temples, but is maintained and operated by local residents and preservation societies (organizations for each mountain of the Okuribi). However, there are several shrines and temples deeply connected to each Okuribi, or which serve as their spiritual and religious background.

Below, I will introduce the shrines and temples deeply connected to 'Gozan no Okuribi' for each mountain.

1. [Daimonji] Nyoigatake (Higashiyama) 'Ginkaku-ji Temple / Hachijinja Shrine'

• Related Temple: Jodo-in (within the Ginkaku-ji grounds)

  • A Jodo sect temple, considered the starting point of the Okuribi

  • Plays a central role in the ignition process

  • Successive generations of monks have performed the rituals

• Nearby Shrine: Hachijinja Shrine (near Ginkaku-ji-michi) is also involved as a local guardian

My NOTE is as follows. (World Heritage 'Ginkaku-ji (Jisho-ji Temple)' Ginkaku-ji Guardian Shrine 'Hachijinja Shrine' A history older than Ginkaku-ji! [Philosopher's Path] [From Nanzen-ji to Ginkaku-ji] | Yanmaa)

2. [Myo / Ho] Matsugasaki Nishiyama / Higashiyama 'Myoho-ji Temple / Yusen-ji Temple'

• Related Temples:

  • Myohoji Temple (Matsugasaki):https://myouhouji.or.jp/

    • A Nichiren sect temple that maintains the "Myo" and "Ho" bonfires together with local residents

    • Particularly deeply involved with the character "Myo"

  • Yusenji Temple (http://www.yusenji.com/)

    • Located near the fire bed for the "Ho" character

3. [Funagata] Nishigamo/Funayama "Komyo-ji Temple / Kamigamo Shrine"

• Related Temples: Komyo-ji Temple (Jodo sect)

  • Involved in the management of the Funagata bonfire beds

  • Deeply connected to local faith

• Related Shrine: Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo-wakeikazuchi Shrine)

  • While not directly related, it serves as a spiritual pillar as the local general tutelary shrine

My NOTE is as follows. ([Kyoto] Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo-wakeikazuchi Shrine), Kuga Shrine, Ota Shrine! Conquering the auxiliary and subordinate shrines | Yanmaa)

4. [Hidari Daimonji] Kitayama "Kinkaku-ji Temple"

• Related Temple: Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji Temple)

  • The fire beds are nearby, and there is a deep connection

  • Carried out in cooperation with local residents

  • A place linked to Kitayama culture

My NOTE is as follows. (World Heritage! Kyoto's Five Great Pavilions "Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji Temple)" Photo Comparison from 2009 Onwards [Kinukake-no-michi Series])

5. [Toriigata] Saga Toriimoto "Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple / Atago Shrine"

• Related Temple: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

  • The Toriigata fire beds are nearby, and it is connected to local faith

• Related Shrine: Atago Shrine

  • Known as a deity for protection against fire, it is a shrine deeply related to "fire"

  • It serves as the symbolic background for the Toriigata Okuribi

My NOTE is as follows.

• The 1,200 Rakan Stone Buddhas at 'Otagi Nenbutsu-ji' between Arashiyama and Atago Shrine 【Kyoto Ukyo Series/Kyoto Keihoku Series/Kyoto Takao Series/Arashiyama Series】

• Head Temple Showdown 'Atago Shrine' Kyoto vs Kameoka! Atago-san 'Rinsho-ji x Yosen-ji' 【Kyoto Ukyo Series】【Tanba Series】【Tanba Seven Lucky Gods Series】 | Yanmaa

▼What happens after the Okuribi is lit

What happens after the Okuribi is lit, or the 'meaning and lingering atmosphere after the Okuribi ends', will be organized and introduced from cultural, practical, and religious perspectives.

→When the fire goes out

The Gozan no Okuribi is lit one after another between approximately 20:00 and 20:30, and the fires quietly fade away in about 30 minutes.
Each fire bed is safely extinguished by the local preservation society, and then they begin maintenance work on the mountain.

→The custom of picking up 'Keshizumi' (charcoal)

• On the morning after the Okuribi (August 17th), there is a custom where local people pick up 'Keshizumi' (charcoal) at the foot of the mountain.

• The charcoal is valued as a charm for warding off evil and for good health, and is used in ways such as 'hanging it at the entrance' or 'putting it in a wallet.' ※Please note that in many areas, tourists are not allowed to pick it up as access to the mountain is restricted.
  

→Completion of the spirit sending

• It is believed that the spirits of ancestors who returned for Obon leave this world using the Okuribi as a 'guidepost.'

• By 'extinguishing the fire,' a spiritual boundary is set, severing attachments to this world and allowing the souls to head toward the Pure Land.

→A 'milestone' for local people

• Many people in Kyoto feel that 'summer is over' once the Okuribi ends.

• In tourist areas, the Okuribi marks the end of the summer tourist season, and preparations for autumn begin.

• Local preservation societies and those involved immediately begin cleaning up the fire beds and maintaining the mountain. It is the 'start of tidying up' for an event that takes a year to prepare.

→A quiet night, the lingering atmosphere of prayer

• The Okuribi is not a flashy event. There is no festival music, and no portable shrines are brought out.

• After the fire goes out, only silence and the lingering atmosphere of prayer remain in the Kyoto sky.

• It is also a time for each person to face the 'memories' and 'farewells' within themselves. Kyoto has nights where you realize that even these moments are precious.

▼ The Year of the People of Kyoto and the Okuribi - For the Sake of Just One Night -

→ The fire of one night is born from the accumulation of 365 days

　On the surface, the Gozan no Okuribi is an event that lasts for only a few dozen minutes on August 16th, but in reality, it is the culmination of efforts that local people have spent a year preparing and passing down. In particular, each mountain's preservation society, neighborhood association, and local shrines and temples incorporate tasks for the Okuribi into their daily lives.

→ Spring: Mountain maintenance and fire bed inspection

• Once winter ends, each preservation society begins inspecting the fire beds.

• They carry out tasks such as clearing fallen leaves, cutting down weeds, and repairing the wooden frames of the fire beds.

• Some parts of the mountains have steep slopes or areas prone to collapse, so repairing the mountain trails is also an important job.

→ Before Summer: Procurement and preparation of pine wood

• The red pine split-wood torches used for the Okuribi are collected from local forests.

• The wood is dried for several months and adjusted to ensure a uniform light when ignited.

• In places like Matsugasaki (Myoho) and Saga Toriimoto, the preservation society and local residents work together on preparation tasks.

→ Early August: Setting up and inspecting the fire beds

• Wood is stacked on the fire beds and covered with plastic to protect it from rain.

• Between August 10th and 15th, final inspections, ignition tests, and coordination with the fire department are carried out.

• Many elderly local men are involved in the ignition, and for some mountains, "training the younger generation" has become a local issue.

→ August 16th: The day of the Okuribi

• Preparations intensify from around noon on the day of the event.

• With the fire brigade, police, tourism department, and media involved, local residents take the lead in proceedings.

• Ignition does not happen all at once, but is staggered by a few minutes for each mountain.

• Even after the fires have gone out, cleanup, fire safety checks, and surrounding area cleaning continue until late at night.

→After August 17th: Clearing the fire beds and maintaining the mountains

• Collecting used charcoal, removing torches, and cleaning up debris.

• Handling people who come to pick up "extinguished charcoal" (e.g., guiding them away from restricted areas) is also carried out.

• Depending on the region, "closing memorial services" or "send-off prayers" are held during this time, marking the complete end of the event.

→"Okuribi" in daily life

• In Kyoto, "Okuribi" is not just an event, but the "heart of the region."

• For residents, "protecting the fire on that mountain" is a part of their lives and a source of pride.

• For children, "fire bed making" and "mountain maintenance experiences" are sometimes held through schools and local events.

▼Travelogue

Kyoto Summer!! Mitarashi Festival, Gozan no Okuribi, and a Secret Buddha Seen Once Every 50 Years - Kyoto, August 2025 - | Yanmaa @ Travelogue

🍡 Sweets inspired by Gozan no Okuribi (with real store names, latest version)

※Many are seasonal limited items (late July to around August 16th) so please be careful about the purchase period.

① Kyokasho Tsuruya Yoshinobu (Main Store / IRODORI Kyoto Station)

▶ Yama-akari (Kyoto exclusive)

A baked confection inspired by the Daimonji Okuribi.
A treat where you can savor the lingering memory of the flames with its chewy texture and chunky sweet bean paste.

• Sales: Early to mid-August (seasonal limited) (Kyokasho Tsuruya Yoshinobu)

Furthermore, the store's Okuribi special feature includes variations such as the "Kyo-ryo" water yokan and the "Hana-hanabi" summer yokan, which are popular as Kyoto sweets for the Okuribi season. (Kyokasho Tsuruya Yoshinobu)

② Tawaraya Yoshitomi (Main Store / Karasuma)

▶ Gozan Mikasa (Gozan Confectionery)

A seasonal assortment of Japanese sweets featuring three delightful flavors.
Black bean paste, marmalade, and raisins each represent the diversity of the five mountains.

*Also available at the Daimaru Kyoto store as an assortment of the seasonal yokan 'Seiryu Meguri' and the Gozan-themed dried sweets 'Okuchidori'.

③ Kyogashi-tsukasa Suetomi (Main Store)

▶ Okuribi-themed assortment (e.g., Seiryu Meguri, Okuchidori)

Suetomi's seasonal assortment now includes dried sweets and crafted yokan featuring Okuribi designs.
*This was also sold at the Daimaru Kyoto store, as seen in PR TIMES.

Additionally, it can be confirmed on the official website that the store includes itemsinspired by the Gozan no Okuribiin their Japanese sweets lineup, such as the seasonal sweet 'Kaichu Zenzai'. (Kyogashi-tsukasa Suetomi )

④ Kanshundo (Main Store)

▶ Gozan no Okuribi motif dried sweets

An assortment of rakugan and dried sweets featuring Okuribi characters and summer designs from a long-established Kyoto dried sweets shop.
With their elegant, jewel-like appearance, they are also recommended as offerings or souvenirs.

⑤ Daimaru Kyoto Store B1 Japanese Sweets Section Exclusive (Featured in PR TIMES)

*Available for purchase as 'Depachika (department store basement) sweets'

▶ Sasaya Iori — Koto no Yoru (Night of the Ancient Capital)

Manju buns filled with chunky red bean paste and matcha bean paste. Inspired by the night sky of the Gozan no Okuribi.

▶ Narumi Mochi Honten — Daimonji Dorayaki

Dorayaki with chunky red bean paste and chestnuts, decorated with the 'Daimonji' character.

(This issold for a limited timeat the 'Daimaru Kyoto Store Japanese Sweets Section')

⑥ Other Kyoto Classics & Limited-Time Sweets

▶ Inside the Station 'Kyo no Miyage' (Kyoto Souvenirs)

You can purchase a variety of sweets like the following within Kyoto Station.

• Tsuruya Yoshinobu 'Yama-akari'

• Assorted Yatsuhashi with Okuribi design

• Gozan-related assortment

*A convenient spot where you can buy multiple brands at once.

⑦ Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo

▶ Gozan no Okuribi Yuko (Summer limited edition)

An assortment of Nama-Yatsuhashi and Mikasa in Gozan Okuribi packaging. It is a popular and convenient souvenir from Kyoto in the summer.

▼Bonus

[The Mystery of Obon] What are its origins, purpose, preparations, and procedures?

▼Media

Seeing off the Sennichi-mairi and Gozan no Okuribi at "Kiyomizu-dera Temple"

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