大文字送り火京都The Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (Daimonji Bonfire) is an annual event held on the evening of August 16th.
On this night, gigantic Chinese characters and other motifs that have been carved into the hills that surround Kyoto are lit beginning at 8 pm.
The night is the end of the annual "Bon" period when the souls of departed ancestors return.
The lit characters are said to guide the ancestors back on their journey to the other world for another year.
The character "dai" ("large") is pictured above right on Mt. Hiei and below left near Kinkakuji Temple.
In addition to Chinese characters, there are a ship-like motif on Mt. Funayama at Nishi Kamo and a torii gate motif.
The fires burn for about 30 minutes on each of the mountains.
It is possible to see all of the bonfires from the upper floors of downtown hotels. A pleasant alternative is to go to the Kamo River prior to 8 pm. It will be crowded with people on blankets, drinking beer or juice and waiting for the fires.
It is a calm evening.
© CycleKyoto.com
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