Kyoto Daimonji Gozan Okuribi Sacred Fires

大文字五山送り火

Tonight there will be magic in Kyoto.

The annual Daimonji festival takes place tonight from 8 pm.

Every August 16th, giant Chinese characters carved into the hills that surround Kyoto are lit on fire.

This night is the climax to the annual Bon holiday, which is Japan's All Souls Day. The dead come back once every year, and tonight the fires are lit to guide their return to the other world.

From around 8 pm, the characters are lit in order, beginning with Dai (the character pictured above).

With the exception of well-positioned hotel rooms, it is very difficult to see all of the fires.

Our personal favorite spot is along the Kamo River near Demachiyanagi. Crowds come and sit along the banks of the river, drinking juice and beer.

The atmosphere is hushed and respectful.

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Cycling Kyoto Daimonji Festival

自転車で大文字へ

The Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (Daimonji Bonfire) is an annual event held in Kyoto on the evening of August 16th.

On this night, large Chinese characters and other motifs that have been carved into the hills that surround Kyoto are lit at 8 pm.

This signals the end of the annual "Bon" period when the souls of departed ancestors return.

The lit characters guide one's ancestors back on their journey to the other world for another year.

The character "dai" ("large") is pictured above right on Mt. Hiei.

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.

Light Up Times

Daimonji - 8:00 pm　
Myojo - 8:10 pm
Funagata - 8:15 pm
Hidari Daimonji - 8:15 pm
Tori Igata - 8:20 pm

Information

The best place to see all 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 not possible to see all the fires, but the vibe is magic.

© CycleKyoto.com

CycleKyoto Home Page

Tags Japan Touring Kyoto Cycle Japanese

Daimonji Festival Kyoto

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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