Daimonji Okuribi

  • Kyoto
  • Festivals & Events
  • Summer

Held every August 16th, "Gozan no Okuribi" (Five Mountain Bonfires), where giant flaming characters emerge on five mountains surrounding Kyoto City, is one of Kyoto's most sacred events marking the end of summer. Based on the belief of sending spirits back to the afterlife, the flames, including the character "Dai" (Great), stain the night sky red, powerfully moving the hearts of spectators. It can be viewed from throughout Kyoto City, and people fold their hands in silent prayer for the departed. Unlike flashy fireworks, it is a deeply beautiful summer tradition imbued with Japanese views of life and death and quiet prayer.

Daimonji Okuribi
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京都をつなぐ無形文化遺産 ─京都のお盆行事─

京都をつなぐ無形文化遺産 ─京都のお盆行事─

Kyoto City Foundation for Preservation of Cultural and Sightseeing Resources

Daimonji Okuribi

Address
Kitaoyama Kagamiishi-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto
Website
https://gozan-okuribi.com/2022/ja/hidari.html
Operator
Kyoto City Foundation for Preservation of Cultural and Sightseeing Resources

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