Gozan Okuribi Bonfires is one of the largest religious events in Kyoto, held annually on August 16th. During it, five mountains surrounding the city are lit up at night with giant bonfires (Okuribi) one after another, creating various characters and shapes.
The spirits of the ancestors are believed to return to their old home between August 13th and 16th. Gozan Okuribi Bonfires is held in order to help them return to heaven.
What are Gozan Okuribi Bonfires?
Safety notice
1. Hiking on the day of the Okuribi Bonfires
Entering the hills where the Okuribi is held on August 16th is prohibited for your safety and for the prevention of potential interruption of the bonfire procedures. *Except for Mt. Daimonji which is off-limits during this day, the other mountains that are a part of this ceremony are closed year-round.
2. Viewing the Okuribi Bonfires from riverbanks
Entering the riverbanks may be banned during times of high water levels. Please follow instructions from the security staff on site.
Also, regardless of the water level, you are advised to not enter the riverbanks at night, because they are dark and you may be at risk of accidents such as falling.
Live camera stream
In order to help combat overcrowding during Kyoto’s largest summer ritual – Gozan Okuribi Bonfires, we have installed a portable live camera around Demachiyanagi Station. It will provide real-time coverage of the crowds around this area.
Streaming period: August 16th, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Broadcast location: Kamo-Ohashi Bridge
*In order to help protect the privacy of those who might appear on the stream, the video will be broadcast at a reduced resolution and will not be recorded.
Live broadcast on the internet
Every year, many people come to see the Gozan Okuribi ceremony. Overcrowding and excessive heat might lead to heatstroke, so we would recommend those who would prefer to view it from the comfort of their home or lodging to watch its live broadcast instead.
Kyoto Broadcasting System (KBS) and Nippon BS Broadcasting (BS11) will present live footage of the event through the internet.
Time of broadcast: 7:00 PM – 8:55 PM
KBS Kyoto’s Official Website – “Gozan Okuribi Special Program”:
https://www.kbs-kyoto.co.jp/okuribi/
BS11+ (BS Eleven Plus):
https://vod.bs11.jp/
Commemorative goods for the Gozan Okuribi Bonfires
Original goods made to celebrate this year’s Gozan Okuribi Bonfires are available for purchase from July 19th.
You can choose from a number of beautiful items, such as a commemorative folding fan and postcards designed by a painter called Kiharu Fukuda. The postcards come in a set of five and make wonderful keepsakes as well as gifts.
Traditional hand towels designed by the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi Association are available as well.
Price:
Commemorative folding fan – 3,000 yen
Postcards – 1,500 yen
Towel – 1,100 yen
Sales location:
– Kyo-navi Kyoto Tourist Information Center (2nd floor of Kyoto Station)
– Nijo-jo Castle (store found in the main rest area)
– City bus and subway information centers, etc.
– Online through Kyosendo’s website
