Gozan Okuribi (bonfires) held on the evening of August 16 is one of Kyoto’s symbolic religious ceremonies in summer. Okuribi (bonfires) is said to send off ancestors’ spirits to the other side. People believe ancestral spirits come back to their homes from August 13 to 16 (obon). It is said that Gozan Okuribi became an annual event after the Muromachi and Edo periods (15th – 17th century). Gozan Okuribi consists of five different characters on five mountains: “Daimonji” (Great), “Myo-Ho” (Buddha’s remarkable teaching), “Funagata” (ship), “Hidari Daimonji” (Great (depicted on the left mountain)) and “Toriigata” (shrine gate). These five characters are lit one by one every 5 min. from 8 pm.
There are several views on the beginning; however the origin of the ceremony is unknown. Some historical sources say there used to be a custom to send off ancestors’ spirits by throwing burning torches into the air. In contrast, the present Gozan Okuribi adopts the style to light up the fire bed of each mountain.
The light up time of five characters：
August 16
Daimonji (Great)：8:00 PM
Myo-Ho (Buddha’s remarkable teaching)：8:05 PM
Funagaa (ship)：8:10 PM
Hidari Daimonji (Great (depicted on the left mountain))：8:15 PM
Toriigata (shrine gate)：8:20 PM
Precautions for viewing the Gozan Okuribi bonfires
1. 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 the riverbanks are often dark and you may be at risk of accidents such as falling.
2. Hiking on the day of the Okuribi bonfires
Entering the hills where the Okuribi are held on August 16 is prohibited for your safety and for the prevention of potential interruption of the bonfire procedures. Furthermore, the trails do not have lights.
3. Using smartphones while walking
Using smartphones while walking in crowded areas can lead to collisions or falls, potentially causing serious accidents.
To ensure everyone can enjoy the beauty of the Gozan Okuribi bonfires, we kindly ask that you refrain from any behavior that may disturb the peaceful evening for all.
