Okuribi

Overview

Okuribi is not limited to Kyoto’s Gozan bonfires: it is a custom of lighting fires to send off ancestral spirits at the end of Bon. The Jodo Shu guide distinguishes send-off fires practised in many regions from the well-known Kyoto example. Bon may be observed in July or August depending on the region, and practices are not uniform. The Tendai explanation of Bon also describes regional differences in timing.

This article focuses on Kyoto’s Gozan Okuribi as a specific example; the history, highlights and access information below concern Kyoto. For Kyoto’s lighting times, venue and viewing-access conditions, and entry restrictions, see the separate Gozan no Okuribi article and the relevant year’s official announcements. Do not apply the Kyoto schedule or rules below to send-off fires elsewhere.

The Kyoto Gozan Okuribi, also known as the Five Mountain Bonfires, is a large-scale fire festival held annually on the night of August 16th, where giant characters and shapes are lit on five mountains surrounding Kyoto City. The five bonfires are the Daimonji (Great Character) on Higashiyama Nyoigatake, the Myo and Ho characters on Matsugasaki Nishiyama and Higashiyama, the Funagata Boat Shape on Nishigamo Funayama, the Hidari Daimonji Left Great Character on Kinugasa Okitayama, and the Torii-gata Shrine Gate Shape on Saga Mandarayama. The fires are lit sequentially from 8:00 PM. Weather can affect the lighting times, so do not plan on the bonfires remaining visible late into the night.

This event carries a Buddhist significance as the final ritual of the Obon season, sending off the ancestral spirits who were welcomed into the mortal world by the Mukaebi welcoming fires back to the pure land of the afterlife. It is cherished as a symbol marking the end of summer in Kyoto. The Gozan Okuribi has been registered as an intangible folk cultural property of Kyoto City since June 1, 1983, with each of the five bonfires individually recognized. Currently, preservation societies in each mountain community are responsible for the lighting ceremonies and firewood management, and the Gozan Okuribi Federation states that it obtained legal status as a general incorporated foundation on December 1, 2025, and received the Kyoto governor’s approval to transition to a public interest incorporated foundation on June 3, 2026. Federation history and registration information

History and Origins

The origins of the Gozan Okuribi vary among the five mountains, but reliable contemporary records are scarce, and most accounts are based on later traditions and speculation. The earliest known literary reference appears in the diary of court noble Funabashi Hidekata, titled Keicho Nikkenroku, in an entry dated July 16, 1603. The passage reads, In the evening, I went to the Reizei Tei, and saw the mountains burning fires, then went out to the eastern riverbank to view them. This description of mountains burning fires is believed to refer to the Daimonji and other bonfires visible from the Kamo River.

In the 1662 publication Annai-sha by Nakagawa Kiun, specific names such as Myo, Ho, Funagata, and Daimonji appear, indicating that at least three of the five current bonfires were already established by that time. The same text states that the Daimonji character was based on the calligraphy of Konoe Nobutada (1565-1614). This suggests that even in the early Edo period, the theory that the Daimonji character was derived from Nobutada's handwriting was already circulating.

Three major theories exist regarding the origin of the Daimonji. The first theory attributes the creation to the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) during the early Heian period. According to this tradition, when the Jodoji Temple at the foot of the mountain caught fire, the main statue of Amida Buddha flew to the mountaintop and emitted a brilliant light. Kukai is said to have transformed this light into the shape of the character dai. However, since no records of the Daimonji exist until the early modern period, this is considered a folk legend recorded in works such as the Miyako Meisho Zue. The second theory attributes the Daimonji to the Muromachi period shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. According to the Yamashiro Meiseki-shi, Yoshimasa ordered his retainer Haga Kamon to design the character, with guidance from the Zen monk Yokuan Keisen of Shokokuji Temple, to pray for the repose of his deceased son Yoshihisa.

Regarding the Myo and Ho characters of Matsugasaki, the temple tradition of Yusenji Temple at the foot of the mountain states that in 1306, during the late Kamakura period, the monk Nichizo, a disciple of Nichiren, converted the villagers of Matsugasaki to the Nichiren sect. Nichizo is said to have traced the character myo on the western mountain and lit it with fire. The character ho on the eastern mountain was later added by Nichiryo. The fact that the myo character is written in cursive script while the ho character is in clerical script suggests that the two characters were not created simultaneously. The Funagata Boat Shape bonfire is associated with the legend of Jikaku Daishi Ennin, the founder of Saihoji Temple. According to tradition, during his return voyage from Tang China, Ennin encountered a violent storm. He threw a piece of cloth inscribed with Namu Amida Butsu into the sea, and the storm immediately subsided, allowing him to return safely to Japan.

Highlights

Daimonji on Higashiyama Nyoigatake The Daimonji is the most representative of the five bonfires and the best-known among the public. The fire bed consists of 75 pits, with the first stroke measuring 80 meters, the second stroke 160 meters, and the third stroke 120 meters, forming a giant character dai on Mount Nyoigatake at an elevation of 466 meters. At 8:00 PM, as buildings throughout the city dim their lights in unison, the fire is ignited simultaneously from the central area called Kanawa, and the character emerging sharply against the night sky creates a solemn and majestic atmosphere.

Myo and Ho on Matsugasaki Nishiyama and Higashiyama The character myo is lit on the western mountain with 103 fire pits spanning approximately 100 meters in both directions, while the character ho on the eastern mountain has 63 fire pits spanning approximately 70 meters. These two characters together form a pair representing the sacred title Namu Myoho Renge Kyo of the Lotus Sutra, deeply connected to the Nichiren sect's faith. After the lighting, the Odori Nembutsu dance is performed at Yusenji Temple at the foot of the mountain, adding a religious dimension to the bonfire event.

Funagata Boat Shape on Nishigamo Funayama The Funagata bonfire depicts a boat sailing toward the western pure land, with the bow pointing westward, symbolizing the journey of ancestral spirits to the afterlife. The fire bed measures approximately 200 meters horizontally, with the mast height reaching about 90 meters, and consists of 79 fire pits. After the lighting, Rokusai Nembutsu is performed at Saihoji Temple at the foot of the mountain, a folk performing art in which participants dance while chanting the nembutsu accompanied by gongs and drums.

Hidari Daimonji on Kinugasa Okitayama The Hidari Daimonji resembles the main Daimonji in shape but is distinguished by the practice of lighting the fire in the order of brush strokes. The fire bed has 53 pits, with the first stroke measuring 48 meters, the second stroke 68 meters, and the third stroke 59 meters, making it slightly smaller than the main Daimonji. It is located behind Kinkakuji Temple. Normal temple visiting hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so this is not an invitation to view the night-time fires from the temple grounds. Confirm any viewing location's access conditions separately. Kinkakuji visiting information Court noble diaries from the early Edo period mention it as the Western Daimonji in contrast to the Eastern Daimonji, suggesting it was established later than the main Daimonji.

Torii-gata Shrine Gate Shape on Saga Mandarayama The Torii-gata bonfire differs from the other four in its unique lighting method, where participants run with torches and thrust them into each fire pit. The fire bed consists of 108 pits, with the horizontal beam section measuring approximately 70 meters and the vertical pillars approximately 80 meters, making it the bonfire with the largest number of fire pits in Kyoto City. The traditional division of roles is maintained, with younger members handling the horizontal beam area called yoko no hashiri and veteran members handling the vertical pillar area called tate no hashiri.

The Moment of Lighting and the Silent City The beauty of the Gozan Okuribi lies in the sequential lighting of the five mountains from 8:00 PM to 8:20 PM. The Daimonji is lit at 8:00 PM, followed by the Myo and Ho at 8:05 PM, the Funagata at 8:10 PM, the Hidari Daimonji at 8:15 PM, and the Torii-gata at 8:20 PM. The scene of the mountains gradually becoming enveloped in fire creates a fantastical vision like five beacons floating in the night sky. During this time, the city of Kyoto is enveloped in silence and a solemn mood, with crowds gathering along the banks of the Kamo River and other viewing spots to quietly watch the bonfires as they burn and fade.

Event Information and Access

Check Safe Viewing Access First: Kyoto City’s July 27, 2026 notice prohibited climbing the bonfire mountains on the day of lighting and asked visitors to refrain from entering riverbeds at night because of darkness and fall risks. Rising water may bring access restrictions; follow on-site staff instructions. The viewing-place descriptions below are not guarantees that those areas will be accessible. This notice concerns the completed 2026 edition; check the relevant year’s official restrictions, lighting times and transport information for your next visit. Goma-wood offering reception also differs by preservation society and should be checked separately from watching the fires. Kyoto City safety notice

Kyoto City's 2026 notice scheduled Daimonji for 8:00 PM, Matsugasaki Myoho for 8:05 PM, Funagata for 8:10 PM, Hidari Daimonji for 8:15 PM and Torii-gata for 8:20 PM. Weather could change these times; they are not a promise for a future edition. Follow the city's request to avoid riverbeds at night and its prohibition on climbing the bonfire mountains on the day. Kinkakuji's normal visiting hours end at 5:00 PM. Do not treat riverbeds, temple or university grounds, or hotel rooftops as freely accessible night-time viewing areas. Choose a location only after checking the relevant year's organiser and venue information for access, reservations, fees and traffic restrictions. If you cannot secure a safe place, check that year's television or online broadcast information instead. Kyoto City lighting and safety notice / Kinkakuji visiting information

Surrounding Information

Several historically significant temples located at the foot of each mountain are worth visiting in conjunction with the Gozan Okuribi. At the foot of the Daimonji, Ginkakuji Temple, founded by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, stands as a symbol of Higashiyama culture. For Goma-wood offerings, check the federation’s NEWS for the year of your visit rather than relying on fixed dates here. The official Daimonji Q&A directs visitors to NEWS for reception places and times, and Kyoto City notes that arrangements differ by preservation society. Daimonji official Q&A / Kyoto City offering guidance At Yusenji in Matsugasaki, Daimoku Odori is a tradition of dancing in a circle with fans to the chant Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. The federation describes Daimoku Odori and Sashi Odori, while noting that participation may be restricted. Before planning to watch or join, check that year’s dates, venue and public-access conditions. Matsugasaki Myoho dances and Q&A

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is located at the foot of the Torii-gata bonfire. If you plan to offer Goma wood, check that year’s federation or preservation-society notice for reception dates and places; a past reception location is not a promise for your visit. Kyoto City guidance on differing reception arrangements This temple has a history dating back to the Heian period and is famous for its forest of stone Buddha statues. The Arashiyama area, including Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove Path, and Tenryuji Temple, offers a rich concentration of tourist attractions, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of Sagano before the bonfire. Saihoji’s Rokusai Nembutsu near the Funagata bonfire is a nembutsu tradition using gongs and drums. The federation’s official Q&A says it is generally open to the public but may be held without spectators, for example for infection-control measures. Check that year’s performance and access information before visiting. Funagata: Saihoji Rokusai Nembutsu and Q&A

If you wish to combine dining on a riverside platform with watching the fires, check your chosen restaurant’s information before booking: which bonfire is visible from the seat, whether it opens that evening, and whether a specified seat or reservation is needed. This article does not guarantee a direct Daimonji view from every Kamo River restaurant or seat, or that every restaurant requires reservations. Traditions about charcoal remnants are separate from eligibility to receive them. Do not assume that submitting Goma wood entitles you to charcoal; if you hope to receive some, check whether it is distributed and the dates and conditions in the relevant preservation society’s notice for that year. Use the Gozan Okuribi Federation as a starting point for society information and current announcements.

Related Information

• During the late Edo period, in addition to the current five bonfires, other characters and shapes were lit, including the character i at Ichiharano, the character ichi at Narutaki, a bamboo tip with a bell at Nishiyama, a snake shape at Kitasaga, and a halberd shape at Kankuji Temple, but these were abandoned early on.
• An interview on Kyoto’s official tourism website quotes the then chair of the Hidari Daimonji Preservation Society describing a traditional belief that drinking water with charcoal remnants in it wards off illness. Kyoto official tourism interview
• On April 8, 1890, the Daimonji was lit to celebrate the completion of the Lake Biwa Canal, and on May 9, 1891, all five bonfires were lit to commemorate the visit of the Russian Crown Prince to Kyoto.
• Following the example of the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi, similar bonfire festivals are held on August 16 in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, and in Nakamura, Kochi Prefecture.
• The Gozan Okuribi was registered as an intangible folk cultural property of Kyoto City on June 1, 1983, and preservation societies continue to maintain and pass on the tradition.
• The lighting methods differ among the mountains: the Daimonji uses stacked firewood lit simultaneously, while the Torii-gata uses runners who thrust torches into each fire pit, reflecting the unique traditions of each mountain community.

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