Daimonji Gozan Okuribi
SeasonalKansai(Kyoto)
Annual eventDates
Venue
Kyoto mountains (five mountains surrounding the city)
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Extremely crowdedKansai(Kyoto)
Annual eventDates
Venue
Kyoto mountains (five mountains surrounding the city)
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
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Daimonji Gozan Okuribi: Kyoto's iconic mountain bonfire ritual. Aug 16, 2026. Five giant kanji characters blaze on mountainsides at dusk.
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi is Kyoto's spectacular fire festival marking the end of Obon, when the spirits of ancestors are sent back to the spirit world. Giant bonfires in the shapes of kanji characters and symbols are lit on five mountains surrounding Kyoto, with the most famous being the Daimonji (大) character on Mount Nyoigatake. The fires burn for approximately 30 minutes, creating an awe-inspiring sight visible across the city.
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi takes place from 2026-08-16 to 2026-08-16.
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi is held at Kyoto mountains (five mountains surrounding the city) in Kyoto, Japan.
Yes, Daimonji Gozan Okuribi is free to attend.
The admission fee for Daimonji Gozan Okuribi is ¥0.
The crowd level at Daimonji Gozan Okuribi is typically extreme.
Yes, Daimonji Gozan Okuribi is held annually.
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi is a seasonal festival in Japan.
Highlights of Daimonji Gozan Okuribi include: Giant Daimonji (大) character blazing on Mount Nyoigatake; Five sequential mountain bonfires lighting up the Kyoto skyline; Solemn spiritual atmosphere marking the end of Obon.
Tips for Daimonji Gozan Okuribi: The first fire (Daimonji) is lit at 8:00 PM, with each subsequent mountain lit at 5-10 minute intervals. Secure your viewing spot by 6 PM. Kamogawa riverbanks offer views of multiple mountains. Restaurants along Kamogawa offer special viewing dinner plans — book months in advance..
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi welcomes international visitors. It is a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Access information for Daimonji Gozan Okuribi: Best viewing spots include the banks of the Kamogawa River, Yoshida-yama area, and Funaokayama Park. Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan/Eizan Railway) provides convenient access to Kamogawa viewing points..
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tips: The first fire (Daimonji) is lit at 8:00 PM, with each subsequent mountain lit at 5-10 minute intervals. Secure your viewing spot by 6 PM. Kamogawa riverbanks offer views of multiple mountains. Restaurants along Kamogawa offer special viewing dinner plans — book months in advance..
Photography is generally welcome at Daimonji Gozan Okuribi. Check specific rules at the venue.
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi is a family-friendly festival that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
Festival food stalls (yatai) at Daimonji Gozan Okuribi typically serve popular Japanese street food including yakisoba, takoyaki, and kakigori. Some festivals feature regional specialties.
Yes, wearing a yukata (casual kimono) is very common and encouraged at Daimonji Gozan Okuribi. Many visitors rent yukata nearby.
Parking can be limited during Daimonji Gozan Okuribi. Public transportation is recommended. Check access details: Best viewing spots include the banks of the Kamogawa River, Yoshida-yama area, and Funaokayama Park. Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan/Eizan Railway) provides convenient access to Kamogawa viewing points..
Giant Daimonji (大) character blazing on Mount Nyoigatake; Five sequential mountain bonfires lighting up the Kyoto skyline; Solemn spiritual atmosphere marking the end of Obon
Best viewing spots include the banks of the Kamogawa River, Yoshida-yama area, and Funaokayama Park. Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan/Eizan Railway) provides convenient access to Kamogawa viewing points.
The first fire (Daimonji) is lit at 8:00 PM, with each subsequent mountain lit at 5-10 minute intervals. Secure your viewing spot by 6 PM. Kamogawa riverbanks offer views of multiple mountains. Restaurants along Kamogawa offer special viewing dinner plans — book months in advance.
📍 Kyoto mountains (five mountains surrounding the city)