Daimonji Gozan Okuribi
SeasonalKansai(Kyoto)
Annual eventDates
2026-08-16
Venue
Kyoto mountains (five mountains surrounding the city)
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Extremely crowdedFive great bonfires on Kyoto's mountains to send off ancestral spirits.
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.
Highlights
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
Access
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.
Tips for Visitors
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.