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Spiritual and ghastly fires illuminate the ancient city at night. A traditional event where spirits depart to the afterlife.
Every year on the night of August 16th, the “Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi” uses fire to illuminate inscriptions on the mountains surrounding Kyoto Bonchi. The fires, starting with the Japanese kanji for Daimonji on Mt. Higashiyama, are continued with inscriptions of Myoho, a boat shape, Hidaridaimonji, and Torii gata. Its fire and bright lights are spiritual and full of ghastly beauty.
This event which illuminates the night of the ancient city is a well known event globally. It is a seasonal event that attracts many visitors, but in reality, it is not an event or festival for tourists. The “Okuribi” makes sure the spirits of our ancestors find their way back to the spiritual world. This is an important event that has been practiced for many generations by the locals. In Kyoto City, the Okuribi is designated a registered intangible cultural asset.
After understanding what the event truly entails, one can experience the cultures, practices, and the generations of people that built this culture. Understand that you are a guest, close your eyes, hold your hands and see this cultural event.
"Daimonji" on Nyoigadake (Mt. Daimonjiyama) on Mt. Higashiyama
"Myou" on Mt. Nishiyama (Mt. Mantoro) in Matsugasaki
“Hou” (Law) lit on Mt. Higashiyama (Mt. Daikokuten)
Nishigamo’s Boat shape inscription.
“Hidaridaimonji” lit on Okitayama (Mt. Daimonji)
“Torii-gata" on Mt. Mandara in Saga-Torii-moto
