Gozan Okuribi (Daimonji)

On August 16, the final evening of the Obon period, five massive bonfires are lit on mountains surrounding Kyoto to guide ancestral spirits back to the afterlife. The most recognizable is the character 'dai' meaning 'great' burned into the side of Mount Nyoigatake, visible from much of central Kyoto. Four additional fires follow over the next hour, forming Buddhist characters, a ship outline, and a torii gate shape, each maintained by local community groups with deep roots in the tradition. The fires burn for roughly 30 minutes starting at 8 PM. Good viewing spots include the Kamo River banks, Yoshida Shrine, and hotel rooftops throughout the city.