Gozan no Okuribi, popularly called Daimonji, is one of Kyoto’s most solemn and spectacular annual events, held on the night of 16 August to close the Obon festival, when the spirits of ancestors are believed to return to the other world. On five mountains encircling the city, huge bonfires are lit in the shape of characters and forms — most famously the giant character for ‘great’, dai, blazing on Mount Nyoigatake above the eastern hills — each ignited in turn over the course of an hour. Watched from riverbanks, rooftops and open spaces across the city, it is a moving spectacle of fire and farewell rather than a festival of stalls and crowds.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kyoto hillsides |
| Hours | Evening of 16 August, from ~20:00 |
| Admission | Free to watch |
| Time needed | An evening |
| Best time | 16 August; arrive early for a clear view |
What to Expect
- The giant ‘dai’ character blazing on the eastern hills.
- Five bonfire shapes lit in turn across the mountains.
- A solemn farewell to ancestral spirits at Obon’s close.
- Viewing from riverbanks and open spaces citywide.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with a spot along the Kamo River to watch.
- Pair with an early dinner before the fires are lit.
- Read our Kyoto overview .
Getting There
- Citywide: the Kamo River banks and open areas give clear sightlines.
- Timing: the fires light from about 20:00 on 16 August, one after another.
Tips
Choose your viewpoint in advance for which of the five fires you want to see, as no single spot sees them all — the riverbanks near Demachiyanagi catch the main ‘dai’ well. Arrive early to claim a place, as good spots fill up, and treat it as the quiet, reflective occasion it is rather than a party; expect crowds on public transport straight afterwards.
