What is Gozan no Okuribi -- The Five Mountain Send-off Fires?

Gozan no Okuribi -- The Five Mountain Send-off Fires is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on August 16. What Is Gozan no Okuribi? August 16th is the day of "Gozan no Okuribi," a traditional event that lights up the summer ni

When is Gozan no Okuribi -- The Five Mountain Send-off Fires?

Gozan no Okuribi -- The Five Mountain Send-off Fires is observed every year on August 16.

What other anniversaries fall on August 16?

August 16 is also "First Female University Students Day", "Tsukiokure Bon Okuribi (Farewell Bonfire of the Late Obon)", "Kip Pyrol Day (Kippu Pairōru no Hi)". See the August 16 page for details.

August 16

Gozan no Okuribi -- The Five Mountain Send-off Fires

Seasonal Events

What Is Gozan no Okuribi?

August 16th is the day of "Gozan no Okuribi," a traditional event that lights up the summer nights of Kyoto. Bonfires are lit on five mountains around the city to send off the spirits of ancestors welcomed home during Obon, back to the other world.

Five Mountains, Five Glowing Characters and Shapes

Gozan no Okuribi is one of Kyoto's signature summer traditions, with a different character or shape lit on each of five mountains.

The five mountains: the character "Dai" on Nyoigatake (Mt. Daimonji), "Myo" and "Ho" on the Matsugasaki hills, a boat shape on Mt. Funayama, "Left Dai" on Mt. Ohkitayama, and a torii gate shape on Mt. Mandara in Saga -- lit in that order across the night sky
Timing: starting with "Dai" at 8:00 p.m., each fire is lit in succession at intervals of five to ten minutes
The nickname "Daimonji-yaki": often called "Daimonji-yaki" colloquially, though its official name is "Gozan no Okuribi" -- it is not a food-related event despite the word "yaki" ("grilling")

The Meaning of the Send-off Fires That Close Out Obon

During Obon, the spirits of ancestors welcomed home by a "mukaebi" (welcoming fire) are believed to be sent back to the other world by this "okuribi" (send-off fire). Gozan no Okuribi is far more than a tourist spectacle -- it remains a cherished ritual of prayer, deeply rooted in the daily lives of Kyoto's people.

Tips for Marking This Day

Look up viewing spots around Kyoto where you can see Gozan no Okuribi
Learn about the history of the event and the origin of each mountain's character
Learn more about the Obon customs of welcoming and send-off fires
Take a moment to reflect on ancestors and family who are no longer near

Characters of Flame in the Night Sky, Speaking Quietly

The glowing characters that appear on Kyoto's mountainsides are a light of prayer, seen only once a year. On the night of August 16th, take a moment to reflect on distant ancestors as you look toward this breathtaking send-off fire.