🎎 Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Fire Sending Ceremony)

Every year on the night of August 16, the "Kyoto Gozan Okuribi" takes place in the mountains and forests surrounding the Kyoto basin, where flames are arranged to form letters and shapes. It begins with the large character "Dai" on Higashiyama, followed by the sequential arrangement of "Myōhō," boat shapes, the left "Dai," and torii gate shapes, all exuding a dreamlike and ethereal beauty. This event, which decorates the summer nights of the ancient capital, is a renowned activity both domestically and internationally. Although it is an annual ritual that attracts large numbers of tourists, it is fundamentally not an event or festival aimed at tourism. The so-called "Okuribi" serves to send the spirits of ancestors who have returned to the earthly realm during the Obon festival back to the underworld without any lingering attachments, carrying the meaning of sending off ancestral spirits. It is a solemn Obon tradition that has been carefully preserved by the local residents since ancient times. In Kyoto, all these fire-sending activities are designated as registered intangible folk cultural properties. After correctly understanding the essence of the event, when you gaze upon the Okuribi again, you will surely be able to appreciate more deeply the deeply rooted traditions, customs, and beliefs of Kyoto. If you have the opportunity to visit, it is recommended to approach with a heart that does not disturb, quietly observing the traditional rituals of the ancient capital with hands clasped in prayer.

Light the flames in order, and the dreamlike scene slowly unfolds. The most important thing is to understand that its essence is the serious Obon ceremony, rather than a tourist attraction. Not only on that day, but usually, entry to the mountains is strictly prohibited except for the large bonfires.