Gozan-no-okuribi

One of The biggest summer event in Kyoto (Gozan-no-okuribi)

On 16^th August, five huge bonfires showing up in the night sky.

Gozan-no Okuribi is the most representative of the Obon (an annual Buddhist event for commemorating ancestors) observations and huge bonfires are lit on the five mountains surrounding the city.

(The lighting times, characters, and meanings)

8:00PM Daimonji (大文字), "large" or "great:"
8:05PM Myō/Hō (妙・法), "wondrous dharma" (referring to Buddhist teachings):
8:10PM Funagata (舟形), the shape of a boat:
8:15PM Hidari Daimonji (左大文字), "large" or "great:"
8:20PM Toriigata (鳥居形), the shape of a torii or shrine gate:



(Good paces to see)
①Demachiyanagi station along Kamo River; wide space, but many people
②Funaokayama Park; able to see 4 of 5, but the most popular and crowded
③Kyoto Imperial Palace; Less people than ①、② and wider space.
④ Aeon Mall Gojo; Less people than ①、②、③