
Takeshi Kuboki / CC BY 2.0
PAST EVENTFREE ENTRY五山送り火
Kyoto · Kansai
On the last night of Obon, enormous bonfires in the shapes of Chinese characters and symbols are lit on five mountains surrounding Kyoto — including the iconic 大 (dai) on Mt. Nyoigatake — to guide ancestral spirits home.
Happens every year
What to expect
The night sky over Kyoto is illuminated by massive, fiery kanji, with the 大 on Mt. Nyoigatake blazing brightly. The air is filled with the scent of burning wood, and the distant glow creates a mystical ambiance.
Best viewing tips
For the best view, head to the banks of the Kamo River near Demachiyanagi Station. Arrive early to secure a spot, and bring a flashlight for navigating after dark.
How to get there
From Kyoto Station · ~10 min by car
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