Gozan Okuribi Festival Japan - Kyoto's unique traditional festival

This festival, with its magical shapes of flames on the mountains surrounding Kyoto, is like a vivid picture reflecting the harmony between the earthly and the underworld, between life and death. Gozan Okuribi is not simply a fire festival, but a spiritual journey, where each flame that burns is a mark of love, respect and deep gratitude to the departed souls.

1. History and origin of the Gozan Okuribi festival

The Gozan Okuribi Festival is an indispensable part of the Obon festivals (Photo source: Collected)

The Gozan Okuribi Festival, also known as the "Kyoto Fire Festival", is an integral part of the Obon festivals, one of the Japanese traditions of honoring their ancestors. On this occasion, the Japanese believe that the souls of their ancestors will return to visit their families, and the Gozan Okuribi Festival is held to send those souls back to the afterlife.

According to legend, the Gozan Okuribi festival originated from the fires that were lit on the mountain as a sign for the souls to find their way back to the underworld. The festival takes place on the last day of Obon, after the souls have been welcomed into their families. The fires are formed into special shapes, with each fire representing a message sent to the souls.

2. The meaning of Gozan Okuribi festival

Gozan Okuribi Festival symbolizes the connection between the world of the living and the world of the dead (Photo source: Collected)

The Gozan Okuribi Festival carries a deep meaning about the connection between the world of the living and the world of the dead. The large bonfires that light up the night sky are not only a sign of sending off the souls but also a way to show gratitude and respect to ancestors. In Japanese culture, the Obon and Gozan Okuribi festivals are occasions for families to reunite, remember the dead and pray that these souls will bless the living.

In addition, Gozan Okuribi also has a profound cultural significance. This is an occasion for the community to show solidarity, when the people of Kyoto prepare for the festival together, light the fires, and create a unique cultural picture. Each fire, each shape on the mountains carries a separate message, connecting people with the traditional values of the nation.

3. The special fire shapes of the Gozan Okuribi festival

Fire shapes of Gozan Okuribi festival (Image source: Collected)

One of the most unique and special features of the Gozan Okuribi festival is the fire shapes lit on the five mountains surrounding Kyoto. Each mountain has a distinct shape, and they all have certain symbolic meanings. These shapes are created by burning large bonfires, making for a wonderful sight at night.

Daimonji (大文字): This is the most prominent image of the Gozan Okuribi festival, with the character "大" (Dai) – meaning "big" – lit up on Daimonji Mountain. This image is said to be a farewell for the spirits returning to their ancestors, a powerful symbol of respect and farewell.
Myoken (妙見): This image is made up of the character "妙" (Myō), which means "miraculous" or "wonderful". It is a symbol of shelter and protection of the soul.
Furimuka (振向): Known for its shape resembling a large lantern, Furimuka symbolizes guiding returning souls.
Hōjō (法城): This is an image associated with protection and stability, with the character "法" (Hō) meaning "law" or "legal".
Funagata (船形): One of the special shapes, with the shape of a boat, symbolizing the journey to bring the soul back.

These images are all intentionally burned and carry a message of respect, hope and gratitude. The bright flames create a mysterious and impressive space, making the Gozan Okuribi festival an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

4. Time and location of Gozan Okuribi festival

Gozan Okuribi Festival usually takes place on August 16 every year (Photo source: Collected)

The Gozan Okuribi Festival usually takes place on August 16th every year, marking the end of the Obon festival. However, the exact dates may vary from year to year. The festival is mainly held in Kyoto, where there are five mountains where fires are lit, creating a spectacular sight. These mountains include:

Daimonji Mountain: This is the most prominent mountain and also the one with the largest "大" shape.
Higashiyama Mountain: Where the "Myoken" image is lit up.
Mount Matsugasaki: Is where the "Furimuka" shape appears.
Mount Kitayama: Where the "Hōjō" image is lit up.
Mount Goryō: The place with the boat-shaped "Funagata".

If you want to participate in the Gozan Okuribi festival, you can go to areas around Kyoto city, such as the Arashiyama area or near the mountains to be able to witness this special scene with your own eyes.

5. Experience the Gozan Okuribi Festival

Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the solemn and impressive atmosphere (Photo source: Collected)

Participating in the Gozan Okuribi Festival, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the solemn and impressive atmosphere. To have a complete experience, you should come to Kyoto a few days before the festival to participate in the preparation activities, such as burning incense, participating in the rituals in temples and shrines. In particular, you can enjoy traditional Obon dishes, such as mochi and Kyoto specialties.

On the main festival day, you should go to the areas around the mountain to enjoy the sight of the flames burning brightly in the sky. The feeling of standing under the blazing flames, listening to music and chanting will bring you a deep and unforgettable spiritual experience.

The Gozan Okuribi Festival is not only an important cultural event in Kyoto but also an occasion for the Japanese to pay respect to their ancestors. The fires burning on the mountains create unique images, giving visitors an insight into cultural traditions, honoring life and the connection between the past and the present. If you have the opportunity, do not miss the opportunity to participate in this festival to better understand the meaning of one of Japan's most special fire festivals.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/le-hoi-gozan-okuribi-v16071.aspx