Kyoto Gozan Okuribi 2026

Dates & time: August 16, 2026 (Sun) 20:00 大文字／20:05 妙法／20:10 船形／20:15 左大文字／20:20 鳥居形（各約30分間）
cost: Free to watch
Venue & access: Five mountains around Kyoto City Each fire has its own viewing spots: Daimonji from the Kamogawa between Marutamachi and Misono bridges or Kyoto Gyoen; Myo-Ho from Kitayama-dori and the Takanogawa; Funagata along the Kamogawa between Kitayama and Nishigamo bridges; Hidari-Daimonji along Nishioji-dori between Enmachi and Kinkakuji; Torigata from Togetsukyo, Matsuobashi and Hirosawa Pond. Central Kyoto is extremely crowded with road restrictions, so come by public transport.

There are 8 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Five mountains around Kyoto City, and 3 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

The rite that closes Kyoto's summer, sending home the spirits welcomed at Obon. On the night of 16 August the fires begin with Daimonji at 20:00 and pass at five-minute intervals to Myo-Ho, Funagata, Hidari-Daimonji and Torigata, with all five alight by 20:20. Each is kept by its own local preservation society, and they differ in scale and origin — 75 fire beds for Daimonji, 108 for Torigata. Free to watch from the Kamogawa banks, Kyoto Gyoen, Nishioji-dori and other spots around the city.

Programs

Timetable & Map

NOTE

Requests from the City of Kyoto

Neon, outdoor and advertising lights are asked to go dark from 19:50 to 20:50 (except Yamashina and Fushimi wards)
Drones and sightseeing helicopters are asked to refrain from flying
Climbing any of the five mountains is prohibited on the day — the trails have no lighting
No walking while looking at your phone; the crowds make collisions and falls likely
Drink water and take some salt through the evening
Riverbanks may be closed if water levels rise, and night access is discouraged because of the risk of falling in

Broadcast

16 August, 19:00–20:55 on KBS Kyoto and BS11
Streaming via the KBS Kyoto site and BS11+
The city suggests watching the broadcast as a way to avoid the extreme heat

Background

For Daimonji, writing your name and ailment on a goma stick to be burned is said to cure illness

*Lighting times may shift in rain or strong wind. Goma-stick offering times and places differ by preservation society — check the Gozan Okuribi association site.

History Heritage Night View Free Cheap Events Festivals

出典: 京都市文化市民局（点火時刻・注意事項）／京都市公式京都観光Navi（各山の火床数・寸法）／京都五山送り火連合会

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

Where should I watch from?

Each fire is visible from different places, so pick the one you want and go there rather than hoping to catch several from one spot. The Kamogawa banks and Kyoto Gyoen are the standards for Daimonji, and Togetsukyo for Torigata. Expect heavy crowds in central Kyoto.

Does it go ahead in rain?

In principle yes. The city notes that rain or strong wind may shift the lighting times.

Can I climb up for a closer look?

No. Climbing is prohibited on the day, both to keep the lighting work running and for safety — the trails have no lighting.