Obon Festival - 2025

🔥 Obon Festival & Gozan no Okuribi: A Spiritual Summer in Kyoto

Every August, the ancient city of Kyoto lights up with one of Japan’s most moving traditions, the Obon Festival, culminating in the majestic Gozan no Okuribi fire ceremony. If you're planning to stay in Kyoto this summer, this is an unmissable cultural experience that blends quiet reverence with awe inspiring mountain fires.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to Kyoto, booking your hotel near the city center or along the Kamo River gives you convenient access to the best viewing spots.

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🏮 What is Obon?

A Time to Welcome Ancestors and Celebrate Life

Held annually from August 13 to 16, Obon (お盆) is a time when Japanese families welcome the spirits of their ancestors back to the world of the living. In Kyoto, this tradition is especially rich — locals light mukaebi (welcoming fires) at their doorways, visit graves, and offer seasonal foods at home altars.

Many neighborhoods in Kyoto hold BonOdori dances, where locals and visitors alike can join in circles of dancing, accompanied by taiko drums and summer yukata. It’s a wonderful experience right outside many Kyoto hotels and guesthouses.

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🔥 Gozanno Okuribi: The Fires That Light the Way Home

August 16 – Best Viewed from Hotels along the Kamo River

As the Obon Festival ends, Kyoto performs a powerful farewell: Gozan no Okuribi (五山の送り火). On the night of August 16, five giant bonfires are lit on the surrounding mountains to guide the spirits back to the afterlife. This is one of the most iconic summer events in Kyoto, drawing both locals and travelers.

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These fire shapes include:

• 大 (Dai) on Mount Daimonji – the most famous and best viewed from Demachiyanagi or hotels near the Kamo River.
• 妙・法 (Myo-Ho) on the Matsugasaki hills, symbolic of Buddhist teachings.
• 舟形 (Funagata) – the shape of a boat, guiding spirits away.
• 左大文字 (Hidari-Daimonji) – another "Great" character on the western mountains.
• 鳥居形 (Toriigata) – a blazing shrine gate in Arashiyama.

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⏰ Fires begin around 8:00 PM and each one lasts about 20–30 minutes. It’s best to find a viewing spot by 7:30 PM.

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🏨 Where to Stay in Kyoto for Obon and Gozan no Okuribi

To make the most of your experience, consider a hotel near Kyoto Station, Kawaramachi, or Gion, which offer easy access to public transportation, local festivals, and prime viewing locations for the fires.

Look for these features when booking your stay:

• River-facing rooms for possible fire views
• Close to train or subway stations for easy access to event sites

• Multilingual staff for guidance during cultural events

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Final Thoughts: A Meaningful Summer Stay in Kyoto

Experiencing the Obon Festival and Gozan no Okuribi offers a deep and reflective glimpse into Kyoto’s spiritual soul. Whether you're here for the first time or returning for another summer, choosing a hotel in Kyoto with easy access to the mountains or Kamo River allows you to connect fully with this once-a-year experience.

📅 Planahead, stay local, and watch the mountains burn brightly with memory and meaning.

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