Gozan no Okuribi (Bonfire on Mount Gozan) This is the end of summer in Kyoto.

When the ancestors are welcomed back from the other world and sent back to the other world during the Bon Festival, the “Daimonji no Okuribi” was held in the capital of Kyoto to light a fire in the night sky so that people could return safely on the dark path back to the other world.

Older Kyotoites in particular say that they wish people to say “Daimonji no Okuribi” or “Gozan no Okuribi” instead of “Daimonji Yaki” (Daimonji Yaki). (It’s not like teppan-yaki or okonomiyaki, you know…)

Last night, I was able to view the temple from an observatory on the flyover grounds of Seiren-in, where all five mountains can be seen.

(1) “Big” on Nyoigatake at Mt.

(2) “Myo” in the west mountain of Matsugasaki and “Hou” in the east mountain of Matsugasaki

(3) “Funagata” in Nishikamo Funayama

(4) “Left Daimonji” on Mt.

(5) “Torii-gata” on Mt. Mandara, Kitasaga

The lanterns are lit every five minutes from 8:00 p.m. on the east side of the mountain, lighting the way to the West Paradise….

Ancestors…

Please return to the other world and live happily with enough food, clothing, and shelter. And please protect us and our descendants as we watch the bonfire…

Thank you, thank you. Ancestors…