What is Gozan no Okuribi（Daimonji）?

Often referred to as “Daimonji-yaki,” the event is more commonly known in Kyoto as “Gozan no Okuribi.” The Daimonji Mountain is located in the foothills of Kyoto’s Higashiyama Mountain range. From the city, the large character “大” (meaning “big”) can always be seen on the mountain. On the evening of August 16th every year, after the Obon festival, this “大” character is set ablaze, glowing brightly against the night sky. This event, officially called “Gozan no Okuribi,” is one of Kyoto’s iconic summer traditions.

As the name suggests, “Gozan” refers to five mountains where bonfires are lit sequentially, starting after 8:00 PM. Besides the “大” on Daimonji Mountain, fires are also lit on other mountains surrounding the Kyoto basin, including “妙・法” on Matsugasaki, “船” on Nishigamo, “大” (left Daimonji) on Okitayama, and “鳥居” on Sagatoriimoto.

The lighting schedule begins at 8:00 PM with the “大” on Daimonji, followed by “妙・法” at 8:05 PM, “船” at 8:10 PM, “大” (left Daimonji) at 8:15 PM, and finally, “鳥居” at 8:20 PM. Each fire burns brightly for about 10 to 15 minutes, and by around 8:30 PM, the event concludes.

Gozan no Okuribi is a traditional event of Kyoto’s Obon festival. It is believed that the spirits of ancestors (referred to as “Oshorai-san” in Kyoto) who visit the household during Obon are guided back to the afterlife by the fires. On this night, families gather to watch the nearest fire and send off their ancestors’ spirits with hands clasped in prayer.

The dynamic and powerful flames of the Okuribi signify the end of summer in Kyoto, making it a significant seasonal event.

Why not enjoy this traditional event in the ancient city while wearing a rental yukata from Yumeyakata?

Next, we’ll introduce the rental yukata that will enhance your experience on the day, recommended viewing spots for the Okuribi, and delicious treats to enjoy while watching the fires!

Enjoy the Okuribi with a Rental Yukata from Yumeyakata

Kyoto’s summer offers a variety of events, including the Gion Festival and Daimonji. During these events, you’ll see many people dressed in yukata. Even during a regular vacation, wearing a yukata to relax at a café, along the nearby Kamogawa River, or while enjoying a meal on a river terrace can be a soothing experience.

This summer, why not explore Kyoto in a yukata? Feel like you’ve stepped into a movie and enjoy the city to the fullest in your yukata.

Rental Fees

Advance Reservation:

• Single: ¥5,280 (tax included) → ¥4,180 (tax included)
• Couple Plan: ¥10,560 (tax included) → ¥8,000 (tax included for a male and female pair)

Yukata Rental

At Yumeyakata, we offer a selection of original and cute yukata. The full set rental includes everything you need for dressing, so you can come empty-handed with peace of mind. We offer not only original yukata for women but also a variety of original yukata for men, including patterns like “Dragonfly” in navy and green, “Asanoha” in green and yellow, and “Shippou” in navy and beige. With a wide range of styles from cute and original patterns to chic and mature designs, we welcome customers of all ages, whether you’re coming with friends, as a couple, or as a family group.

Yukata Rental Set Includes:

Yukata: Yumeyakata’s original yukata are popular. You can freely combine them with various belts.

Belt: We have a wide selection of half-width belts to match your yukata.

Geta (Japanese sandals) and traditional bag.

Undergarment (for women only): An undergarment is included. For the undergarment, we recommend camisoles with bra cups for women.

Yukata Dressing with Your Own Yukata

Yukata Dressing Service: ¥3,300 (tax included)

Items to Bring: Yukata, belt, undergarment, one datejime (a type of obi sash), obi board, three strings, geta, a bag or pouch, two towels, and a traditional Japanese bra (if available).

You Can Also Rent the 2024 Original Yukata by Kimonomachi!

Enjoy your yukata until late at night!
Afternoon Arrival → Free Return the Next Day & ¥550 for Return via Delivery the Next Day! Campaign runs until the end of September.

Yumeyakata’s yukata rental service allows you to return the yukata the next day for half price or free. If you make a reservation and visit the store after 12:00 PM, you can return it the next day for free. You can fully enjoy Kyoto at night without worrying about return time. You can return it at the store by 5:00 PM the next day or return it via delivery from your hotel or a convenience store for an additional ¥550.

• Next Day Return: ¥1,100 → Free
• Next Day Delivery Return: ¥1,650 → ¥550
• If you visit between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM, next day return will cost an additional ¥550, and next day delivery return will cost an additional ¥1,100.

Recommended Viewing Spots

Viewing Spots Easily Accessible from Yumeyakata

① View the Daimonji from Kamogawa Delta

You can see the Daimonji from the “Kamogawa Delta,” a triangular area where the Kamo River and Takano River meet, and the surrounding wide banks of the Kamogawa. The roads around the area are closed to traffic and become pedestrian-only streets on the day.

The fire starts at 8:00 PM. The mountain gradually lights up, forming the large “大” character. The flames are visible for about 15 minutes before slowly fading away.

Access: From Yumeyakata Gojo Store, walk 9 minutes to Keihan Electric Railway’s Kiyomizu Gojo Station, take the Keihan Main Line towards Demachiyanagi (11 minutes), get off at Demachiyanagi Station, and walk west for 3 minutes from Exit 5 to Kamogawa Delta.

② View the Daimonji from Kyoto Gyoen (near Hamaguri Gomon and Kenreimon)

You can also see the Daimonji from Kyoto Gyoen in the city center. The area around Hamaguri Gomon on the west side of the Gyoen and near Kenreimon offers a spacious viewing spot where you can enjoy a leisurely view.

Access: From Yumeyakata Gojo Store, walk 9 minutes to Gojo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, take the Karasuma Line towards Kokusaikaikan (5 minutes), get off at Marutamachi Station, and walk north for 5 minutes from Exit 1 to Hamaguri Gomon.

③ View the Torii Shape from Togetsukyo, with a Distant View of Daimonji

In the well-known tourist area of Sagano Arashiyama, the Torii shape of the Okuribi can be seen from Togetsukyo Bridge over the Oigawa River. The fire is lit at around 8:20 PM, the last of the Gozan no Okuribi to be ignited. It gradually fades after 10 to 15 minutes.

On the same day, a lantern-floating event is usually held at Nakano Island Park near Togetsukyo. Combined with the light of the Okuribi, the sight of the floating lanterns creates a magical scene. Check the organizer’s website, the Saga Buddhist Federation, for details on this year’s lantern-floating event.

Access: From Yumeyakata Gojo Store, walk 9 minutes to Gojo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, take the Karasuma Line towards Kokusaikaikan (1 minute), transfer at Shijo Station, take the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line towards Osaka Umeda (7 minutes by express), transfer at Katsura Station, take the Hankyu Arashiyama Line towards Arashiyama, get off at Arashiyama Station, and walk north for 5 minutes to Togetsukyo Bridge.

④ View the Torii Shape and Daimonji from the Observation Deck of Horinji Temple

Horinji Temple, located just south of Togetsukyo Bridge, is also known as “Sagano’s Kokuzoson” and is famous in Kyoto for the “Jusan Mairi,” where 13-year-olds visit to receive blessings of wisdom and fortune.

The temple has an observation deck from which you can see the Torii shape beyond Togetsukyo Bridge, and a distant view of Daimonji in the Higashiyama Mountains.

Access: From Yumeyakata Gojo Store, walk 9 minutes to Gojo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, take the Karasuma Line towards Kokusaikaikan (1 minute), transfer at Shijo Station, take the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line towards Osaka Umeda (7 minutes by express), transfer at Katsura Station, take the Hankyu Arashiyama Line towards Arashiyama, get off at Arashiyama Station, and walk 15 minutes west to Horinji Temple.

Enjoying “Daimonji” with Delicious Treats

Last year, Kyoto’s long-established bakery, SIZUYA, offered limited-time “Daimonji Anpan” and “Daimonji Cream Pan.” We hope they’ll bring them back this year as well!

In addition, confectionery shops like Tsuruya Yoshinobu and Tawaraya Yoshitomi also release sweets and traditional Japanese confections inspired by the Gozan no Okuribi for a limited time. Be sure to check the department store basements (depachika) for these special treats to make your “Daimonji” experience even more memorable.

Summary

How was the information? As the Bon festival ends, you can start to feel the approach of autumn in Kyoto. We hope you’ll enjoy this end-of-summer event in a yukata during Gozan no Okuribi.

Since the viewing conditions for the fire can change yearly, we recommend checking for the latest information beforehand, using this guide as a reference.

Gozan no Okuribi in Kyoto is a deeply rooted religious event with a history so long that its origins remain unclear. It’s a tradition that has walked hand in hand with the history of Kyoto and is deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people of Kyoto.

As you enjoy this Bon festival event, don’t forget to reflect on its long history, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Kyoto’s night, clad in a yukata.

Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata