The Daimonji Gozan Okuri-bi is one of the main traditional events in Kyoto. During Obon (the second week in August), spirits are believed to return to earth to visit their relatives. Obon is a festival which honours the souls of one's ancestors. This year, August 16th was the last day of Obon, which meant that on the 16th it was time for spirits to return to the world of the dead. This part of Obon was traditionally represented with the release of lanterns on the river, as well as five enormous bonfires visible in different areas of Kyoto. The fires are set on five mountains in the city and each represents Buddhist symbol which is used as a way of guiding the spirits of the dead back to the "Buddhist Pure Land".
Having received so much rain today, we were skeptical about release of lanterns taking place on the river, but our host, Hoshi offered to take us to see one of the mountains where the fire would be lit. Much like a firework show, many people gathered in anticipation.
Afterwards, the group of us (Our host, Hoshi, as well as couples from Spain, Italy, France, The U.S. and Canada) went out to an Izakaya (Japanese pub) for dinner together.
Having received so much rain today, we were skeptical about release of lanterns taking place on the river, but our host, Hoshi offered to take us to see one of the mountains where the fire would be lit. Much like a firework show, many people gathered in anticipation.
Afterwards, the group of us (Our host, Hoshi, as well as couples from Spain, Italy, France, The U.S. and Canada) went out to an Izakaya (Japanese pub) for dinner together.
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