Nara City Tourism Association

Daimonji Festival is one of the major events during summer in Nara. A huge bonfire in the shape of a Chinese character ‘DAI’ (meaning large) is lit on the slope of Mt. Takamado as the highlight of the festival, honoring the souls of the war deceased.

The character symbolizes the universe and the bonfire is intended to destroy the seventy-five evil passion and earthly desires lurking in the human mind. It is also known to be one of the biggest ‘Dai’ amongst other Daimonji festivals in Japan. You can watch the bonfire from various locations in Nara city such as Heijo Palace Site and Nara Park (deer park).