Hello^^
Finally, the rainy season is over!
That means summer is almost over too...
especially this year, it feels like even shorter than usual.
The next big event in summer in Japan is called Obon (the Bon festival),
which is held from August 13th to 16th. (in some places until 15th.)
It is considered that the ancestors' spirits return to our world.
With lots of offerings, we welcome our ancestors on Aug.13th, and see them off on Aug.16th.
The Bon festival in Kyoto is somewhat different from those in the other areas.
They set fire on those huge 5 Kanji letters (Chinese characters) that are placed on the
surface of 5 montains in Kyoto city as a guide for the spirits to safely find their way back.
The festival starts at 8:00pm.
And this is how it looks like from the rooftop of Nishiyama Ryokan.
From our rooftop, we can see 3 letters which are 「大」 「舟」 「法」 through those
tall buildings that are constructed in recent years.
We do hope that we will always be able to see this magnificent event from our rooftop
for many many years to come....