Unlike the Daimonji, the “Hidari Daimonji” fire lights up according to the orthographic stroke order of the “Dai” kanji. One theory says that originally the kanji for “heaven” – “ten” – was lit, signifying the desire for the spirits to return to the heavens.

After completing a Buddhist memorial ceremony at the mountain base temple, the people of this region form a line and climb the mountain. An ancient rite that continues to this day, torches are lit at both ends of the road and the procession brings their own from the foot of the mountain to the top.

During World War 2, the procession carried on the ritual wrapped in white sheets in case of bombing raids. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rite proceeded with limited attendance so as to prevent excessive physical contact. While it is impossible to specify exactly when the Gozan no Okuribi first began, it has persisted through countless ages and catastrophes.