Daimonji or Gozan no Okuribi Kyoto Obon Festival Google Logo

One of Google’s special logos or doodles recently paid tribute to the Daimonji Festival in Kyoto.

It is held just at the end of the Obon festival. During Obon (one of Japan’s biggest travel seasons), people often return to their hometowns, hold family reunions, and await the return of the spirits of their ancestors. Special packs of delicious fruit are on sale to be placed on the altars. There are dances and many regions have unique ways to celebrate.

During Obon, bon fires are lit on mountains in Kyoto illustrating the significance of the final day of the celebration when the spirits return to the spirit world.

The most recognizable mountain bonfire is the one in the shape of the Japanese character for big. That is the one Google chose to use. Below that you can see how it was rendered in Google’s logo. I think it was very well done, and does appropriate justice to the end of the August Obon Festival.