Obon is a Buddhist festival for commemorating one's ancestors - during obon, ancestors' spirits return to this world to visit their relatives. It’s traditional throughout Japan for families to get together at this time, visit family grave sites and pray for their ancestors.

Obon has become one of Japan’s three big holiday periods, along with Shōgatsu and Golden Week, and as many companies take a break and people travel home to visit family, expect crowds everywhere you go. It’s mid-summer, hot and humid, and not the best week to attempt travelling around Japan.

Traditionally, obon dance festivals (bon odori) are held, graves are visited and food offerings are made at house altars and temples. At the end of Obon, floating lanterns are put into rivers, lakes and seas in order to guide the spirits back into their world.

Practical Info

Obon