Want to get the ultimate Japan travel guide, quick tips & tricks, language course and more?
It’s free! Click here 👋

Flip Guide Logo

Obon Featured Image

Obon お盆: What is it & How to Celebrate Obon in Japan

There are so many holidays and celebrations in Japan. Some of these festivities only last for a day, but there are also some that last for a few days and even a few weeks. If you are wondering what obon is and how to celebrate obon in Japan, you are at the right place. Let’s take a look at what this Japanese event is all about!

What is Obon?

Obon Obon What is Obon 1

Obon is a Buddhist ceremony. It is the day that is believed that ancestors return to this world to visit relatives. The date differs from region to region, with three separate Obon celebrations taking place in Japan’s diverse prefectures.

Obon is celebrated at different times across japan. In 1873, Japan adopted the Gregorian Calendar. In many areas, the holiday was shifted by exactly one month to around 15th August. 

Obon Obon What is Obon 2

The origins of Obon are not well known, but there was a long-standing custom in Japan of making offerings to ancestors in midsummer. It is thought that the Buddhist event called Urabon-e, which is held on 13-16 July of the lunar calendar, was introduced to Japan, gradually turning into the unique event we know today.

When does Obon start and end?

Obon When does Obon start and end 1

The first bon to be celebrated is Shichigatsu Bon (July Bon), which is celebrated around the 15th of July in Japan’s eastern Kanto region (Tokyo, Yokohama and Tohoku region). In these areas, the date was shifted to 15th July as the new calendar came into effect. This Bon is sometimes referred to as the ‘New Obon’ or ‘Tokyo Bon.’ 

Next is the Hachigatsu Bon (August Bon), held on the 15th of August and is the most commonly commemorated bon. 

Obon When does Obon start and end 2

This leaves us with Kyu Bon (Old Bon). This Bon is special as it is celebrated on the 15th day of the ninth month on the lunar calendar. That means that the date of this Bon changes every year but falls between 8th August and 7th September.

Kyu Bon is celebrated in Japan’s northern Kanto region, Chugoku Region, Shikoku, and Okinawa Prefecture. There are various theories as to why many regions chose this ‘old Obon’ period. Still, there were several reasons, one being that the transition to the new calendar fell during the busy farming season, and the rainy season had not yet ended.

What do people do during Obon?

Obon What do people do during Obon

Although Obon takes place in the middle of the months that each religion celebrates, preparations begin well in advance. 

Here is a rundown of the days and events during the celebrations: 

12th Day

Obon 12th Day

This day is called ‘Tanabata’ and is the time to set up a ‘Shoryodana’, a shelf with ancestral tablet and altarage used during obon, to welcome the ancestors.

A rug is laid on a stand, spectral horses’ made from aubergines and cucumbers are prepared, and toothpicks are placed in them to represent legs. The horse is believed to be used by the ancestors to travel between the other world and this world.

The cucumber represents a horse and the aubergine a cow, with the wish that when they return to our world, they will get here quickly like a horse, and when they depart for their world, they will leave slowly like a cow.

13th Day

Obon 13th Day

In the evening, welcome the ancestors by lighting a welcoming fire. The welcoming fire is a small fire burning outside. The fire is built in the hope that the smoke will help guide the horses, ridden by the ancestors, on their journey to our world. 

14th and 15th Days

Obon 14th and 15th

During the Obon period, ancestors are believed to stay at the spirit trellis. Offer fruits, sweetmeats, and food. Families will visit their ancestors’ graves and clean and repair them. In some cases, flowers and a bowl of water may even be offered. After this, families will often have a meal together while reminiscing about lost loved ones.

16th Day

Obon 16th Day

Ancestors are believed to stay at home until the morning; in the evening, hemp seed reeds are burnt in hopes that the smoke will guide the ancestors home. Bonfires are also a part of the celebrations. Fun fact: In Kyoto, bonfires in the shape of various kanji are sparked. It is also customary to float small paper lanterns down a river in a tradition known as toro nagashi.

What are some of the Obon events?

Obon events and customs vary from region to region. Some ancient, unique customs nurtured in each area are still alive today as local traditions. Here are some examples.

Bon Odori

Obon Bon Odori

The most popular Obon event is the Bon dance (Bon Odori). It is said to have its roots in the Nenbutsu dance to comfort the spirits of ancestors, with the addition of prayers for a good harvest and as a form of entertainment for those attending the festival. Nowadays, the religious significance of the dance is all but gone and serves its purpose of providing entertainment.

Gozan Okuribi (Gozan Bonfire)

Obon Gozan Okuribi

On 16th August, bonfires shaped as Kanji characters are brought to life on five mountains surrounding Kyoto: Higashiyama Nyoigatake, Matsugasaki Nishiyama and Higashiyama, Nishigamo Funayama, and Ohokuyama. 

Shoronagashi (Floating Spirits)

Obon Shoronagashi

A traditional event is held in Nagasaki Prefecture every year on the 15th of August to send the spirits of the deceased to paradise. Instead of being floated down a river, the family members of the dead, on the occasion of the first Obon (new Obon), pull a large spirit boat (with wheels) like an omikoshi (portable shrine) and parade it through the streets. The event is a loud one, with bells chanting and numerous large firecrackers being set off with the call of “doi doi.”

Final Thoughts

Obon Conclusion

Obon is a day when most people remember their hometowns, their souls filled with nostalgia and memories of their ancestors—looking back at the events cherished in the community and each family. It stands out as one of Japan’s most unique celebrations that can only be experienced when you are here. If you want to participate in these celebrations, make sure to book your tickets before the festivities begin! ✈️ 🥳

We host our own bar tours regularly as well! We take you to all kinds of unique and underground locations around Tokyo, with anywhere between five to fifteen international guests! We’ve also lived in Japan for years and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have, ranging from history, and culture to society and nightlife! Come join us for a great night!

Stay tuned for more information about Japan travel, Japanese culture, moving to Japan, living in Japan and more.

Flip Japan Guide
Got a question? Reach out to us through Instagram or Facebook Messenger
Connect with us: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest
Join our Facebook community here!

We’re your local friend in Japan, helping you explore, experience and enjoy the ins and outs of Japan! When we first arrived in Tokyo, we all found this city to be overwhelming, not sure where to begin. During the years that we have lived here in Japan, we have discovered and visited countless famous tourist attractions as well as unique underground places. We are now proud to say that we are experts of Japan and would love to share the knowledge with all of you!

Tag us @flipjapanguide on Instagram and share your adventures with us!

 

FLIP GUIDE TEAM

Hey friend!

Just like you, we are foreigners from all around the world.

When we first arrived in Tokyo, we all found this city to be overwhelming, not sure where to begin.

During the years that we have lived here in Japan, we have discovered and visited countless famous tourist attractions as well as unique and underground places.

We are now proud to say that we are experts of Japan and would love to share the knowledge with all of you!

 

Free things to do in Tokyo: 30+ Ways to enjoy Tokyo without spending money

Tokyo is a fantastic city, and the sheer amount of activities is endless. However, costs can add...

Hydrangea in Tokyo: 21 Best Spots + Hidden Gems for Ajisai

Are you wondering where to see Hydrangea in Tokyo? Are you in Tokyo during the rainy season and...

Overnight Itinerary in Kanazawa

Kanazawa is the capital city of Ishikawa prefecture, located on the western Japan coast. Being one...

1 week Japan Itinerary Featuring Sakura, Cherry Blossoms

Are you coming to Tokyo during peak Cherry Blossom season during March and April, and you want to...

3-day Tokyo Itinerary featuring Sakura Cherry Blossoms

Are you in Tokyo for 3 days between March till May and looking forward to visiting cherry...

10 best spots to see Kawazu-zakura Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

You might think you can only see Kawazu-zakura if you travel south of Tokyo, around the Izu area....

Step by step for planning a trip to Japan

Have you been waiting to travel to Japan and you can’t wait to get your Japan itinerary going? Are...

Plum Blossoms in Japan: When and where to see Japanese plum festivals in Tokyo

In Tokyo, the plum blossoms gradually come into blossoms from late January. Here are some spots...

Coming of Age Day 成人の日: What is it & How to Celebrate

Coming of Age Day, which falls on the second Monday of January, is a significant milestone for...

Chou-you-no-Sekku 重陽の節句: What is it & How to Celebrate in Japan

Are you looking to dive into traditional Japanese celebrations? We've got you covered 🤗  The...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *