- Three days, mid-August in most places
- Mid-July in parts of Tokyo
- Japan and Japanese communities
Where it began
Obon comes from Urabon, a Japanese form of a Sanskrit word for a Buddhist festival of offerings to the departed. It is linked to the Ullambana Sutra.
Buddhist tradition tells of Mokuren, a follower of the Buddha, who saw that his late mother was suffering. On the Buddha's advice he made offerings to monks at the end of their summer retreat, and she was freed. Overjoyed, he danced, and this joy is remembered in Bon Odori.
How it grew over time
7th century
Records show Bon ceremonies held at the Japanese imperial court.
Heian and Kamakura periods
The custom spread from the court to temples and ordinary families.
Edo period
Bon Odori dances and lantern customs became common in towns and villages across Japan.
Today
Obon is one of Japan's busiest travel times as people go home to visit family.
How it is celebrated in different places
Kyoto
Gozan no Okuribi lights giant fires on the hills to send the spirits back at the end of Obon.
Tokushima
The Awa Odori dance festival fills the streets with music and dancing groups.
Hawaii and the Americas
Japanese American temples hold Bon dances that welcome everyone to join.
Obon moments
Obon today
Families set up a small altar with fruit, flowers and food, light a welcome fire or lantern, and visit the graves of loved ones. At the end, lanterns are floated on rivers in toro nagashi to see the spirits off.
In the evening, people in light yukata dance around a raised stage to drums and folk songs.
