What is Obon? A Guide to Japan's Traditional Summer Holiday
The summertime Obon holiday is one of Japan's three major holiday seasons. It is an important time of year when Japanese people return to their hometowns to commemorate their ancestors and attend local festivals. But if you are living in or visiting Japan and don't have a Japanese hometown to return to, how should you spend the holiday?
Let's take a look at what Obon is all about, popular festivals during Obon, and some very important things you need to know if you plan to travel during this summer holiday.
So What is Obon?
Obon, or simply Bon, is an annual Buddhist event commemorating one's ancestors. It is believed to have been celebrated in Japan for over 500 years and is still one of the most important events of the year for Japanese people. The holiday typically takes place over three days in mid-August, although some regions observe it in July.
During Obon, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors return to visit their families. Therefore, many people return to their hometowns to perform various rituals to welcome and appease the spirits of their ancestors. Special lanterns, known as "mukaebi," are hung in front of houses to guide the spirits home. Families clean their ancestors' graves and make offerings of food and flowers. One of the most exciting rituals during Obon is the "Bon Odori," a traditional dance performed in public spaces in cities across the country. The dance serves as both a welcome and a send-off for the spirits.
Festivals During Obon
If you are in Japan during Obon, there are many festivals across the country to attend. Many of these festivals are centered around the "Bon Odori" dance, which often anyone can participate in. Here are some popular festivals in Japan during Obon.
・The 15th Minato Mirai Dai Bon Odori (Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)
The Minato Mirai Grand Bon Dance Festival, held at the Rinko Park overlooking Yokohama Harbor, is an exciting celebration of local culture full of summer festivities. A towering yagura (dance scaffold) is constructed in the park, around which participants dance to traditional Yokohama music. The venue transforms into a lively hub with sports events hosted by local teams, featuring basketball, soccer, and more. There are also many food trucks offering local cuisine during the festival.
When: August 16-17
・Kobe Sea Bon Dance (Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture)
The Kobe Sea Bon Dance is one of the largest bon dance festivals in the Kansai region. During the festival, participants can dance to live traditional folk music performances from across Japan, as well as local tunes. It is held in the waterfront Meriken Park, an absolutely beautiful location. This is an incredibly fun festival that embodies the local spirit of Kobe and the greater Kansai region.
When: August 24
Learn more here. (Japanese only)
・Hakata Summer (Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
The Hakata Summer Festival is a staple of the summer season in Fukuoka, stretching over 17 days from August 6 to 22. The festival begins with a unique "water-sprinkling" event to cool down the streets, followed by traditional Bon dancing around a central yagura with various drum performances. It is a fun festival for both locals and tourists who want to experience the spirit of Fukuoka.
When: August 6-22
Learn more here. (Japanese only)
Tips for Traveling During Obon
During Obon in Japan, there is a phenomenon known as the "U-turn Rush." This refers to the significant increase in travel as people return to their hometowns and then back to the cities they work or live in. There is usually a mass exodus of people from large cities like Tokyo at the beginning of Obon, followed by a massive rush of people returning at the end of the holiday. Here's what you need to keep in mind if you are thinking about traveling during Obon.
・Plan Ahead
Book your travel tickets and accommodations as early as possible if you want to travel during Obon. Train seats, airplane tickets, and hotel rooms can sell out weeks in advance during Obon. Prices for transportation and accommodation will also be higher.
With this in mind, there are important things you need to know about the shinkansen (bullet trains) during Obon. From August 9 to August 18, 2024, the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi services will only have reserved seating to better manage the high number of travelers. This means there will be no non-reserved train cars on Nozomi trains over Obon, so you need to book tickets well in advance. Other slower trains, like Hikari and Kodama, will continue to offer non-reserved seating as usual.
Also, on August 4, 8, 12, 13, 16, 17, 23, and 24, the reserved seat express fare for adults will be 200 yen higher. On August 9-11 and 18, during the peak travel period, the reserved seat express fare for adults will increase by 400 yen.
As for hotels, during Obon nightly rates usually increase due to all the travel. If you are planning to take a trip and stay at a hotel, book well in advance to make sure you can get a room and hopefully not pay peak prices. While rates vary by hotel, some accommodations may charge more than double their usual nightly rates during the Obon season.
・Expect Delays
Since so many people are traveling during Obon, roads, trains, and airports will likely be crowded. Give yourself extra time to travel and be prepared for your trip to take longer than expected, especially if traveling by car.
・Travel Light
If you are traveling by plane, bus, or train, try to pack as little baggage as you can. Lugging a huge suitcase through a crowded airport or onto a full train is never a fun experience, so travel light to make your life much easier.
・Leave Early, Return Late
If possible, the smart thing to do is to travel before or after the peak days of the U-turn rush to avoid the heaviest crowds. Roads and trains may still be busy, but they won't be as nightmarish as they will be during the peak travel days.
・It's Not a Bad Time to Visit Big Cities
If you live in Japan but aren't based in a big city like Tokyo, Obon is actually a good time to visit. Since many people travel out of the major urban areas to visit their hometowns, the cities themselves are a little less crowded than usual. While some attractions may be closed during the holidays, there are still many things to do. If you are looking to visit a slightly quieter Tokyo, Obon may be a great time to do so.
Enjoy Obon!
Despite the throngs of people traveling during the Obon season, it is a fun time of year. Make the most of the holidays and visit a festival, enjoy some street food, and have fun this summer in Japan!
