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Obon
A Japanese Buddhist custom honouring the spirits of one's ancestors.
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Festival Overview
What is Obon?
A Japanese Buddhist custom honouring the spirits of one's ancestors.
ReligionBuddhism
CategoryTraditional
Celebrated inJapan
Duration4 days
ReachJapan
History, Origin & Significance
The Story Behind Obon
Obon or just Bon is a fusion of the ancient Japanese belief in ancestral spirits and a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestors. This syncretic folk Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon Odori.
Source: Wikipedia — Obon
At a Glance
Celebration & Rituals
4 days of celebration
Observances stretch across 4 days of rituals and gatherings.
Bon Odori folk dancing
The most recognisable custom of Obon.
Japan
Communities across 1 country take part.
Somen noodles
A signature dish closely associated with the celebration.
Flavours of the Celebration
Food & Culture
No Obon celebration is complete without its signature dishes, shared with family and community throughout the festivities.
Somen noodlesDango sweets
Customs & Practices
Traditions
The customs practised during Obon vary by region, but these are the most widely recognised.
Bon Odori folk dancingLantern floating (Toro Nagashi)Ancestral grave visits
Duration
Obon Timeline
Day 1 — Opening · Aug 13, 2026
Bon Odori folk dancing
Day 2
Lantern floating (Toro Nagashi)
Day 3
Ancestral grave visits
Day 4 — Closing
Bon Odori folk dancing
Where It's Celebrated
Location & Country Details
Celebrated In
🇯🇵 Japan
Primarily celebrated in Japan. Detailed country facts (capital, currency, languages) need a REST Countries API key configured — see .env.example.
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Travel Information
Best time to plan around
Typically celebrated in August.
Where to go
Japan
- Ask locally about the best neighbourhood or district to experience it.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Obon falls on Aug 13, 2026 (estimated date — exact timing can vary by region or calendar reckoning).
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