Obon Festival

Obon Festival

Country: Japan

When: Dates apply every year

15th July- Shichigatsu Bon (Eastern Japan)

15th August- Hachigatsu Bon (Most other places)

15th Day of the 7th Month in a Lunar Calendar- Kyu Bon (Old Bon)

Obon festival is an important religious festival during which Japanese families celebrate and honour the lives of their ancestors. It is an important time to be with family and many Japanese take leave from work in order to return home.

The festival runs for three days but the actual timing can be a little confusing as specific festival dates can vary from province to province. In simplest terms, Shichigatsu Bon is celebrated in July, Hachigatsu Bon in August while Old Bon (or Kyu Bon) starts on the 15th day of the Lunar calendar.

It is believed that the Obon festival has its origins in 7th century and has, over time, evolved so that each region within Japan now has its own style and traditions. Despite local points of difference, one consistent feature throughout Japan is that most waterways (rivers, ponds, lakes and the sea) in each local area will be filled with floating lanterns; lighted during a ceremony called Toro Nagashi.

Dancing is also common during Obon. Many of the dances feature traditional Japanese drums. The drums are used to keep the rhythm and speed of each dance. Most provinces have their own, unique traditional dance and people adorned in that region’s traditional Kimono will gather in parks and at temples to dance and celebrate.

Festival Videos

Key highlights

  • People light and hang lanterns at the front of their homes throughout the festival period,
  • On the last day of the festival, people light floating lanterns and place them into rivers, lakes and the sea. This is a truly beautiful and peaceful sight – don’t miss it!
  • Firework displays usually accompany the end of the festival but this could vary from province to province.
  • In Kyoto province there is a large ‘fire light’ symbol that is made up of individual torches and burns throughout the evening of the last day.

Where is it

The most recognised period of celebration is Hachigatsu Bon. This occurs in mid August and is celebrated in the majority of Japanese regions. Shichigatsu Bon, the July festival, is celebrated in Tokyo, and in the Yokohama and Tohokn regions.

Old Bon or Kyu Bon starts on the 15th day of the lunar calendar. The best provinces to visit for the full spectacle of Kyu Bon are the Kanto and Chugoku regions as well as the Shikoku and Ryukyu Islands.

The Awa Odori Dance Festival Tokushima in Shikoku is one of Japan’s great Obon dance festivals. Awa Odori is held in the city centre and features spectacular dance styles complemented by very colourful, traditional Japanese dress. This event is very popular with locals and foreigners alike.

Japan

How to get there

Getting around Japan via the Bullet train and bus networks is rather easy. The Obon festival period is very busy but is not a public holiday. Some people will take time off to travel home to be with family so travel to some provinces and regions may be difficult – much like during the American Thanksgiving holiday.

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This is a very busy travel period all across Japan. Book your transport early to avoid disappointment and, if possible, avoid the crowds by travelling early to your desired location.

Where to stay

Accommodation is fairly accessible during the festival period as many local people are staying with their families. Hostels and hotels are tend to cater more for foreigners and should have space available.

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Staying in Japan’s capital, Tokyo, is a great way to see the festival while also experiencing all that one of the world’s fasted paced cities has to offer. This is a perfect if you are on a budget and have limited travel time. You will still experience plenty of the festival’s culture and won’t have to account for the time it takes to travel between locations. Securing accommodation in Tokyo is relatively easy as many foreigners opt to visit the provinces rather than stay in the capital.

Useful information

More information on Obon festival and useful sites:

http://us.jnto.go.jp/blog/5-favorite-obon-festivals/

http://www.triposo.com/section/Bon_Festival

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2286.html