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What are the customs of Obon?

Illustration of lanterns floating on water at night, with a cucumber horse and an eggplant cow

In short

Good to know

Obon is an event to welcome ancestors’ spirits home and honour them. Most areas observe it in mid-August, some in mid-July.

Where
In townHomeShrine / temple
Type of manner
Traditional etiquetteVaries

When does this apply?

Families visit graves together and offer fruit and dishes at the Buddhist altar. In some areas, people light a "welcome fire" (mukaebi) at the entrance to greet the ancestors and a "farewell fire" (okuribi) to send them back. Some homes display a cucumber horse and an eggplant cow.

Why?

It is a traditional event based on the belief that ancestors’ spirits return home, said to combine a Buddhist observance with older folk beliefs. Bon odori dances are also thought to have begun as dances to comfort the spirits.

What to do

  • If invited to a bon odori, join in by copying the dancers
  • Behave quietly at graves and temples
  • Plan travel early, as many people go back to their home towns

Better to avoid

  • Touch offerings at graves without permission

Exceptions and differences

The timing, decorations and events of Obon vary by region and Buddhist school. Many places hold events visitors can join or watch, such as bon odori and lantern floating.

Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.

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Sources

  1. Obon: Japan's Summer Festival for Honoring AncestorsNippon.com · Explainer media · Accessed: Oct 16, 2026 · Content checked
  2. Get Involved in Local Japanese FestivalsJapan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) · National tourism organization · Accessed: Oct 16, 2026 · Content checked

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