{"id":26961,"date":"2026-08-12T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=26961"},"modified":"2026-08-12T17:23:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T08:23:01","slug":"what-is-obon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-obon\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Obon? A guide to the Japanese spirit festival"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Why should the living get to have all the fun anyway? Every seventh month of the year, Japan celebrates Obon<\/em> \u304a\u76c6<\/strong>, one of the biggest holiday periods of the year. But what is Obon? In short, it is a wholesome family event mixed with a splash of the supernatural. It\u2019s a holiday for remembrance and celebrating life with the people you love. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best part? The ghosts of our ancestors long passed get to join the party too. Read on to learn more about what the holiday is and how it is celebrated.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Obon? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is Obon exactly?<\/em> Obon is a Japanese Buddhist<\/a> holiday dedicated to family and loved ones who have passed. It is like a mix between Halloween<\/a> and <\/span>Mexico’s D\u00eda de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Families who celebrate Obon usually gather in their hometowns, visit gravestones, perform rituals, and attend festivals. But, not every family follows the same customs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obon dates vary by region. In most of Japan \u2014 including Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara \u2014 Obon runs from August 13th to 16th, with the core three-day observance falling August 13\u201315th. Tokyo and Yokohama celebrate a month earlier, from July 13th to 16th. Okinawa follows the lunar calendar, so its Obon dates shift from year to year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"glowing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of Obon <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The true origins of Obon are not entirely clear. But, it has over a 500-year history steeped in Buddhist traditions. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legend has it that long ago a disciple of Buddha had a vision of his dead mother. She was trapped in the Realm of Hungry Ghosts (read: not a fun place to be). So, by making offerings of food and drink the disciple freed his mother\u2019s spirit from suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This story has slowly evolved over time and the meaning of Obon shifted along with it. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Obon is treated as a family holiday to celebrate our loved ones here and gone, wear kimono<\/a> and yukata<\/a>, enjoy traditional festivals, and even eat <\/span>Japanese street food<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to celebrate Obon & Obon festivals <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A mystical set of rituals guides Obon festivals and events. First, check out the ritual details and then learn where you can take part yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obon rituals\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n