The Obon or Bon festivals usually follow the lunar calendar so the exact start changes every year. Inside every Japanese Buddhist home, lanterns and incense are lit, and food in great abundance is served. Fresh flowers decorate the house, both inside and out as a form of greeting for anyone who drops by.  The lanterns symbolize the path the spirits follow to enter the house safely and at the end of the festival, these same lanterns are carried to the grave where the ancestors are buried.

Some of the Obon summer festival activities are street folk dancing,  river lantern parades, wearing of Japanese traditional costumes and stage shows. To enjoy these activities, go down to the local parks or main streets and participate by wearing Japanese traditional costume or accessories.

As tourists in Japan, there are some important guidelines you should know. First of all, this is like Christmas traffic in any other country. Airports, train stations, streets and highways, and ferries are all jam-packed. It is next to impossible to buy travel tickets any time close to the Obon season. As such traffic is at its heaviest in Japan. Nonetheless, you will be fascinated at the discipline Japanese drivers show while on the road. People wait for their turn and drive within the speed limits. All told, even with the traffic it will be a pleasant experience.

Unfortunately, prices of souvenirs and basic commodities may be more expensive just as you would expect anywhere else during a peak travel time. The Obon festivals generally end with a bang. Expect wonderful firework displays and friendlier conversation with locals. People are more relaxed and are willing to sit back and talk with strangers and tourists alike.