Obon Festival 2025: Japanese Spirit Festival

Obon: Japan's Festival of Souls

Obon (お盆) is a Japanese Buddhist festival honoring ancestral spirits. It's one of Japan's most important holidays, when families reunite to welcome spirits home.

Obon 2025 Dates

The Meaning of Obon

According to Buddhist tradition, ancestral spirits return to visit living family members during Obon. Families welcome them with offerings and rituals.

Traditional Customs

Welcoming Fires (Mukaebi)

Fires or lanterns guide spirits home on the first day.

Altar Offerings

Sending Fires (Okuribi)

Famous fire ceremonies send spirits back:

Bon Odori Dancing

Community folk dances performed around a central tower:

Toro Nagashi

Floating paper lanterns released on rivers and seas to guide spirits:

Family Traditions

Celebrate Obon with VIPCalendar's Japan holidays!