Obon is a time for the whole family to get together, it is like Christmas in Summer for Japanese people. During Obon Japanese welcome the spirits of their ancestors into their homes. Obon is the 2nd most significant holiday in Japan after New Years, therefore most companies go on holiday during this time. 

What do people do during Obon?

Like most Japanese holidays, people tend to visit temples and shrines to show honor to their ancestors, they also perform a special dance called Bon Odori. Take a look at the video below to see what Bon Odori is like. Other people float lanterns down rivers and make animals out of vegetables so their ancestors can ride them home from the spirit world.

This is also a time when Japanese people visit ancestral family places and clean their ancestors' graves. 

When is Obon?

Obon is usually observed around the 15th day of August. However, depending on where you are in Japan, the starting date may be different.

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