News&Articles
2026.08.05
The Spirit of Obon
The Spirit of Obon Obon is a traditional Japanese period when it is believed that the spirits of our ancestors return to visit their families. You might see families cleaning grave sites, lighting small welcome fires, or hanging paper lanterns so the spirits don't lose their way. It is a special, peaceful season dedicated to honoring our families and roots.
The "Kisei Rush" (Homecoming Rush) Because Obon is a time for family reunions, millions of Japanese people travel back to their hometowns next week, usually between August 13th and 16th. This mass migration is famously known as the Kisei Rush (homecoming rush). If you are planning to travel during this time, be prepared! Trains and highways will be incredibly crowded.
Holiday Closures in the City While trains and highways are packed, you might notice the opposite phenomenon happening in the cities. Many local businesses, privately owned shops, restaurants, and clinics will be closed for a few days so their staff can spend time with their families. Major shopping malls, convenience stores, and large chain businesses will operate as usual, but it is highly recommended to check business hours online before heading out during the Obon week.
Enjoying the Season While this might seem like an inconvenient time for foreign visitors, it is very much a part of Japanese culture. It might be nice to simply enjoy the unusually quiet city as a relaxing space. As a tip, normally super-crowded places like Tokyo Disneyland can sometimes be relatively empty and much easier to enjoy when the extreme summer heat and the Obon holiday overlap!
