Viewing advice
Domestic travel peaks nationwide during Obon week, so trains and lodging fill. Kyoto Gozan Okuribi is August 16.
The best time to attend Obon in 2026 is August 13 to 16, 2026. Timing status: Dates not confirmed.
A midsummer Buddhist festival honoring the dead with lanterns, bon dances and, in Kyoto, giant bonfires lit on the mountainsides.
Where to experience it
These are the spots that catch it best. Tap one to see what's worth a trip nearby.
Cosmic events during this window
Cosmic events that peak while this season is on, so one trip could catch both. Meteor showers show the moon, since a dark sky is what makes them.
Next time: Obon, August 13 to 16, 2027
Related cultural events
More moments to explore.
Frequently asked questions
When is Obon 2026?
Obon 2026: August 13 to 16, 2026.
When is Obon 2027?
Obon 2027: August 13 to 16, 2027.