What Should You Know About Traveling in Japan During Obon?
TL;DR & 2025 Obon Dates
Obon is a traditional Japanese holiday to honor ancestors, usually observed from August 13 to 15. In 2025, these dates fall on a Wednesday through Friday, but the travel rush starts as early as August 10 and can last until August 17 or 18.
It’s when people in Japan tend to return to their hometowns – or travel around Japan. Tokyo and other big cities might seem to empty out a bit, but major sights and destinations tend to get pretty busy.
Expect jam-packed shinkansen and other express trains, crowded highways and limited hotel availability across Japan during this window. However, Obon also offers the chance to witness authentic cultural traditions, including lantern ceremonies and Bon Odori dances.
What Is Obon? Why Is It Significant in Japan?
Obon (sometimes written as "O-Bon") is a Buddhist-based custom in which families welcome the spirits of deceased ancestors back to their homes for a short stay. It blends elements of Buddhism and Shintoism and over the centuries has evolved into both a religious and familial event.
Typical practices include cleaning graves, placing offerings on family altars, lighting candles or lanterns to guide spirits home and participating in community dances known as Bon Odori. The period ends with farewell fires or lantern-floating ceremonies to guide the spirits back to the afterlife.
Obon is one of Japan’s busiest travel periods. Offices close, industries shut down and families take time off work to return to their hometowns. For travelers, this means increased movement across the country, disruptions to local services and elevated demand for transportation and lodging.
What Are the Travel Impacts Across Japan During Obon?
Obon is a high-mobility season across Japan. You’ll see intense movement both out of and back into the major urban centers. Here's how it tends to unfold:
Outbound traffic surges between August 9 and 12 as people leave Tokyo, Osaka and other cities.
Return traffic builds from the evening of August 15 and peaks August 16–18.
The best Japan itineraries will have you timing your travels either to stay put in one place on the peak transit days, or to travel in the opposite direction of the main flow.
Obon Train Travel in Japan
Shinkansen and long-distance express trains are booked solid during peak days. Even with a Japan Rail Pass (which we almost never recommend) or other regional rail pass, seat reservations are essential. Green Car and Gran Class seats may offer better availability but at a premium. Do not book “non-reserved” train cars (on Hikari or Kodama shinkansen trains) during Obon, otherwise you’ll end up standing in long lines just to get into a train car (sometimes waiting for several trains to come by); and might end up standing on the train all the way to your destination!
Air Travel: Japan’s Busy Flying Season for Domestic & International
Domestic flights to Japanese cities and regional airports often sell out early. If you’re flying during Obon, book as far in advance as possible. Prices climb quickly. Some Japanese will also travel outside Japan during Obon, so this could affect your international flights to/from Japan if you haven’t already booked those. Expect Japan’s airports to be very busy all day every day during Obon; plan accordingly, allow extra time and bring lots of patience.
Highways & Rental Cars
Major expressways become congested, particularly around Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Long traffic jams of 20–50 km are not uncommon. If you’re driving, expect delays and rest areas to be busy. Car rentals also book up quickly. We often recommend using trains, flights or long-distance buses instead of rental cars, for a variety of reasons, and holiday periods like Obon only underscore that recommendation.
Local Transport: Getting Around Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Elsewhere During Obon
Trains and subways in big cities usually run on normal or holiday schedules, but buses and local lines in rural areas may reduce service. Tourist-oriented routes (e.g., loop buses around historic towns) can also become overcrowded. If you’re visiting popular Japanese destinations like Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone or elsewhere, allow extra time and be patient.
Regional Variations in Obon: How Do Different Places in Japan Celebrate?
While most of Japan observes Obon in mid-August, there are a few exceptions:
Tokyo and Yokohama: Traditionally used to observe Obon from July 13 to 15. Though the national schedule has mostly overridden this in daily life, some neighborhoods and temples still hold events in July.
Okinawa and Amami Islands: Follow the lunar calendar, meaning Obon usually falls later in August or September, with dates varying each year.
Some rural areas: Keep to local traditions that may not align with either national or Tokyo-style dates.
This staggered timing creates some interesting opportunities: you may be able to experience Obon traditions more than once in a single trip by moving through different regions.
What Are Some Good Booking Strategies for Travel in Japan During Obon?
If you’re planning to travel during Obon, you need to be ahead of the curve. Here’s how to do it:
Reserve trains and flights as early as possible, especially if you’ll be moving between regions between August 9–18.
Book hotels months in advance if you're staying in popular tourist areas like Kyoto, Hiroshima or Kanazawa.
Look at alternative airports: Flying into Kobe instead of Osaka or using Sendai instead of Tokyo, can sometimes yield cheaper fares and easier logistics.
Avoid peak transit days: Travel on August 11 or August 16 if you can’t avoid the period entirely.
Plan for flexibility: If a typhoon or major congestion disrupts your itinerary, have backup dates and routes in mind.
That last one’s no joke. Typhoons can and do hit Japan during the month of August. For Americans, this isn’t too different from hurricane season. In the past two years alone, typhoons hit the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara & Kobe) during Obon 2023; and Tohoku (Sendai and vicinity) in Obon 2024.
Typhoons bring a lot of rain and wind, and can shut down trains and flights alike. Have a backup plan, pay attention to weather forecasts, take warnings seriously and communicate with your hotel (and Japan Travel Pros, if you’re working with us) regarding weather updates.
What Are Some Key Events & Seasonal Highlights for Obon?
One of the upsides to traveling during Obon is that you’ll find summer festivals in full swing. Here are a few notable events:
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (Kyoto)
Held on the night of August 16, this event features massive bonfires shaped into kanji characters lit on the hills surrounding Kyoto. The fires represent sending spirits back to the afterlife. Best viewed from the Kamo River banks.
Awa Odori (Tokushima)
Running from August 12 to 15, Awa Odori is one of Japan’s largest dance festivals. Groups of dancers parade through the streets performing choreographed routines accompanied by shamisen, flutes and drums. Very lively, very crowded and unforgettable.
Toro Nagashi (Various Locations)
These lantern-floating ceremonies are held throughout Japan. Notable ones include:
Hiroshima Peace Park on August 6 (also honoring atomic bomb victims)
Sumida River in Tokyo (usually mid-August)
Kumamoto’s riverside events
If you attend one, you may even be invited to launch your own lantern, making it a meaningful personal experience.
How to Cope with Japan's Summer Heat & Mosquitoes?
August in Japan is hot. Average highs hover around 33°C (91°F) and humidity often exceeds 70%. Combined with crowds, it can be overwhelming.
How to Stay Cool?
Start your days early. Tour before noon and rest in the afternoon.
Carry a towel and water bottle. Hydration is critical.
Use cooling sheets or sprays. Sold at drugstores and konbini.
Wear light clothing and bring a hat or UV umbrella.
How to Avoid Mosquitoes?
If you're staying in rural areas, near water or attending outdoor evening festivals, use insect repellent. Most drugstores stock both DEET and natural alternatives. Long sleeves and pants help in the evenings.
Where to Go to Avoid the Crowds in Obon?
If you're not tied to the major cities, Obon can be a great time to explore lesser-known destinations. Have a look at these options:
Tohoku: Japan’s Northern Frontier
Slightly more bearable temperatures and relatively thinner crowds. Try:
Hiraizumi for Buddhist heritage
Aomori post-Nebuta (early August)
Yamadera temple hikes
Iya Valley (Shikoku)
Remote, mountainous and sparsely populated. Great for:
Vine bridges
Traditional guesthouses
Deep gorges and scenic drives
Nagano Highlands
The Kiso Valley, Matsumoto and Kamikochi offer fresh air, mountains and rivers. Lodging fills up but is less chaotic than Kyoto or Hakone.
Even near Tokyo or Osaka, you can head to places like:
Okutama (Tokyo)
Kii Peninsula (Wakayama Prefecture)
Kurashiki (Okayama Prefecture)
Don’t expect to be “cool” anywhere in Japan (other than in air conditioning) during Obon. And unless you really veer off the beaten path in Japan, it’s best not to expect a complete lack of people around you (hey, Japan is in a tourist boom after all). But if you play your cards right, you can have a great time in Japan during Obon!
What Are Some Tips for Cultural Sensitivity & Etiquette?
Remember that Obon is a sacred time for many Japanese families. If you're visiting a cemetery or attending a ceremony:
Be discreet. Keep your voice down and avoid flash photography.
Ask before participating. Especially in religious spaces.
Follow locals’ lead. For example, remove your hat or bow slightly when appropriate.
When attending Bon Odori dances or lantern festivals, tourists are generally welcome. You don’t need to know the steps—just join the circle, follow along and enjoy the rhythm. Casual summer yukata are often worn but not required.
What Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Travel During Obon in Japan?
Are shops closed during Obon? Chain stores in cities usually stay open. Family-run businesses, especially in rural towns, may close from August 13–15.
Can I use my Japan Rail Pass during Obon? Yes, the pass remains valid – but in most cases, why would you want to buy one? Point to point tickets almost always work out better. But regional passes can sometimes work out. In any case, seat reservations are critical. Many popular trains will be standing-room only without them.
Will Obon affect my ability to book last-minute hotels? Absolutely. Availability drops and prices rise. Book early, especially in Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa and any hometown return destinations.
What should I wear to a lantern festival or cemetery visit? Modest clothing is appreciated. Lightweight summer wear is fine, but avoid revealing outfits. A simple bow or moment of silence is a respectful gesture.
What if a typhoon hits during Obon? Typhoon season runs from June to October. If a storm is approaching, flights and trains may be canceled. Have travel insurance and flexible plans.
How About Travel Planning Support for a Japan Trip During Obon?
Obon offers a great blend of tradition, emotion and summer celebration. And heat, lol.
Yes, it can complicate travel. But Obon also opens a window into Japanese life that many visitors never get to see. If you prepare thoughtfully – booking ahead, staying flexible and approaching cultural experiences with respect – your Obon journey can be one of the most memorable parts of your time in Japan.
Want help crafting an itinerary that avoids the headaches and brings you closer to the real Obon spirit? Use the scheduling tool below to book a free consultation with Japan Travel Pros. Whether you're looking for festival recommendations, backup plans for weather or just someone to guide you through booking logistics, reach out anytime.