Discover the best Obon events in Kanto for 2025, from lively Awa Odori dances in Tokyo to peaceful lantern floating in Asakusa. Explore summer escapes, seasonal foods, and traditions to make the most of Japan’s vibrant August holiday season.
Obon is one of Japan’s most important and celebrated annual events. It is a time to honor ancestors, reunite with family, and enjoy the peak of summer’s beauty or simply relax and unwind in the comforts of your home. While its origins are deeply spiritual, Obon has also evolved into a season of vibrant festivals, lots of travel, and seasonal activities that you definitely should not miss out. Whether you’re looking for high-energy dance, quiet reflection, or a cool escape from the heat, Japan offers countless ways to enjoy the long vacation in the peak of hot summer.
Dates: Shimokitazawa – August 16–17 / Kōenji – August 23–24
If you want to see tradition set to a faster rhythm, Awa Odori is the dance that you need to watch out for. The narrow streets of Shimokitazawa come alive with the sound of drums as dancers shuffle in perfect unison and chant in a melody that’s been passed down for centuries from one generation to the next. The following weekend, Kōenji takes it up a notch with entire shopping arcades and backstreets overflowing with performers wearing colorful yukata and straw hats and effortlessly moving to the infectious beat.
What the vibes are like: High-energy and an unforgettable way to experience Tokyo’s one-of-a-kind festive spirit.
Dates: August 22–24
Bon Odori in the heart of Roppongi might sound unusual as it is known mostly as a nightlife destination, but it’s exactly that contrast that makes it special. Just steps from the Yamanote Line, you’ll find a dance circle surrounded by glowing lanterns, food trucks selling everything from yakisoba, grilled fish, to churros, and kids laughing as they try festival games. DJs and modern performances mix with traditional drum beats, creating a uniquely Tokyo blend of old and new. As the evening deepens, the city lights and paper lanterns merge, making every photo frame-worthy with your friends and family.
What the vibes are like: Easy to access, family-friendly, and a perfect mix of modern and traditional.
Date: August 16
When the Sumida River is filled with thousands of softly glowing paper lanterns, you can’t help but wonder if they are burning lanterns or stars twinkling in the dark sky. Each lantern carries a handwritten message, a prayer, a thank-you, or a farewell, drifting quietly into the night. Unlike most Obon events, this special evening is quite solemn with less dancing and celebratory music, just the sound of water and the murmur of people watching the paper lanterns drift into the water. It’s one of the most moving ways to connect with the reflective side of the season.
What the vibes are like: Peaceful, photogenic, and deeply meaningful.
Date: August 17
Known for its wild and joyful atmosphere, this centuries-old festival turns the streets around Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine into a splash zone with portable shrines (mikoshi) parading through the streets, and thousands of spectators throw buckets of water over the participants as part of a purification ritual or a mid-summer relief. Expect to leave soaked and smiling, so bring a fresh set of clothes just in case.
What the vibes are like: A rare mix of spirituality and fun, and also the ultimate way to cool down in August.
While Obon is known for its festivals, the vacation period is also a perfect excuse to explore summer traditions that you may otherwise never experience due to work, school, and other responsibilities.
There’s something magical about walking through the historic streets of Asakusa in a light cotton yukata, which is the summer version of a kimono. You can rent one from a local shop, pick your favorite color and pattern, and stroll past the towering Kaminarimon Gate and along Nakamise Street on your geta slippers. Explore the area and stop for a taiyaki or matcha ice cream, and if you time it right, you might even catch one of the smaller neighborhood Bon dances in the area.
August heat can be quite intense, and kakigōri is the sweetest solution. If you like simple syrup-and-condensed milk classics to elaborate creations topped with fresh fruit, mochi, and even matcha cream, then you will be excited to learn about Tokyo’s endless options. Try Himitsudo in Yanaka for artisanal flavors or visit a summer-only kakigōri café in Harajuku for an Instagram-worthy treat without breaking the bank.
If the city heat becomes overwhelming, Hakone offers fresh mountain air and breathtaking views of Lake Ashi. During Obon, it’s popular with families looking for a quick break from city life. Ride the ropeway over the volcanic Owakudani Valley, relax in an outdoor onsen, or just cruise Lake Ashi and take a glimpse of Mt. Fuji on the cruise, or explore art at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The cooler temperatures make it an ideal day trip or overnight getaway. Make sure to purchase the 2-Day Ticket so you can save money on buses, trains, and even the ropeway and cruise fares.
Obon season is the last big wave of summer beach life before autumn arrives. Kamakura’s Yuigahama Beach and Enoshima’s Katase Beach are lively with swimmers, surfers, and temporary beach houses selling seafood and drinks. It’s a casual, festive atmosphere that’s perfect for spending a lazy day by the water or simply enjoying the view from the observatory of Enoshima Candle.
A quieter but equally important tradition during Obon is osoji — a thorough cleaning of your residence area to let good energy prosper within the home. It’s similar to New Year’s cleaning but often done in summer, especially if you’re hosting family.
This August, whether you’re dancing in the streets, watching lanterns float into the night, or sipping iced matcha by the beach, Kanto offers countless ways to experience Obon’s blend of celebration and reflection. It’s a season to connect with the past, with loved ones, and with the simple pleasures of summer in Japan.
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