Sep 2022, Geoff Rayner-Canham, Asia Highlights uses cookies to give you the best possible service. He was so happy his mother was released, and that he now had a new understanding of his mother, he began to dance with happiness. Emceed by traci akemi kato-kiriyama and Sean Miura, the program began with a memorial service conducted in English and Japanese by Rev. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! Last drop off is 10pm. Take part in this summer event as you learn the moves for the 'Bon odori,' dance, enjoy the lively festival atmosphere, and then continue to an 'izakaya' (Japanese pub) for included drinks and dinner surrounded by Tokyo locals. The Obon week in mid-August is one of Japan's three major holiday seasons making it one of the busiest times of the year for traveling. The event features performances by many Eisa (Okinawan folk dance) groups based in Tokyo. I am very lucky to have her as our organiser for our future trip to Japan. He heard my daughter's request for specific Cambodian food, and changed our itinerary to go to a village and eat at a locally known shop. The term "Obon" comes from a Buddhist myth unique to Japanese history. The Daimonji Festival in Kyoto is probably the most famous. Traditionally, Obon is celebrated from the 13th to the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar year. Again, the ritual varies slightly between different regions of Japan. What a fabulous experience! Fish and meat are avoided. Many former residents of the island who are working in Tokyo and other urban centers return to the island at this time to visit their ancestral graves. In Japan, there is a saying that during the festival, ghosts will walk on the streets. On this day, families may invite Buddhist monks to visit their homes or go to a temple or shrine to recite prayers. 98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+, Serene Storslett, Buddha instructed him to make offerings to the many Buddhist monks who had just completed their summer retreat on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. We wont even consider using another agency for travel around Asia and we would like to have Alisa work for us again. Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple 11 Buddhist Temples Little Tokyo "It was the first place that I ever experienced an Obon festival and we come back yearly." more There are big sacrificial events, dance events, and markets. Copyright 2023. It can also be held from July 13 to 15, depending on the calendar used. Obon is not really a party time. Japan Rail Pass, S.L.. All rights reserved. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. This year's San Jose Obon Festival will be on July 8, 12 - 9 pm and July 9, 12 - 7 pm on 5th Street between Taylor and Jackson Streets in San Jose, CA with parking and a complimentary shuttle service from the Santa Clara County lot at North First and Hedding. Our guide in Cambodia, Meas Darapolaith (Pol), was absolutely amazing. Many are coming back after an extended hiatus due to Covid-19, so its a chance to continue cherished summer traditions. In Tokyo, Obon is celebrated around the 15th of July. Events in Tokyo begin in the weeks before and after those dates. It's Obonthe Japanese summer festival of welcoming back ancestors' spirits and returning to one's family roots. This festival is often compared to Mexico's Day of the Dead and China's Hungry Ghost Festival. 8:00 PM 10:00 PM. On the first day of Obon, small flames are lit outside people's homes. Couple, 8 After rituals and ceremonies performed at home, people often visit the graves of their ancestors. At the end of the Obon celebrations, the Japanese will then put floating lanterns onto the seas, lakes, or rivers. In the middle of a square is a platform on which, usually, someone leads a song and the participants dance around it to the beat of Japanese taiko drums. By using our website you accept our Cookies Policy. Stations and highway parking areas are also expected to be very crowded. The horse is fast, and the ox is slow. He was happy and danced with joy. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, its been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. Mount Aso: How to get there and what to see, How to Explore Japan Effortlessly With Navitime, Japan travel restrictions and requirements for 2023, Gala Yuzawa, the ski resort connected from Tokyo by bullet train, Public holidays in Japan: 2023 dates and meaning, Best Winter Illuminations in Japan in 2022/2023, Rainy season in Japan: Dates and what to expect, Matsuri: The 10 best Japanese summer festivals to visit. This is supposed to guide the spirits back to the world of the dead. During this time, Japanese people pay respect to their ancestors and loved ones who have passed away through many beautiful ceremonies. This is a Buddhist custom honouring the spirits of ones ancestors, which is why it is also known as the festival of the dead or the festival of souls. 2023 Obon Festival. From the beginning we were impressed with their services. For those unable to watch Eisa in Okinawa, they can enjoy a taste of Okinawan Obon festivities in the heart of Tokyo. www.okaeri-losangeles.org/conference-2023, Introducing 2023 SFV JACC Queen KailiInouye, Parkinsons Support Groups Monthly Meeting, JACCC Awarded Grant from Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Arts for Hirokazu Kosaka Exhibition, VOX POPULI: An Appreciation of Wimpy Hiroto, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. He brought the dessert she asked about to us in the car! Her service is of the highest professional level. 2023 Koenji Awa Odori posted by John Spacey A massive traditional dance festival in a trendy . In Japan, Obon is a custom to hold memorial services for ancestors in summer. Whenever I had any questions I could count on her to answer promptly. Were also 100% confident that, if anything comes up during our trip, that Alisa will be there to guide us through and take care of us. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. The emcees were traci akemi kato-kiriyama and Sean Miura. On Sunday, July 9, Consul General Noguchi attended the second day of the San Jose Obon Festival and gave remarks, thanking San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin for organizing the festival and sharing Japanese culture and traditions with Northern California. We decided to postpone the trip until next year and received the guaranteed refund, minus a small deposit on next years trip. Obon is a grand traditional festival in Japan. It takes place in the Obon season on Shikoku Island. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. Don't swim It is said that water ghosts in the water will drag you down. In addition to sweeping tombs, people also place these offerings in front of Buddhist niches in their homes. The festival is held yearly from August 14th to the 20th in Odori Park. Your email address will not be published. Ask in our forum. The spirits are then guided home, sometimes with paper lanterns to light their way. May 2023, Lynette Whittle, Obon is a yearly festival that is celebrated to remember and cherish one's ancestors. In addition, I want to specifically mention the guides provided in certain locations. Founded in 2014, Okaeris mission is to create visibility, compassionate spaces, and transformation for LGBTQ+ Nikkei and their families by sharing stories and providing culturally rooted support, education, community-building, and advocacy. On the first day a student band from a local primary school will also perform. A time to honor loved ones who have passed. People also perform elaborate dances that are known as Obon Odori. I and my daughter planned a trip to China and Japan. Korea Trip, Japan-Thailand Theyll move through town in the shape of the number eight, an auspicious number in Japanese culture. They have many similarities. Each city, community, and neighborhood has their own Bon Festival which incorporates their regional food vendors, attire, games, dances, and flair. These foods can include sweets, tea, fruit, and rice. Office Holidays provides calendars with dates and information on public holidays and bank holidays in key countries around the world. Typhoons may occur in Japan from summer to autumn. My initial inquiry to this company (based in China) was answered in under 10 hours by an amazing travel consultant, named Alisa. Check out some of our example itineraries below for inspiration! The festival began in 1957 to revitalize the local shops, but has grown to include over 10,000 dancers and one million spectators. Hachigatsu Bon, on the other hand, is placed on the lunar calendar, and that makes it around the 15th of August. At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey your dates, your destinations, at your pace. The biennial Okaeri Conference will be held virtually and in-person from Nov. 10 to 12 at the Japanese American National Museum. People use wood to form a large "" character, and then set it on fire. Okaeris inaugural Queer Obon a community festival that gathers the Nikkei LGBTQ+ community to remember queer ancestors through ceremony and dance was held June 17 at Terasaki Budokan in Little Tokyo with about 400 people in attendance. It is believed that their spirits return at this time to visit their relatives. However, there are some differences between Obon and China's Ghost Festival. The drivers were punctual and very patient. The Obon period can be in mid-July or mid-August, depending on the region, but it is in mid-August that traffic, tourist attractions, amusement parks, etc. When is Obon in 2023? Borin has been a wonderful guide, the best so far in Southeast Asia, explaining the history and culture of Cambodia through his tours of the temples in and around Angkor, as well as the Landmine museum. Bon Odori senseis Mieko Inzalaco and Lisa Hashimoto-Elardo, head instructor Christine Inouye, City Councilmember-elect Imelda Padilla, senseis Joy Longworth, Julie Otake and Janet Yamamoto. July 2023 (Upcoming Events & Things To See), Japantowns are Historic Japanese Areas (Markets, Shops, Food). Another tradition is to offer the lit Toro lanterns to Buddha and float them on the water to honor ancestors. Well planned trip by Alisa . Obon is a truly traditional Japanese Festival, with the sound of Japanese drums, and the magical dim lights of the floating lanterns. He has answered all our questions, made sure we were comfortable, and that we have had great food. Mon in Bangkok was friendly and provided a great day there; Eak in Chiang Mai gave us a world-class food-tour and day touring the city and its surrounding temples with lots of laughs; Tommy in Hanoi kept us from getting killed in the traffic and gave a stupendous food and architecture/history tour - so very friendly and funny; the fishing village tour in Hoi An, as well as the side-car tour in Saigon, were both unforgettable! The 32nd Chuo-ku Oedo Bon Odori Tournament takes place at Hamacho Park. If you continue browsing, you agree to His positivity was contagious - even when it felt like 1000 degrees and we were tired. Asia Highlights and particularly our Tokyo guide, Ms. Kanae Chida, were the best. Tours. One important thing to note when visiting Japan during Obon is that along with New Year and Golden Week, this is the busiest travel time of the year with plenty of domestic and international travel occurring at the same time. If you plan to travel to Japan during this period, please check weather information. We are proud to have served the Japanese American community from our Little Tokyo office in Downtown Los Angeles since 1903. quality private tour, whether it's a milestone trip, family trip, or bucketlist trip your Some regions light a giant fire called a mukaebi which is meant to welcome the spirits and families may also light a small bonfire at their homes. Rep. Gomez Announces $1.5 Million for 248 Units of Affordable Housing in Little Tokyo 07/13/2023; Sozenji Buddhist Temple Obon Festival on Sunday 07/13/2023; . Rosoku Morai is a special Obon celebration that is unique to Hokkaidoand is often compared to Halloween. Probably the closest equivalent in the west is Halloween, but the big difference here is that the spirits aren't to be frightened away. People give gifts to show their gratitude to those who have taken care of them, including parents, friends, leaders, and colleagues. Please check each festival in case some are canceled due to the rise in cases. Annual Events in Japan! The Como Park Japanese Obon Festival, produced by Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Japan America Society of Minnesota, and Saint Paul Nagasaki Sister City Committee will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 3:00pm-9:00pm. Obon is not really a party time. She listened with understanding and took careful notes and clarified things to make sure she got everything. We were extremely satisfied with the exceptional services rendered by our organiser, Robert Hui and private guide William. If you are planning to visit Japan in July, then you can see the Obon celebrations in some areas of Tokyo and also in Okinawa. The dates may also change depending on whether the particular region celebrates the Obon according to the solar calendar in mid-July (the regions of Tokyo, Yokohama, and Tohoku) or the lunar calendar in mid-August (the majority of Japan). Japan's Obon is similar to China's Ghost Festival (Zhongyuan Festival). He discovered she had fallen into the Realm of Hungry Ghosts and was suffering. The name of this festival loosely translates to Festival Of The Dead.. People also feast on this night, and they might leave a place open at the table for a lost ancestor. Obon is a traditional festival and not an official holiday in Japan, but it is customary for people to be given leave, usually a 715 days' vacation, known as the Obon week. Amy Umezu, Rev. Apr 2023. He decided to visit Buddha and ask what could be done to get his mother released from this realm. The idea behind all of these holidays is quite similar. Theyll have workshops at Nakane Zero on July 9 and 24 at 7:30pm to teach interested participants how to do the dance. pace. We saw things we would never have otherwise seen, if Fuki had not been there. Greatly saddened, he went to the Buddha and asked how he could relieve his mother's suffering. The 10th annual Nakano Bon Odori festival takes place right outside Nakano Station. This comes down to the difference between the old lunar calendar and the new solar calendar. In this case, the festival is based on a legend about a Buddhist monk called Mogallana. Chochin (paper) lanterns are hung to guide the spirits and Obon dances (bon odori) are performed. Thank you Sharon, and Asia Highlights. Its a well-established local festival that is expected to attract around 40,000 visitors. One of the traditions is to hang candles and lanterns at the gates to receive the souls of ancestors and pay respects quietly. Obon is typically celebrated between August 13th and 15th, though the dates may vary slightly depending on the region of Japan. One of the Best Obon Festivals - Annual Orange County Buddhist Church Annual Summer Obon Festival Event (Bon Odori, Taiko, Japanese Food, Games, Crafts..) In order to participate in the potentially record-setting dance session, visitors need to register in advance. I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! The Obon Festival is celebrated in almost all countries in the world. During this time, Japanese people pay respect to their ancestors and loved ones who have passed away through many beautiful ceremonies. In other parts of the country, it's celebrated around the 15th of August. However, according to the solar calendar the 7th month is July but according to the lunar calendar, the 7th month is August. Feel the spirituality of the Japanese Buddhist festival of the Dead. ANAHEIM Orange County Buddhist Church, 909 S. Dale Ave. in Anaheim, will hold its 2023 Obon Festival on Saturday, July 15, from 2 to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 16, from 2 to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to participate in Bon Odori, which will start both days at 6:30 p.m. Having gained redemption for his mother, he danced in celebration, joined by others in a large circle. Top 10 Best Obon Festival near Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA - July 2023 - Yelp Los Angeles, CA Little Tokyo Best Obon Festival near Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA Sort:Recommended Price 1. ( Google Map) We will live stream segments of the weekend for people to watch. Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan's Obon Festival vs China's Ghost Festival, Cherry Blossom in Osaka - When to See and Where. We had Dhat in Vietnam and Borin in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We travelled to Japan this May (2018). The busiest days are expected to be August 11-13 with people leaving the big cities and August 14-16 with people returning to the big cities. Nisei Week Japanese Festival 2023 Check out this annual festival to honour Japanese culture and food Roy Mukogawa Dates August 12-20, 2023 Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul People interested +157 Something wrong? seasonal attractions and events in August. Great job!! Participants are also restricted to those living in Tsukiji and near the venue. In some regions, people even wear traditional Edo period peasant hats that look like something from the outer space and cover their heads with a black scarf. Obon is one of the biggest summer festivals in Japan and is a great time for street food so its a great time to visit for adventurous eaters especially because the country has surprisingly little street food available in cities during normal times. Obon is one of Japan's most important festivals and is celebrated over 3 days in mid-August or July depending on the region. Rum, in Siem Reap, made the most memorable experience possible. Obon or just Bon is a fusion of the ancient Japanese belief in ancestral spirits and a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestors. The popular dance competition is only allowing 2,700 visitors to enter each day. May 2019, Jennifer Roth Krieger, Leave all the booking work to us, including international and internal We had an amazing vacation to Japan. People send off the spirits of their ancestors with lanterns that have a lit candle inside. Experience Japan's traditional 'Obon' Festival like a local 3-hour celebration filled with dancing, drinking, and eating. If you plan on visiting in August, then some of the best Obon celebrations to see include Awa Odori in Tokushima and Tokyo, the Daimonji Gozan Okuribi Fire Festival in Kyoto, the Hokkai Bon Odori in Hokkaido, and the Nagasaki Shoro Nagashi Festival in Nagasaki. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. The Obon festival (, also known as Bon festival) is an annual Japanese holiday that commemorates and remembers deceased ancestors. )Expect heavy congestion on roads, bullet trains, and airplanes heading to Tokyo. Mokuren danced with joy which is the origin of the Obon dance. Even though Obon is a traditional festival and not an official holiday in Japan, many offices will be closed (around 60% of businesses close) and travelling on roads and public transport may be busier than normal as many people take a vacation during this period and return to their family homes. 2023 is expected to be a normal year. When he did that, his mother was soon released from the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts. The Rafu Shimpo is a bilingual Japanese-English language newspaper based in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California. *Note: You MUST have attended at least one dance workshop with Yoshinojo sensei to attend. What is Obon? The Japanese Obon Festival is influenced by Buddhism. Travel Guides We left home with of mind because all the pre-travel arrangements were taking care and communicate to us efficiently. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it A series of spectacular, 200m-long, character-shaped bonfires are built on mountainsides that are visible throughout the city. Japan's Obon has fixed dates to celebrate Obon, usually from August 13 to 16 (following a switch from using the lunar calendar). Many Japanese people return to their ancestral homes during this festival and because it is not a public holiday, most will take time off work. 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