Japanese Summer Traditions: Obon, Fireworks, and What Foreigners Should Know
Japanese summer is intense — 35°C heat, crushing humidity, and a calendar packed with festivals, traditions, and events that most foreigners know nothing about. Once you understand what’s happening and why, summer in Japan becomes genuinely magical. Here’s your guide. Obon (お盆): Japan’s Most Important Summer Holiday Obon is a Buddhist tradition honoring the spirits of ancestors. It’s observed in mid-August (typically August 13–16, though some regions use July). For foreigners, the most noticeable effects are: ...