Obon Festival 2025. Believed to be dated back to the 13th century, gozan no okuribi is an annual traditional event that takes place annually on august 16th to mark the end of the obon festival (festival of the ancestors). The busiest days are expected to be august 9, 10 and 13 with people leaving big cities and august 16 and 17 with people returning.

The obon festival is one of japan’s largest and most significant religious events. Believed to be dated back to the 13th century, gozan no okuribi is an annual traditional event that takes place annually on august 16th to mark the end of the obon festival (festival of the ancestors).