Q.

What activities do Japanese people enjoy in Obon?

A.

August is an exciting month for Japanese people as Obon is approaching.
Students are on summer break and workers are excited to finally take a long-awaited vacation.

During August, as one of the popular activities, Japanese people enjoy going to see the fireworks (花火大会).

・Itabashi Firework Festival (いたばし花火大会)

・Sumidagawa River Firework Festival (隅田川花火大会)

・Edogawa River Firework Festival (江戸川区花火大会)

・Tokyo Bay Grand Firework Festival (東京湾華火祭)

・Adachi Firework Festival (足立の花火)

As the firework festival is very popular in Japan, some of the biggest firework festivals attract 1.3 million people! As this is the case, the streets can get VERY crowded. If you arrive just in time for the firework starts, it is likely that you won't be able to see the fireworks because of the line ups. Some people will mark their spot weeks before the festival starts to secure their spot! However, this extreme "bashodori" (securing spot) is usually prohibited. It is permitted only from the day of the festival in most cases so make sure you are aware of the rules.

Many Japanese people will take this opportunity to wear yukata (浴衣) and enjoy yatai (屋台), an outdoor food court!

Have you been to firework festivals?

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