What happens during Obon?

The Obon season takes place around mid August. The dates vary year to year and are different depending on what part of Japan you live in but is usually around the 13th to the 15th. Similar to New Years, Obon is also a time where people travel back to their hometowns in order to spend the holiday with their family. Due to this it is considered to be a very busy time to travel. On the 13th, lanterns are lighted throughout the cemeteries and some places even have welcome fires to guide the dead coming back. On the 14th and 15th, a priest is invited to pray for blessings upon the dead.