Obon Lantern Festival

Floating paper lanterns down the river to guide the spirits of the ancestors back to paradise.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Japan
• obon
• ancestors
• Buddhist
• lantern
• festival
• river
• yukata
• tradition
• tokaido
• softypapa

[welwisher]

This video will hold so much meaning for my family. It's really touching.

When I come to Japan, I will have to send a lantern down on the water for my aunt, my Grandmother and my uncle, to send their spirits back 'to where they came from'.

Thank you for sharing this. :)

[softypapa]

@welwisher This one comment alone was worth the effort of making and producing this video. I am so happy that it was able to help you remember some of these important people in your life. ~Kurt :-)

[Kaytishu]

Thank you so much for sharing this video, it is great to have someone give a personal yet informative insight to Japanese culture. I am vising Japan for the first time (so excited already!) in time for the next O Bon festival. Do you recommend any good places for seeing the ceremony, that aren't too 'touristy'? Thank you again!

[softypapa]

I'd recommend checking with residents of the communities you will be visiting to see if there are any small communty events taking place. If will be staying with a Japanese family then you may be able to learn about how they practice obon. I hope that you have a great time in Japan! -Kurt :-)

[TiramisuHappy]

So, Emily wishes for better grades in school. Your wife wishes for peace and stability in household. My question is, what did you write down as your wish?

This certainly brings back many wonderful summertime childhood memories...

[softypapa]

Actually I don't remember writing any wish that year as think I was too busy operating the camera. I should have made a wish though and must remember to always do so at future festivals. -Kurt :-)

[harold562]

that was really nice, thanks for sharing the video, it is really interesting seeing other country's traditions, wish i could someday get to live in any of the eastern countries.

[Mangotropolis]

@fuzzypaws17 Your comment made me so sad... and made me realize how true it is : (((((

[Mangotropolis]

@softypapa I think you're all set. Your wish #1 and 2 would be your wife and daughter.... Which you got. :) Cherish them.

[MrJLJapan]

I love your videos they make me feel like im there right in japan! :D

[fuzzypaws17]

If you go again...can you have Emily write a good wish for all the earthquake victims?

[fuzzypaws17]

I am afraid there will be many floating this summer. More than should be...

[Uhiwaka82]

Seeing all those lanterns on the river must be one of the most beautiful things ever

[jyamamo]

Nice!

[adeocle]

Lovely video, :) Thank you for sharing this.