Tokyo Tama Tourist Site

Many of Japan’s summer festivals are associated with Obon, a Buddhist observance traditionally held over four days from July 13 to 16, centered on July 15 of the lunar calendar. During this period, people honor and remember their ancestors.

In the Tama area, visitors can also experience other traditional events, such as the Oharai-shiki purification ceremony, which is held to pray for good health and safety during the second half of the year; Shishimai (lion dances), performed to ward off evil spirits; and the spirited Hanamanto processions featuring decorative lantern displays. Fireworks festivals and Bon Odori folk dances have long been held throughout the region as well. In recent years, however, due to increasingly severe summer heat, a growing number of festivals have been rescheduled to spring or autumn.