Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom, celebrated for more than 500 years, in which families honor the spirits of their ancestors. It traditionally includes a circle dance called Bon Odori.
In San Jose, Obon is held every July in Japantown, where the churches on Fifth Street host several of the neighborhood’s largest festivals. Japantown’s calendar also includes Nikkei Matsuri in spring and Aki Matsuri in fall.