Families across Japan visit graves to mark start of Obon

Families across Japan, including those in Saga and Toyama prefectures, visited cemeteries on August 13 to mark the beginning of the Obon season.

In Saga City, visitors at Ryutai-ji Temple cleaned graves and offered water to express gratitude to their ancestors. Many families noted that they visit during this time to thank their predecessors for their current well-being.

In Toyama Prefecture, crowds gathered at the Nagaoka Cemetery in Toyama City despite high temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Visitors offered incense and flowers while praying for health and longevity. Due to the high volume of visitors during the peak period, traffic regulations have been implemented around the Nagaoka Cemetery through August 15 to manage congestion.