In preparation for Bon, houses and graveyards are cleaned. A visit to a Buddhist graveyard during Bon season will reveal elaborate decorations. Clayera japonica, both sacred in Japan, can be seen alongside mochi rice balls, fruit and incense. Also at this time Bon Odori a community dance is performed at temples and on school grounds. It takes place in the evening to the accompaniment of a big drum and singing.
Most people wear yukata, and many join in and dance in a circle, while others stand and watch.
Everyone in the country is driving to and fro visiting ancestral graves.