Mitama Matsuri (2013)

Around 300,000 people flock to Yasukuni Shrine during its annual Mitama Matsuri, one of Tokyo's biggest Obon festivals. First held in 1947, the festival is best known for the 30,000 lanterns that light the way to the shrine each evening – so don't forget your camera. Given that the event is intended to honour the dead, some visitors might be surprised to discover that the attractions include a popular obake yashiki haunted house; there are also mikoshi parades, concerts and traditional dance performances held over the four days.