As someone from Hawaii, I didn’t grow up with this tradition. I know we do have Obon dance festivals in Hawaii, and I went to a few as a child. So in my mind, Obon means a dance festival. But in Japan, of course it means much more than that.
I have never really done anything special for Obon during my years in Japan. I just know that a lot of people leave Kurume to visit their relatives in their hometowns.
All I know of Obon, is it is very, VERY hot!
Enjoy your vacations!!! See you all in a few days. Stay safe!