Photos courtesy of Live Japan ()
Tokyo is home to some of the most vibrant and exciting Bon Odori dance festivals in Japan. These festivals are held annually during the Obon season, which is a time when many Japanese celebrate their ancestors.
The Bon Odori dance is performed by people of all ages across Japan and is, for many, the highlight of summertime festivities. We picked the liveliest and most interesting Bon Odori dance festivals in Tokyo for you, so grab your geta and your yukata and get to dancing – everyone is welcome to join!
What is Bon Odori?
Bon Odori, often called Bon Dance or Bon Festival, is an inherent part of every Japanese summer experience. Originally, Bon Odori was a dance festival held to honor, appreciate, and remember one’s ancestors with a dance of joy. It is also a form of welcoming, as it is believed that the spirits of the ancestors visit their family’s house shrines during the three days that Obon traditionally lasts.
Naturally, this Japanese summer highlight takes place at various places and areas in and around Tokyo, each well worth a visit.
The dance usually takes place near a raised platform called a yagura, which serves as both a stage for musicians and singers and a bandstand. They primarily perform traditional Obon music and minyo folk songs.
The Bon Dance itself consists of straightforward steps, and people of all ages participate by moving in an imaginary circle. Experienced dancers often position themselves towards the center of the circle, while those less skilled tend to stay towards the outer edges, where vibrant food and drink stalls are often located.
Hibiya Park Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori 2023
Since 2003, Hibiya Park has been hosting a giant Bon Odori dance. Over the years, the event has witnessed a growing number of participants, with approximately 34,000 people reveling in the two-day bon festival in 2016. The distinctive feature of Hibiya Park's bon dance is the illuminated fountain situated at its heart, creating a captivating ambiance as attendees dance around it, providing an enchanting and mysterious experience.
Hibiya Park Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori 2023
August 24-27, 6PM - 9PM
Hibiya Park 日比谷公園 ddress: 1-6, Hibiyakouen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0012 Nearest Station: Hibiya Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line / Toei Mita Line), 3 minutes on foot Phone Number: 03-3501-6428
Tsukiji Honganji Temple Noryo Bon-Odori 2023
Experience the vibrant Tsukiji Hongwanji Bon Odori, one of Tokyo's most lively summer dance festivals. This captivating event takes place within the grounds of the magnificent Tsukiji Hongwanji temple, renowned for its main hall, which was also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
You're also sure to love the captivating performances by taiko drums, scheduled throughout the duration of the Bon festival. And if you find yourself craving delicious food, venture to the renowned Tsukiji Outer Market and indulge in an array of exquisite Japanese street food options.
Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple Noryo Bon-Odori 2023
August 2-5, 7PM - 9PM; until 8:30PM on final day
Tsukiji Hongwanji 築地本願寺 Address: 3-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8435 Nearest Station: Tsukiji Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) Phone Number: 0120-792-048
Roppongi Hills Bon Odori (2023 TBA)
At the prominent Roppongi Hills, a renowned landmark in the area, you'll find a prominent, tower-like elevated stage known as a yagura, serving as the focal point for the festive bon dance. There is no need for any application or registration to participate in this lively event. Simply join in the merriment and dance to your heart's content at your preferred pace!
Within the premises of Roppongi Hills, numerous restaurants and bars will set up food stalls at the bon festival venue, offering a delectable array of refreshments and treats to satiate the appetites and quench the thirst of the enthusiastic dancers.
Roppongi Hills Bon Odori
2023 TBA; end of August in previous years
Roppongi Hills 六本木ヒルズ Address: 6-10-1, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6108 Nearest Station: Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Toei Oedo Line), 0 minute on foot Phone Number: 03-6406-6000
Minato Mirai Bon Odori 2023
The Minato Mirai Bon Odori festival in Yokohama holds a prominent position among the highly anticipated events in the greater Tokyo region. Its popularity stems from its unique location within Yokohama's Port City, situated directly by the sea and beach. The enchanting Rinko Park provides an atmospheric setting where bon dancers congregate around the yagura, while various stalls offer a delightful selection of snacks and beverages, ensuring a truly immersive Japanese summer experience.
In addition to the captivating Bon dance itself, we encourage you to relish the mesmerizing view of the illuminated Yokohama Bay Bridge in the distance. Many visitors find themselves captivated by the romantic scenery, often making secret wishes as they gaze upon it, adding an extra touch of magic to the event.
Minato Mirai Bon Odori 2023
August 18-19, 4:30PM - 8:30PM
Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 みなとみらい21 Address: Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Nishi-ku, 220-0012 Nearest Station: Yokohama Station (JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Yokosuka Line / JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Negishi Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Line 3 (Yokohama Blue Line) / Tokyu Toyoko Line / Minatomirai Line / Keikyu Main Line / Sagami Railway Main Line)
Camp Shimoshizu Bon Odori 2023
Located on the grounds of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, this Bon Dance festival unfolds at Camp Shimoshizu, offering a unique setting for this vibrant celebration. Beyond the main bon dance itself, attendees can look forward to a multitude of highlights, including captivating performances by the music corps and the presence of various outdoor shops that open within the premises.
A sight not to be missed is the breathtaking fireworks display, illuminating the nighttime sky with a spectacular array of colors, starting at 7:30 p.m. The Camp Shimoshizu Bon Odori truly encompasses the essence of a Japanese summer, featuring the trifecta of lively dancing, dazzling fireworks, and a delectable assortment of mouthwatering cuisine!
Camp Shimoshizu Bon Odori 2023
August 8, 5:30PM - 8PM
Camp Shimoshizu 下志津駐屯地 Address: 902 Wakamatsucho, Wakaba-ku, Chiba 264-0021
Chuo-ku Oedo Matsuri Bon Odori Taikai 2023
Hamacho Park will be hosting the Chuo Ward Oedo Matsuri Bon Odori Taikai. Attendees will have the pleasure of witnessing mesmerizing performances by local participants while also savoring delectable food at the Oedo Fair and exploring unique market corners located within the park. As a long-standing and cherished local festival, this event is projected to draw around 70,000 visitors.
Chuo-ku Oedo Matsuri Bon Odori Taikai 2023
August 25-26, 4PM - 9PM
Hamacho Park 浜町公園 Address: 2 Chome-59-1 Nihonbashihamacho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0007 Nearest Station ・Hamacho Station (Toei Shinjuku Line) ・Ningyocho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line; Toei Asakusa Line) ・Suitengumae Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
Sunshine City Bon Dance Festival 2023
The lively Sunshine City Bon Dance Festival, taking place from August 3rd to 5th, is a cornerstone of the local community's efforts to create a bright, healthy, and energetic town. Around a 6-meter tower, traditional Bon dances will be performed, allowing attendees to experience the nostalgic atmosphere of old Japan. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival is bringing back the beloved "Children's Corner" and "Food Corner," where kids can enjoy free games like target shooting and Super Ball scooping, and everyone can savor delicious food from five local shops. This summer, don't miss the chance to experience the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional Japanese summer festival at Sunshine City!
Sunshine City Bon Dance Festival 2023
August 3-5, 7PM - 9:15PM (from 6:30PM on August 5)
Sunshine City サンシャインシティ Address: 3-1-1, Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-6001 Nearest Station: Higashi-Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line), 3 minutes on foot Phone Number: 03-3989-3331
Nakano Bon Odori Festival 2023
This summer is poised to be memorable thanks to the Nakano Bon Odori Festival. Attendees can look forward to live performances of local melodies such as "Nakano Ondo," "Tokyo Ondo," "Tanko Bushi," "Dodarebachi," and "Kagoshima Ohara," providing a unique opportunity to experience folk Bon dances from across Japan. The festival, originally conceived with the aim of sharing the vibrant culture of Japanese and local music and dance with a broad audience, has evolved into a cherished gathering for people of all ages. In 2022, the event attracted approximately 50,000 visitors over its two-day duration.
Nakano Bon Odori Festival 2023
August 5-6
Nakano Central Park 中野セントラルパーク
Address4 Chome-10-2 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001
Nearest Station (JR, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
As the summer heat dissipates and the cool breeze of autumn starts to blow, we look back at the vibrant Bon Odori festivals that took place in and around Tokyo. These festivals, deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, brought life to the city with their live renditions of local tunes and folk Bon dances.
Each festival, from Hibiya Park Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori to the Minato Mirai Bon Odori in Yokohama, offered a unique experience, attracting thousands of visitors.
As we bid farewell to summer, we carry with us the joyous memories of these festivals, the rhythmic beats of the music, and the lively dances that brought people of all ages together.
Via LIve Japan
