HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Tokyo Tokyo Station 8 Bon Odori Dance Festivals Around Tokyo (2024): Dancing to the Beat of Summer
8 Bon Odori Dance Festivals Around Tokyo (2024): Dancing to the Beat of Summer

8 Bon Odori Dance Festivals Around Tokyo (2024): Dancing to the Beat of Summer

Last updated: 25 July 2024

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!

Table of Contents
  1. What is Bon Odori?
  2. Tsukiji Honganji Temple Noryo Bon-Odori 2024 (Jul 31-Aug 3)
  3. Sunshine City Bon Dance Festival 2024 (Aug 1-3)
  4. Nakano Bon Odori Festival 2024 (Aug 3-4)
  5. Camp Shimoshizu Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 6)
  6. Minato Mirai Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 16-17)
  7. Chuo-ku Oedo Matsuri Bon Odori Taikai 2024 (Aug 23-24)
  8. Roppongi Hills Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 24-25)
  9. Hibiya Park Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 20, Aug 31)
  10. Tips on Experiencing Bon Odori

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.

Tsukiji Honganji Temple Noryo Bon-Odori 2024 (Jul 31-Aug 3)

Tsukiji Honganji Temple Noryo Bon-Odori 2024 (Jul 31-Aug 3)

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 2024
  • Dates: July 31 - August 3
  • Times: 7 PM - 9 PM (6 PM - 8:30 PM on final day)
  • Admission: Free
  • Official website

Sunshine City Bon Dance Festival 2024 (Aug 1-3)

(Photo: PR Times)
(Photo: PR Times)

The lively Sunshine City Bon Dance Festival, taking place from August 1-3, 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 2024
  • Dates: August 1-3
  • Times: 7 PM - 9:15 PM
  • Admission: Free
  • Official Website (in Japanese)

Nakano Bon Odori Festival 2024 (Aug 3-4)

(Photo: PR Times)
(Photo: PR Times)

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.

Nakano Bon Odori Festival 2024
  • Dates & Times: August 3-4
  • Times: 10 AM - 9 PM
  • Admission: Free
  • Official Website (in Japanese)
  • Nakano Central Park
    中野セントラルパーク
    • Address 4 Chome-10-2 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001
    • Nearest Station Nakano Station (JR, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)

Camp Shimoshizu Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 6)

Camp Shimoshizu Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 6)

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 PM. 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 2024
  • Date: August 6
  • Time: 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Last entry 8 PM)
  • Admission: Free
  • Official website (in Japanese)
  • Camp Shimoshizu
    下志津駐屯地
    • Address 902 Wakamatsucho, Wakaba-ku, Chiba 264-0021

Minato Mirai Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 16-17)

Minato Mirai Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 16-17)

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 2024
  • Dates: August 16 - 17
  • Times: 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM (3 PM start on the 17th)
  • Admission: Free
  • Official website
  • Yokohama Minato Mirai 21
    • Address Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Nishi-ku, 220-0012
      View Map
    • 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)

Chuo-ku Oedo Matsuri Bon Odori Taikai 2024 (Aug 23-24)

Chuo-ku Oedo Matsuri Bon Odori Taikai 2024 (Aug 23-24)

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 2024
  • Dates: August 23 - 24
  • Times: 4 PM - 9 PM
  • Admission: Free
  • Official Website (in Japanese)
  • 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)
Editor's Tips
  • A street market will be held the same weekend along Amazake-yokocho Street.
  • The Arashio-beya Sumo Stable is in the vicinity and offers an excellent chance to see real sumo practicing from 7:30 to 9:30 AM. You can check their schedule at their official website, https://arashio.net/.

Roppongi Hills Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 24-25)

Roppongi Hills Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 24-25)

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
  • Dates: August 24 - 25
  • Time: 5 PM - 8 PM
  • Admission: Free

Hibiya Park Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 20, Aug 31)

Hibiya Park Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori 2024 (Aug 20, Aug 31)

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 2024
  • Dates & Times:
    August 20, 2024 5:30 PM
    August 31, 2024 6:30 PM
  • Admission: Free
  • Official website
  • Hibiya Park
    • Address 1-6, Hibiyakouen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0012
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Hibiya Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line / Toei Mita Line)
      3 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3501-6428

Tips on Experiencing Bon Odori

  • Although Bon Odori is typically a free community event where everyone is welcome to join in, renting a yukata (summer kimono) is especially recommended. Find a list of yukata rental shops in Tokyo here.
  • For those seeking a richer cultural experience, booking a guided Bon Odori session offers the chance to learn about the history and significance of the dances. Join a group and immerse yourself in the rhythm and joy of Bon Odori with local insights that make the celebration even more memorable.

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.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

Share this article.

 
Search