Bon Odori Guide: A Must-See Japanese Festival for Travellers

Bon Odori (盆踊り) is a traditional Japanese dance festival held during the Obon season, a time when people honor the spirits of their ancestors. It is an event where people dance together around a Yagura (raised platform) to the rhythm of festival music, accompanied by taiko drums, as a way to honor and send off the spirits of their ancestors during Obon season.

Obon season (August 13–16) is a Japanese custom where families welcome the returning spirits of their ancestors, hold memorial services, and then send them off again. More than just a dance, Bon Odori is a spiritual and cultural event that brings communities together, blending remembrance, celebration, and festivity. As one of the biggest annual events happening in Japan, let us tell you all about this amazing festival and how you can participate!

The History of Bon Odori

The origins of Bon Odori date back over 500 years and are rooted in Buddhist traditions. The dance is based on the story of a disciple of Buddha who saw his deceased mother suffering in the realm of hungry ghosts. To relieve her suffering, he made offerings and danced in joy when she was freed. This Buddhist practice evolved into Obon.

Over time, each region of Japan developed unique styles of Bon Odori, influenced by local culture, music, and history. Today, it is both a sacred ritual and a lively summer festival, attracting participants from all walks of life.

What Happens at a Bon Odori Festival?

During a Bon Odori event, participants gather in parks, temples, or town squares to dance together in a circle. The Yagura (櫓), a raised wooden platform with traditional decorations, serves as the center, where musicians play traditional instruments like taiko drums, shamisen, and flutes. Paper lanterns will be placed all over, connecting the surroundings from the Yagura, illuminating the festival, symbolizing guiding lights for ancestral spirits. In terms of fashion, many attendees wear yukata (summer kimono) to participate. And how can it be a Japanese festival without food? Local specialties like yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki, and kakigori (shaved ice) will be sold at the food stalls at the festival, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Why is Bon Odori Important?

Bon Odori is more than just entertainment, it holds deep cultural significance in Japan. Not only is Obon a time for honoring ancestors, but with what Obon has evolved to today, the dance, the music, the tradition all represents unity and harmony among people in the community. In addition, some Bon Odori festivals, such as Gujo Odori, have been officially designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan and UNESCO Heritage, recognizing their value in preserving history and tradition.

Today, Bon Odori continues to evolve, with modern variations featuring pop songs, anime music, and even international collaborations.

Where to Join Bon Odori Festivals in Japan

Each Bon Odori features region-specific dances and songs, reflecting local traditions. Among the many Bon Odori festivals held nationwide, some stand out for their history, scale, and cultural significance.

Gujo Odori at Gifu

Held in Gujo Hachiman, a picturesque town in Gifu Prefecture, Gujo Odori (郡上おどり) is one of Japan’s oldest and longest-running Bon Odori festivals, with a history of over 400 years. What makes this festival unique is its duration, running for over 30 nights from mid-July to early September, with the highlight being the Obon period (August 13–16), when dancing continues all night until dawn. Unlike other Bon Odori festivals where spectators mostly watch, Gujo Odori emphasizes full participation. There are no spectators, only dancers. Locals and visitors alike join in the streets, dancing to different traditional songs, each with its own set of movements that have been passed down through generations. The festival’s immersive atmosphere, combined with the town’s beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, makes it one of the most enchanting Bon Odori experiences in Japan. Want to see what it’s like? Check out this YouTube video made by Gujo City!

Gujo Odori 2025 Information

Date: July 12, 2025, to September 6, 2025 (All-night dance from August 13 to 16, 2025)

Location: Hachiman-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture

Official Website: https://tabitabigujo.com/hachiman/gujo-odori/a

Awa Odori at Tokushima

Held every year from August 12 to 15 in Tokushima Prefecture, Awa Odori (阿波おどり) is Japan’s largest and most famous Bon Odori festival, attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually. Dating back over 400 years, it is known for its lively, energetic dance style, where performers move in coordinated groups called ren (連), dressed in traditional yukata and straw hats. The dance is accompanied by a unique rhythmic chant and the sound of shamisen, flutes, and taiko drums, creating an infectious energy that spreads throughout the city. The signature phrase of Awa Odori, “踊る阿呆に見る阿呆” (“Odoru ahou ni miru ahou”), meaning “Those who dance and those who watch are both fools, so why not dance?”, perfectly captures the festival’s spirit. Streets become an open stage, with professionals and amateurs alike joining the dance, making it one of the most inclusive and exhilarating Bon Odori experiences in Japan.

Awa Odori 2025 Information

Date: August 12, 2025 to August 15, 2025

Location: Terashima Honmachi, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture

Official Website: https://www.awaodorimirai.com/

Nishimonai Bon Odori at Akita

Held annually from August 16 to 18 in Ugo Town, Akita Prefecture, Nishimonai Bon Odori (西馬音内の盆踊り) is one of Japan’s most elegant and mysterious Bon Odori festivals, with a history spanning over 700 years. Unlike the energetic movements of Awa Odori, Nishimonai Bon Odori is characterized by its slow, graceful, and almost hypnotic dance style, accompanied by traditional folk music and the deep, resonant beats of taiko drums. The most striking feature of this festival is the dancers’ attire, many wear black hoods (編み笠, amigasa) or deep-colored veils, creating an air of mystery and nostalgia, as if they are embodying the spirits of ancestors. The dance is deeply connected to the region’s agricultural traditions and was once performed as a harvest prayer. Today, it remains a profoundly spiritually and visually captivating festival, drawing visitors who seek to witness a Bon Odori that feels truly otherworldly.

Nishimonai Bon Odori 2025 Information

Date: August 16, 2025 to August 18, 2025

Location: Nishimonai Honmachi, Ugo Town, Ogatsu District, Akita Prefecture

Official Website: https://www.town.ugo.lg.jp/sightseeing/detail.html?id=2432&category_id=41

Expo 2025 Odori at Osaka

As part of Osaka Week – Summer at Expo 2025, a large-scale Bon Odori festival will take place at EXPO Arena from July 26 to 29, 2025, blending tradition with global participation. The event will feature a Guinness World Record challenge for the largest Bon Odori dance and most nationalities dancing together on July 26, along with an Exchange Bon Odori on July 27 to 28 where visitors from Japan and abroad can dance together. Additionally, youth performances from over 30 teams will showcase cheer dance, baton twirling, wind ensembles, ballet, and musical theater. The venue will feature an 8-meter-high yagura decorated with 1,000 lanterns, creating a spectacular festival atmosphere. With its fusion of tradition, innovation, and international collaboration, Expo 2025’s Bon Odori promises to be a historic and inclusive celebration of Japanese culture. While you are here, check out our blog for some insights on the Osaka Expo 2025!

Expo 2025 Bon Odori Information

Date: July 26, 2025 to July 29, 2025

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/thPhS9dWq1WkwHLk8

Official Website: https://www.expo-osaka2025.com/osakaweek/

Let’s GO Dancing!

Bon Odori is a timeless tradition that embodies Japan’s deep respect for ancestry, community, and celebration. Whether it’s the energetic Awa Odori, the elegant Nishimonai Bon Odori, or the historic Gujo Odori, each festival offers a unique experience. While rooted in history, Bon Odori continues to evolve and adapt, proving that this centuries-old dance remains as meaningful today as it was 500 years ago. Whether you’re visiting Japan in summer or simply love cultural traditions, participating in a Bon Odori festival is an experience you’ll never forget.

Would you join the circle and dance?

Featured Photo Credit: KenSoftTH

Be sure to join one of our summer tours after joining in on the Bon Odori festivities!