6 unmissable Japanese festivals happening in Tokyo this August 22-24 weekend
Though all of these festivals centre around street dancing, each has its own distinct origin. Bon Odori is a traditional way to honour ancestral spirits, while Yosakoi was created in Kochi in 1954 to help revive the postwar economy. The roots of Awa Odori are less clear, though one legend ties the lively group dance to celebrations marking the completion of Tokushima Castle in 1587. Today, however, the festivals serve above allas joyful summer events that light up the evenings.
With the forecast calling for another scorcher, be sure to stay cool while enjoying the festivities.
Koenji Awa Odori
Aug 23-24
One of the most popular street dance festivals in Tokyo, Koenji's Awa Odori is returning this summer in full swing. This year, the celebration will feature over 150 Awa Odori dance groups parading around Koenji Station's North-South shotengai shopping arcade and Konan-dori street over the August 23-24 weekend.
The tradition of Awa Odori can be traced back to Tokushima, in the Shikoku region. Legend has it that the local daimyo plied his citizens with booze to celebrate the completion of the local castle in 1586, leading to a citywide outbreak of dancing in the streets. Whatever the accuracy of that tale, the enthusiasm was contagious, and Koenji has been holding a street dance fest of its own since 1957.
While the action starts at 5pm for both days, you'll need to arrive much earlier if you want to snag one of the best viewing spots along the two streets mentioned above.
Aug 23-24
Late August is always a good time for dancing in the streets, with many major festivals happening around this time of year. The Yosakoi dance originated in Kochi prefecture in 1954, where it was created to help revitalise the struggling post-war economy. Tokyo's very own Super Yosakoi festival, however, while relatively new, has been going on for over two decades now.
This massive event sees about 110 teams of brightly attired dancers trying to outdo each other as they strut their stuff to the rhythm of the naruko – a type of clapper that the people of Kochi originally used to scare birds away from the fields.
The dance performances take place at various locations within the Harajuku/Shibuya area. But if you only see one thing, make sure it's the massive parade along the tree-lined Omotesando avenue on Sunday from 11.10am to 4.15pm.
Stage performances will be held at Yoyogi Park from 10am to 7pm on Saturday and until 5pm on Sunday. There are also smaller parades at the Yoyogi Park Event Square, along the road between the NHK Hall and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, around the same time. At the Yoyogi no Mori Bon-Odori venue (5-68-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya), you can enjoy Yosakoi performances from 11.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday and from 11.00am to 4pm on Sunday.
Azabu-Juban Noryo Festival
Aug 23-24
One of Tokyo's favourite traditional festivals, the annual Azabu-Juban Noryo Matsuri ('noryo' translates as 'cool of the evening') has been going on for over 50 years now. The festival is returning this year on August 23 and 24 at Patio Juban Square, the nearby Amishiro Park and along the streets of the fashionable Azabu-Juban shopping district.
There will be plenty of dancing, performances and live music, along with food and game stalls, some of which are set up by local businesses. Additionally, the nearby Juban Inari-jinja shrine will host an ohayashi festival music performance, accompanied by Ise Ondo folk dancing. Dust off your yukata and prepare to mingle among the crowds.
Roppongi Hills Bon Odori
Aug 22-24
This lively Roppongi Hills festival features traditional Bon Odori dance by yukata-clad performers in the shopping centre's event arena. Traditional Japanese lanterns add to the festive atmosphere while the surrounding food stalls cater to hungry crowds. You can expect a varied gourmet selection prepared by popular restaurants in the area, including Roppongi Barbacoa, Diya, Rigoletto Bar and Grill, Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Gelateria Raffinato, and more.
There will also be plenty of activities like yo-yo fishing, ring tossing, and a face mask stall for children and adults to enjoy. While there's no Bon Odori dancing on Friday, you'll get to watch a modern interpretation of Gigaku (masked drama performance) and Dengaku (traditional Japanese dance) instead. The show is put on by Roppongi Raku, the venue's performing arts group that consists of about 150 people, starting at 7pm.
Bon Odori dancing takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to 8pm.
Tokyo Otsuka Awa Odori
Aug 22-23
The annual Otsuka Awa Odori dance festival has been running since 1972, and it involves over 1,000 dancers every year. The pre-event festivities are held at the station-front plaza on August 22. There will be a ceremony, followed by mini Awa Odori dance performances.
The main festival however, falls on Saturday August 23 from 4pm, with around a dozen groups of dancers parading along Minamiotsuka-dori street in front of JR Otsuka Station's East exit. This year, the festival is celebrating its 51st year with a line-up of venerable local awa-odori dance troupes, including Shinsuiren and the Toriren Awa Odori Club from Toshimagaoka Joshigakuen High School, which is one of only four such high school clubs in all of Japan.
Chuo Ward Oedo Bon Odori Festival
Aug 22-23
Head over to Hamacho Park for some communal dancing at the Chuo Ward Oedo Bon Odori festival. Held on August 22 and 23, this annual event marks the end of summer and honours the spirits of ancestors with a unique song and dance called the Chuo City Ondo – you can learn the steps here.
As with similar festivals across Japan, you'll find food stalls serving crowd-pleasing street eats. Programme-wise, watch out for a traditional performing arts presentation at 4pm on Saturday. And make sure you catch the special taiko drum performances on Friday at 5.30pm and Saturday at 8.50pm – they mark the beginning and end of the Bon Odori festivities respectively.
If you're looking to partake in the Bon Odori dance, the session starts at 5.40pm on Friday and 5.50pm on Saturday.
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