Bon Odori and Japanese Summer Festivals
Are you familiar with Bon Odori and Japanese summer festivals? You might have seen them in Japanese anime or dramas. Recently, more and more foreign tourists are participating in Japanese festivals and Bon Odori, so if you’ve visited Japan during the summer, you may have joined in on the fun.
In many regions of Japan, the summer vacation for children begins around July 20, when the rainy season (tsuyu) ends, and continues until the end of August. During this period, summer festivals are held across Japan. There are festivals ranging from small local festivals for the residents of a community to large-scale ones, like the Okinawa summer festival, where up to 10,000 dancers perform the Eisa dance. Every weekend, somewhere in Japan, there’s a summer festival taking place.
Local Summer Festivals and Bon Odori
Summer festivals and Bon Odori are usually held on summer weekends. These are typically held at large temples or open spaces with the biggest grounds in the area. A large tower-like structure called a “Yagura” is built in the center of the main square, and Japanese drums (taiko) are often played on top. Then, men and women in yukata (summer kimono) dance around the Yagura, following the rhythm of the taiko drum and music. Along nearby streets, you’ll find food stalls selling traditional Japanese street food like takoyaki, yakisoba, candied apples, cotton candy, and games like goldfish scooping, ball scooping, and shooting galleries.
Japanese people don’t typically wear kimono, but during summer festivals and fireworks displays, many people wear yukata. Especially among teenagers and those in their twenties, summer festivals are often enjoyed as a chance for dates, and many people love dressing up in yukata. If the timing is right, it’s a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese style. If you get the chance, be sure to go!
Bon Odori Dance is Simple
When it comes to foreign dances, they might seem difficult, right? But Bon Odori is simple. If you see a group of people dressed in matching yukata, those are probably the “pros” of Bon Odori (meaning not paid professionals, but locals who gather together and practice). First, observe their dance. Extend your right hand, then your left, clap your hands twice… it’s easy, right? Bon Odori is a Japanese dance, so its rhythm and structure are a little different from Western dances. The key is to listen carefully to the beat of the taiko and avoid lifting your feet or waist too high. The dance keeps you grounded, so as long as you focus on staying close to the earth, you’ll dance well. Dancing to the gradually intensifying taiko rhythm is a lot of fun, so definitely try participating!
Explaining the Food Stalls at Summer Festivals
Now, the best part of summer festivals is definitely walking around and trying all the street food! Below are some traditional Japanese street foods commonly sold at summer festivals. The ingredient names mentioned are the ones most commonly used, but it’s possible that different ingredients are used at certain stalls, so be sure to check if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
Grilled chicken skewers with salt or sweet sauce, often served with various parts like thigh, liver, heart, or meatballs. Perfect with beer. Be sure to ask if you can’t eat certain parts. - Yakisoba
A stir-fried dish with Chinese noodles, pork, onions, cabbage, and a sweet-savory sauce. It’s often made at home but is a common dish at stalls. The strong seasoning pairs perfectly with beer. - Takoyaki
A popular snack made by filling batter made of wheat flour, egg, and dashi with pieces of octopus and grilling them into round shapes. Topped with sauce and mayonnaise. There are variations with cheese, sausages, or other fillings besides octopus. - Cotton Candy (Wata Ame)
A fluffy, sweet candy that’s usually brightly colored. It’s a popular treat for kids and adds to the festive atmosphere. - Okonomiyaki
A savory pancake made with cabbage, meat, seafood, and batter, grilled on a hot plate and served with sauce and mayonnaise. It can be made at home, but there’s something special about eating it at a food stall. - Grilled Squid
Squid grilled and topped with a savory sauce. Its smell is mouth-watering and it’s the perfect light meal for a summer night. - Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob with butter or salt, a simple yet delicious dish. - Chocolate Banana
A sweet treat with bananas covered in chocolate and topped with colorful sprinkles. A fun snack for both kids and adults. - Taiyaki
A fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste. The crispy outside and soft inside make it a perfect snack. - Shaved Ice (Kakigori)
Finely shaved ice with sweet syrup, a cold dessert perfect for hot summer days. - Ramune
A Japanese carbonated drink served in a glass bottle with a marble inside. To open it, you push the marble down, a feature that’s popular at summer festivals. - Beer
Cold beer is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for toasting at a summer festival. It’s typically enjoyed alongside food from the stalls, making it a great way to beat the summer heat.
Game Stalls
- Goldfish Scooping (Kingyo Sukui)
A game where you try to scoop goldfish out of a small water tank with a special scoop. If you catch one, you can take it home with you (though you can also release it back if you don’t want to keep it). - Ball Scooping (Bo-ru Sukui)
A game where you try to scoop small floating balls with a net. Each ball has a number on it, and based on the number, you can win a prize. - Balloon Fishing (Fusen Tsuri)
A game where you use a special fishing rod to catch floating balloons. Inside the balloons, you may find toys or candy. - Shooting Gallery (Shateki)
A game where you shoot targets with an air gun. If you hit the target, you win a prize. - Ring Toss (Wananage)
A game where you throw a ring onto a stick. If the ring lands correctly, you win a prize. - Lottery (Fukubiki)
A lottery-like game where you draw a ticket to see what prize you win. It’s always exciting to see what you’ll get!
Things to Keep in Mind for Foreign Tourists
Summer festivals and Bon Odori are open to everyone, so tourists are welcome to participate. However, at local festivals, the event may be entirely in Japanese. If you don’t understand Japanese, it might be more enjoyable to go with a friend who can speak the language.
Recommended Summer Festivals and Bon Odori Where English is Spoken
- Roppongi Hills Bon Odori
This Bon Odori takes place every year at Roppongi Hills, a popular area for foreigners in Tokyo. It usually happens in late August. - Azabu-Juban Summer Festival
This festival takes place in Azabu-Juban, a neighboring area of Roppongi known for its foreign community and international restaurants. English is commonly spoken here, and there are food stalls offering dishes from various countries.
