Niigata Soh Odori Festival 2026

• September 13, 2026 at 9:14 pm
  Event date:
• September 15, 2026 at 9:14 pm
  Event end:

Join the Rhythm of Japan’s Largest Seaside Dance Extravaganza

Join over 10,000 dancers and 200+ teams for the electrifying Niigata Soh Odori Festival 2026, happening September 13–15 in Niigata City. This one-of-a-kind celebration fuses traditional Japanese performances with modern dance styles — all on a massive, city-wide scale. From classical yosakoi and geta dances to flamenco, hip hop, and even cheerleading, the Soh Odori Festival embodies joyful expression beyond boundaries.

Quick Overview

• Dates: Sunday, September 13 to Tuesday, September 15 (national holiday), 2026
• Location: Multiple venues across Furumachi and Bandai districts in Niigata City
• Admission: Free; select paid viewing seats available at Bandai venue
• Website: soh-odori.net
• Contact: +81 25-383-6630 | [email protected]

Highlights

• 200+ dance groups from Japan and around the world
• 10,000+ dancers of all genres and skill levels
• Daily stage shows, award ceremonies, and a mass finale dance
• Unique beachside and sky-high venues (including 125m observation deck)

Featured Venues & Schedule

September 13 (Sunday)

• Bandai City Crossroads (10:00–15:30): Team performances, “Dancing People Award” by audience vote
• Niigata Station South Exit Plaza (10:00–15:30): High-energy dance shows and voting for the “Dynamic People Award”
• Furumachi 6th & 7th Streets (13:00–18:50): Afternoon team dances + Geta Dance Procession at 18:50
• Niigata Furusato Village (11:30/12:30/13:20): Local and tourist-friendly stage with three performance sessions

September 14 (Monday)

• Bandai City Crossroads (10:00–21:00): Judging for Sojin Awards; evening shows with Kodo drummers + audience dance
• Befco Bakauke Observation Deck (10:00–16:50): Dance 125 meters above ground
• Niigata Station South Exit Plaza (10:00–16:50): Award judging and live dance performances
• C-Cube Future Plaza (10:00–17:30): Hands-on dance experiences and family-friendly events
• Bandai Terrace (11:00–15:00): Riverside dancing with scenic city backdrop
• Hiyoriyamahama Beach Stage (11:00–16:00): Dance meets nature; children’s showcase at 12:30
• Niigata Furusato Village (11:00/12:00/13:00): Three diverse dance sessions

September 15 (Tuesday Holiday)

• Bandai City Crossroads (10:00–18:00): Free dance performances + Finale general dance (7:15 PM)
• Niigata Station South Exit Plaza (10:00–17:50): Walk-ins welcome for dance stage
• C-Cube Future Plaza (10:00–17:50): Interactive booths and walk-in performances
• Niigata Furusato Village (11:30/12:30/13:00): Casual drop-in-friendly shows in nature

Viewing Seats (Bandai Venue Only)

• Paid seats available Sept 14–15 (separate for daytime & evening)
• Early discounts:
  • −1000 JPY: July 25–Aug 10
  • −500 JPY: Aug 13–Aug 25
  • Advance tickets: Aug 27–Sept 10
  • Same-day tickets: +500 JPY (if available)
• Tickets available at Bandai City Crossroads booth from 9:40 AM on festival days

Getting There

• Train Access: Via Niigata Station, served by:
  • Jōetsu Shinkansen
  • Shin’etsu Main Line
  • Hakushin Line
  • Echigo Line
• Festival Areas: Furumachi and Bandai, Chūō-ku, Niigata City

Final Note

Whether you’re a dancer or a first-time visitor, Niigata Soh Odori Festival 2026 promises an unforgettable celebration of joy, movement, and unity across age, language, and culture. Plan your trip early and join Japan’s largest seaside dance festival!

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