The upcoming Hokkai Bon Odori will begin on August 14, 2014. Don your kimono or yukata and celebrate the end of summer. In Hokkaido, after Obon (August 13-16), the air cools, and the leaves start to turn yellow and red, signaling the start of autumn.
The name “Odori” in Bon Odori doesn’t refer to Odori Park (which actually means “large street”); instead, “odori” means “dance” in Japanese. This is why participants dance in their kimonos or yukatas.
Bon Odori is a gentle and slow dance, much easier compared to the energetic Yosakoi Soran Festival. Everyone can join the Bon Odori circle. Simply follow the person in front of you: move your arms left to right, up and down, turn around, and clap twice. It’s that easy to enjoy!
Bon Odori is a dance performed during the Obon festival, a time to honor and remember ancestors whose spirits are believed to return. It serves as a nostalgic reminder of joyful times spent with ancestors and fosters community bonds as neighbors come together to dance in circles. This annual event holds great cultural significance akin to New Year celebrations in Japan. Families gather during this period, leading to extremely crowded transportation networks.
Hokkai Bon Odori(2 Cho-me) in Odori Park 2014/08/14 – 2014/08/20
- Hokkai Bon Odori for children: 18:00 – 19:00
- Hokkai Bon Odori: 19:00 – 21:00
2014/08/20 19:00 – 20:00 Fancy-dress Competition (Odori 3 Cho-me)
