An annual affair since 1986, this summer fiesta at Nishi-Honganji Temple’s outdoor car park is one of Kyoto’s largest and liveliest Bon Odori festivals. Every year, it attracts roughly 10,000 visitors with its jovial communal dancing and vibrant, family-friendly festivities.
While this year’s itinerary has yet to be finalised, last year’s event saw more than 30 food vendors as well as a children’s area featuring hands-on workshops and classic festival games such as yo-yo fishing, target shooting and ring toss. There were also Japanese taiko drum performances and live music on stage.
Before you go, watch these YouTube videos to learn the moves to these four popular Bon Odori songs: Honganji Ondo, Shinran Ondo, Bundarika Ondo, and Minna Hana ni Nare.