One of Osaka’s most iconic structures, the futuristic Umeda Sky Building is hosting a summer festival of its own on Friday July 31. The programme for the day promises a fun day out for all ages, with food stalls and festival games available throughout the evening from 3pm till 9pm.
Children will have a field day with the shinkansen-themed ride as well as the dedicated kids' Bon Odori dance from 5.30pm to 6pm. The event then switches gears to present the Gujo Odori – a regional summer dance with over 400 years of history originating in Gifu prefecture – from 6pm to 6.30pm.
This is immediately followed by a live performance of danjiri festival music by the Daini Yasaka Shrine. The highlight of the evening is, of course, the two-hour-long communal Bon Odori dance running from 7pm until 9pm.
What makes this festival truly special is its custom soundtrack. The Shin-Umeda City Summer Festival will be playing its own original Bon Odori song, ‘Shin Umeda City Ondo’, written in 2016. Alongside this exclusive track, you’ll also be moving to timeless Bon Odori classics like ‘Tanko Bushi’ and ‘Kawachi Otoko Bushi’.
For this one-night-only affair, put on your most comfortable yukata (summer kimono made from light, airy fabric) and enjoy a jovial communal dance around the yagura stage under the glowing lanterns.