Tachikawa Yokai Bon Odori

Did you miss the Bon Odori dance festivals that happened in Tokyo across July and August? Not to worry because you can still make it to one last summer soiree at the Yokai Bon Odori in Tachikawa. Held over the October 10-12 long weekend, this unique event is themed after yokai, the supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. These stories have been passed down from the olden days, just like the Bon Odori tradition.

Aside from dancers dressed in yokai costumes, the festival will also feature live performances by experimental hip-hop trio U-zhaan, Tamaki Roy and Chinza Dopeness (Oct 10), Japanese folk and cumbia group Minyo Crusaders (Oct 11), electronic record producer and DJ Takkyu Ishino (Oct 12), and many more. As with all Japanese festivals, you can expect to see family-friendly activities and games like target shooting, yo-yo fishing, character masks and face painting, as well as food stalls to keep you well-fed and satisfied. 

The festival’s food and activity area is open to the public for free, but the stage performance and Bon Odori dance areas require a ¥5,000 entry fee, which can be purchased in advance via Eplus until October 9 or on-site for ¥6,000. Make sure to dress as a yokai, in yukata or in Yokai Bon Odori merchandise if you plan to attend, as there will be a dress code for the ticketed areas. More details on the dress code here.