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 11-13 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 indie j-pop solo artist Xiangyu (Oct 11), solo taiko drummer Hirozumi (Oct 12), electronic music duo Pasocom Music Club (Oct 13), 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 ¥3,500 entry fee, which can be purchased in advance for cheaper via Eplus. 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.
