2025 Portland Bon-Odori Summer Festival (Live #Taiko, #BonOdori - Come Learn the Dances) Portland Japanese GardenNEW

A highlight of summer festivals in Japan is the bon-odori (盆踊り/ Bon dance). Each region in Japan has their own version of the dance, as well as different music. In Japanese Buddhist tradition, dancing is a way to welcome the spirits of our ancestors and the celebrate life. Dancers circle the yagura, a high wooden bandstand for the musicians and singers.

Come to learn the dance, see people dressed in yukata, and to hear and feel the sound of taiko drums.

Dates
August 23, 2025, Saturday

Event Time (Check Time)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

To plan your visit, please see the program below. (Specific dances with video instructions will be added at a later date.)


Previous Year, Update Coming

Schedule

10:00 am - 10:30 am - Taiko Ensemble Songs by Takohachi/Kotori-Kai
10:30 am - 11:00 am - First Dance set | This set will feature traditional songs performed by Takohachi. Dances will be taught by Chris Dart and demonstrated by dancers from Oregon Buddhist Temple.

Dance 1: Soran Bushi
Dance 2: Hokkai Bon Uta
Dance 3: Fukishima Ondo

11:15 am - 11:45 pm - Second Dance set | This set will feature Japanese dances from the 1980s and 1990s.

Dance 4: Heisei
Dance 5: Ichi Tasu Ichi
Dance 6: Pokemon Ondo

12:00 am - 12:30 pm - Third Dance set | This set will feature bon dances popular in the United States.

Dance 7: Ya Kyu Ken (baseball song)
Dance 8 Mottainai
Dance 9: Portland Ondo
Dance 10: Tanko Bushi

Costs
Included with Gardenm Admission

Portland Garden Festival Date  


Event Location
Portland Japanese Garden, 611 S.W. Kingston Ave., Portland, OR 97205

Event Title
Annual O-Bon, The Spirit Festival - Portland Japanese Garden (Aug 15 - 18, 4 Days)

#BonOdori #JapaneseFestival #JapaneseCulture #Taiko #PortlandJapaneseGarden