2025 San Jose Buddhist Obon Bazaar Festival (Live Taiko, Authentic Japanese Food, Entertainment & Bon Odori Dancing) (2 Days) San Jose Buddhist ChurchNEW

San Jose Obon Annual Summer Festival Event in Japantown. This family event is a cultural event of authentic Japanese food, entertainment and traditional Japanese folk dancing.

Live Taiko in the streets of Japantown San Jose, one of the last three remaining authentic historical Japantowns in the USA, Japantown San Jose celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2015. 

About Obon
Obon is a time to remember, reflect and honor those who have paved the roads we travel today. Especially during these challenging times, we must acknowledge that much of our own courage, strength and compassion are rooted within our families and loved ones. During Obon, we remember our ancestors and express our gratitude for their sacrifices and lessons.

Though reluctant to mention, the Betsuin is working to replace the funds raised during the Obon Festival. Every year we enjoy the food, performances, activities and Bon dancing - many of you give countless hours of your time towards its success. This year we ask that you instead consider a donation to support the services of the Betsuin. A place that is at the center of so many of our community functions. You may choose to donate In Memory Of (remembering a loved one), In Honor Of (recognizing a special person/group) or with any sentiment you choose.

In the spirit of Obon and with gratitude, we hope you find this way of giving both meaningful and valuable. Please join together in commemorating Obon.

San Jose Obon-Bazaar Festival Dates
July 12 - 13, 2025 (2 Days)

San Jose Obon-Bazaar  Festival Times
Sat: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm


2025 Obon Odori Practices
This year’s Obon is fast approaching! In anticipation of the festival, we’ll have five Obon dance practices this year.

Monday, June 23
Wednesday, June 25
Thursday, June 26
Monday, June 30
Wednesday, July 2

Practices will run from 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm at the gym in the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Annex (632 North 5th St, San Jose)

The music for the dances range from Japanese folk songs (ex. Tanko Bushi) to Japanese popular tunes (ex. Sukiyaki and Pokemon Ondo) to ones created by Japanese Americans (Ei Jai Nai Ka). Every is welcomed to attend! No previous experience necessary.

Update Schedule Coming




Previous Weekend Schedule

Saturday, July 13, 2024
11:00 am: First Shuttle Bus
11:30 am: Temple Opens
12:00 pm: Food Booths Open
12:30 pm: Jodaiko / Asayake Taiko
01:00 pm: Games / Bookstore Open
02:00 pm: Buddhism 101
02:30 pm: Kyodo Taiko
03:30 pm: Buddhism 101
04:30 pm: San Jose Taiko
05:30 pm: Temple Closes
06:00 pm: Chidori Band
07:30 pm: Obon Odori

Sunday, July 14, 2024
11:00 am: First Shuttle Bus
11:30 am: Temple Opens
12:00 pm: Food Booths Open
12:30 pm: Raijin Taiko / Stanford Taiko
01:00 pm: Games / Bookstore Open
01:30 pm: Bakuhatsu Taiko
02:00 pm: Buddhism 101
02:30 pm: Special Guest - TBA
03:30 pm: San Jose Taiko
03:30 pm: Author Maggie Tokuda-Hall
04:00 pm: Temple Closes
04:30 pm: Chidori Band
06:00 pm: Obon Odori
08:00 pm: Raffle Drawing

Location
5th Street between Taylor and Jackson Streets in San Jose, CA with parking and a complimentary shuttle service from the Santa Clara County lot at North First and Hedding

Dance Practice Dates
Mon June 24, Tue June 26, Thu June 27, Mon July 1, Tue July 2, Wed July 3 - 2024

Time: 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

San Jose Obon/Practice Dates

San Jose has the largest Obon Festival crowds in Northern California
Amazing Obon Festival that has over one thousand dancers on either night (Sat and Sun) of Obon Odori (Obon dancing). Everyone invited to dance!  Beginners are welcome. 

Transportation
Four short blocks from the Japantown Light Rail Station
Pedicab service available - Call (408) 771-7723, San Jose

Event Parking 
Free parking and shuttle from First Street & Hedding Street parking lot.

Obon-Bazaar  Festival Location
San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin / San Jose Japantown, 640 N 5th St., San Jose, CA 95112

Obon-Bazaar  Festival Title
• San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Obon Festival - San Jose JapanTown (Different Times) (2 Days) 1200+ Dancers, Food Booths, Taiko, etc.
• 2024 San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Obon Bazaar-Festival (Live Taiko, Authentic Japanese Food, Entertainment & Bon Odori Dancing) JapanTown (2 Days)

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Guide to San Jose Japantown