2023 San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Obon Bazaar-Festival (Live Taiko, Authentic Japanese Food, Entertainment & Bon Odori Dancing) JapanTown (2 Days)NEW

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 8 - 9, 2023 (2 Days)

San Jose Obon-Bazaar  Festival Times
Sat: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Food Booths: Open at 12:00 pm

Saturday Schedule
12:30 pm: Collegiate Taiko
04:30 pm: San Jose Taiko
06:00 pm: Chidori Band
07:30 pm: Obon Odori

Sunday Schedule
12:30 pm: Collegiate Taiko
02:30 pm: Kina Grannis
03:30 pm: San Jose Taiko
04:30 pm: Chidori Band
06:00 pm: Obon Odori

See San Jose Schedule

San Jose Obon & Practices Dates

Obon Festivals & Practices   

All Obon Festivals  All Obon Practices Map

Japanese Festivals 

All Japanese Festivals Events Map

Celebrate the Japanese Culture food, performances and dancing.
(Please always confirm date & times, the schedule could change)

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.

San Jose Japantown Guide

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(PREVIOUS YEAR)

Saturday Schedule: 12 pm - 10 pm
11:30 pm: Temples Opens
12:00 pm: Food Booths Open
12:30 pm: Stanform Taiko
1:00 pm: Games Open, Bookstore opens
2:00 pm: Buddhism 101
2:30 pm: Kyodo Taiko (UCLA)
3:30 pm: Buddhism 101
4:30 pm: San Jose Taiko
5:30 pm: Temple closes
6:00 pm: Chidori Band
7:30 pm: Obon Odori

Sunday Schedule: 12 pm - 8pm
11:30 pm: Temples Opens
12:00 pm: Food Booths Open
12:30 pm: Raijin Taiko (UC Berkeley)
1:00 pm: Games Open, Bookstore opens
1:30 pm: Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan (UC Davis)
2:00 pm: Buddhism 101
3:30 pm: San Jose Taiko
4:30 pm: Temple closes
6:00 pm: Obon Odori
8:00 pm: Raffle Drawing

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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. 

Bon Odori Dancing
Sat: 7:30 pm Odori starts
Sun: 6:00 pm Odori starts

Festival Obon Schedule
Taiko Music
Obon Odri Line Dancing

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.

Contact Information
For more information or questions, please call the Betsuin Office at (408) 813-6939


Dance Practices Dates
Time from: 7:30 to 8:45 pm 
Location: Buddhist Church of San Jose Gym