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 experience the sound and feel of taiko drums.

Dates
August 23, 2025, Saturday

Event Time 
10:00 am - 12:30 pm

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

Schedule

Stay tuned as the schedule and dances are still being finalized.
• 10:00am - 10:30am - Taiko and Shamisen Ensemble Songs by Takohachi/Kotori-Kai
• 10:30am - 11:00 am - First Dance set | This set will feature three traditional songs performed by Takohachi. Dances will be taught by Chris Dart and demonstrated by dancers from Oregon Buddhist Temple.
• 11:15am - 11:45pm - Second Dance set | This set will feature three Japanese dances from the 1980s and 1990s.
• 12:00pm - 12:30pm - Third Dance set | This set will feature bon dances popular in the United States.

Costs
Included with Gardenm Admission

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