2025 San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Obon Festival (Japanese Food, Taiko, Cultural Exhibits, Games, Performances) SFVHBT (2 Days)NEW

The SFVHBT Obon Festival Event is held at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center 12953 Branford Street, Pacoima, CA 91331

Every year it draws thousands of visitors from all across Southern California to its booths to enjoy savory ethnic delights such as Kulua Pork , Chinese Chicken Salad, Chirashi, Sushi, Spam Musubi, Cha Shu Bao, Shu Mai, Beef Teriyaki, Udon, and Somen. It features family-friendly games , as well as displays of Bonsai, cultural displays and Japanese Dolls. Try your luck at our $1,000 Raffle or the lively Bingo Game in air-conditioned Sakaguchi Hall, which also hosts the temple bookstore and Japanese Flea Market. From beautiful kimono and yukata to traditional toys, dishes, and knick-knacks visit the flea market early as available items move fast. Visit the gym and dojo to watch our talented SFV Japanese American Community Center Clubs perform, and then head to the yagura for taiko and Obon dancing.

It begins with taiko drummers drawing people to the festivities with their loud, enthusiastic, and boisterous performance. This is followed by hundreds of kimono, yukata, and happi coat clad dancers moving to the rhythms and melodies of both traditional and modern Japanese music, all to celebrate the Buddhist "Festival of Joy," started centuries ago as a religious custom to remember and express gratitude to deceased loved ones.

For many people of Japanese ancestry who can trace their roots back to the San Fernando Valley, the summer would not be the summer without the SFVHBT Obon Festival. It is a tradition. It is friends and families gathering to enjoy each other's company. It is neighbors getting to know each other. It is strangers getting acquainted and becoming friends. It is numerous community organizations and their leaders coming together and working cooperatively to ensure a meaningful experience for all. It is a community.

Be sure to dust off your kachi-kachi, tenugui, and your uchiwa; rustle up your yukata and get ready to eat, dance, and play the night away. While you're at it, invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers too! Everyone will appreciate the opportunity to share in the cultural experience and perpetuate the long-standing tradition that is Obon. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

San Fernando Obon Festival Dates (SFVHBT)
June 28 - 29, 2025 (2 Days)

Obon Festival Event Hours (SFVHBT)
Sat: 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Sun: 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Bon Odori Dancing Times (Check Website)
Saturday: 7:00 pm: Bon Odori dancing
Sunday:   6:30 pm: Bon Odori dancing

Parking
Parking is available on the surrounding streets.

Pets
Pets are not allowed due to health regulations.

Location for Obon Festival

1) Obon Festival Event 
San Fernando Valley JA Community Center, 12953 Branford Street, Pacoima, CA 91331

Locations for Bon Odori Practices

2) Bon Odori Dance Practices
San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 9450 Remick Avenue, Pacoima, CA 91331

Obon Festivals & Practices

All Obon Festivals  All Obon Practices  Map 

See Japanese Event Festivals 

All Japanese Festivals Events Map

Obon Festival Event Location
San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community (SFVHBT), 12953 Branford Street, Pacoima, CA 91331

Past Obon Festival Event Title
2019 San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (SFVHBT) Obon Festival (2 Days, Diff Time) Cultural Exhibits, Food, Games, Performances..
2024 San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Obon Festival Event (Japanese Food, Taiko, Cultural Exhibits, Games, Performances) SFVHBT (2 Days)