2023 San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Obon Festival Event (Japanese Food, Taiko, Cultural Exhibits, Games, Performances) SFVHBT (2 Days)NEW

San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (SFVHBT) Obon Festival Event is one of the largest and longest running festivals of its kind in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Conejo, and Antelope Valleys.  SFVHBT recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in April 2022.  

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 Chicken Teriyaki, 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, Calligraphy, 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.

Mark your calendars Saturday June 24th from 4:30 pm - 10 pm and Sunday, June 25th from 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm.  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.

Come one, come all!

San Fernando Obon Festival Dates (SFVHBT)
June 24 - 25, 2023, Sat & Sun

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

Bon Odori Dancing Event Times
Saturday: 7:00 pm: Bon Odori dancing
Sunday:   6:30 pm: Bon Odori dancing

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Locations for Obon Festival Event 

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

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Bon Odori Dance Practice Location & Date
San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple parking lot, 9450 Remick Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331
June 20 Tues & June 22 - Thurs 6:30pm - 8:00 pm

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Note: Locations for Obon Festival & Dance Practice

San Fernando Obon Dates San Fernando Dance Practice 

Obon Festivals & Practices

All Obon Festivals  All Obon Practices Map 

See Japanese Event Festivals 

All Japanese Festivals Events Map

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

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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..