2025 Ekoji Summer Obon Festival Event (Bon Odori Dancing, Food, Live Taiko, Vendors, Games..) Ekoji Buddhist (Saturday)NEW

Ekoji Obon Festival - A 40-Year Summer Tradition of Remembrance and Joy
For over 40 years, the Ekoji Buddhist Temple has hosted the only Obon Festival in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, inviting families of all backgrounds to celebrate the spirit of Obon-a time-honored Japanese tradition to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. This summer celebration blends joyful community gathering with reflection, featuring Japanese folk dancing, taiko drumming, and a moving candlelight memorial in the temple’s peaceful garden. Whether you're lighting a candle in memory, dancing under the summer sky, or enjoying delicious food, Ekoji’s Obon is a cultural experience filled with unforgettable moments.

Note:
• TICKETS ARE LIMITED AND SOLD ONLINE ONLY
• NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE GATE

Date 
Saturday, July 12, 2025

Time
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Rain or Shine)

Tickets
• $6 per person (children 2 and under free)
• Online only: Get Tickets, Pre-order Food, Sponsor
• No tickets sold at the gate

Festival Schedule (Tentative)
• 5:00 pm - Gates Open
• 5:15 pm - Opening Ceremony
• 5:30 pm - Demonstration Service
• 5:45-6:45 pm - Bon Odori (Festival Dancing) - Ends with Lantern Song
• 6:45-7:05 pm - Okinawan Karate Demonstration
• 7:05-7:15 pm - Dounen Daiko (Youth Taiko)
• 7:15-7:45 pm - Nen Daiko (Main Taiko Group)
• 7:45-8:35 pm - Bon Odori (Second Session)
• 8:45-9:00 pm - Candlelight Memorial Service

What to Expect
• Taiko Drumming by Nen Daiko and Dounen Daiko
• Bon Odori Dance - Everyone is welcome to join
• Candlelight Memorial - Light a $5 candle in the Japanese garden
• Temple Tours & Meditation Sessions
• Children’s Games & Mini-Golf
• Vendors & Local Artists
• International Desserts Hall - Celebrate Ekoji’s diverse Sangha

Featured Foods
• Spam Musubi • Chirashizushi • Somen • Teriyaki Stir Fry • Butter Mochi
• Matcha Rice Crispy Treats • Shave Ice with toppings • Specialty Tea & Beverages

Dance Practice
• Sunday, June 22 & June 29 at 1:00 pm
• Join in person or via Zoom

Parking
Free parking is available at Fairfax Baptist Church and Accotink Unitarian Church (short walking distance). Volunteers will assist with directions. Carpooling is encouraged.

Volunteer & Sponsorships
• Volunteer Sign-Up - Free admission for all volunteers
• Mini Sponsorships start at $25
• Corporate Sponsorships: $250 / $500 / $1,000 (tax-deductible with donation letter)

Obon Sunday Service
Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 11:00 am (Hybrid)

To remember a loved one who passed between July 2024-2025, request a Hatsubon candle: email [email protected] by July 4.

Tags
#EkojiObon #ObonFestival2025 #BonOdori #DCObonFestival #JapaneseCultureDC #NenDaiko #TaikoDrums #EkojiTemple #ObonTradition

Ekoji Obon/Practice Dates

Public Parking
Parking is free but first-come, first-serve, as spots are limited to neighborhood streets and at the Accotink Unitarian Church, which is a short walk to the event. We encourage attendees to carpool when possible. Volunteers will be on hand to direct traffic; please follow their instructions.

Directions
Ekoji is located at 6500 Lakehaven Lane in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Take Fairfax County Parkway to Burke Lake Road.

Obon Festival Event Location
Ekoji Buddhist Temple, 6500 Lake Haven Lane, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Obon Festival Event Title
Annual Ekoji Buddhist Temple Annual Summer Obon Festival Event (Saturday Only) Games, Japanese Dancing, Food, Taiko, Folk Dancing..l