The 57th “Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring Summer Evening Bon Dance Festival” was held

Last updated:

Aug 12, 2022
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Nagato Tourism Convention Association

Bon dance revived for the first time in 3 years, the first time since the renewal of the hot spring resort

On August 11 (Wed., national holiday), the 57th "Nagato Yumoto Onsen Noryo Bon Dance Festival" was held in the hot spring resort of Nagato Yumoto Onsen. This event is a summer tradition in this hot spring resort town. The festival was canceled for two years in 2020 and 2021 due to the new coronavirus infection, but now it will be held for the first time in three years.

The first part of the Bon dance starts at sunset.

At 7:30 p.m. after sunset, when the daytime heat has abated, the participants of the Bon Odori dance, mainly local groups, start dancing in unison to the music.

Ghost float at Onshin River

After the first part of the Bon Odori dance is over, the Spirit Floating Ceremony is held. The spirits are floated down the Onshin River while thinking of ancestors and those who have passed away.

The second part of the Bon dance is even more exciting

After the spirit float was over, it was time for the second part of the Bon dance. Everyone seemed to have gotten used to the dance and danced with greater ease.