The 58th Nagato Yumoto Onsen Noryo Bon Dance Festival was held

Onsen town traditional Bon dance

The 58th Nagato Yumoto Onsen Noryo Bon Dance Festival was held today (August 11 (Fri., national holiday)) in the hot spring resort of Nagato Yumoto Onsen.

Participants from inside and outside the city dance around a yagura, which is set up in the hot spring resort area. This year, three songs were danced: "Yumoto Onsen Ondo", "Ii Yu Dana", and "Dancing Hero".

Part 1: Bon Dance

At the end of the magic hour, when the sun sets and the sky is tinted, the Bon Odori dance begins.

Participants dance in matching happi coats and costumes.

The first part ends after about an hour of dancing. After a short break, the "Spirit Floating" is performed.

floating lanterns or offerings for the spirits of the deceased

This is also a traditional event held every year. The spirits are floated down the Onshin River while thinking of ancestors and those who have passed away.

Part 2: Bon Dance

After the performance, the second part of the festival begins. From this point on, the audience also joins in the dancing.

Once again, we danced for an hour with complete exuberance. Everyone was sweaty but with big smiles on their faces.

Thus, the Noryo Bon Dance Festival came to an end without incident. The hot days are likely to continue, but for the time being, the summer in Nagato Yumoto has come to an end.

Please come back to Nagato Yumoto Onsen next year.

Related Links

Nagato Yumoto Onsen Official Tourism Site