Owara Kaze no Bon

Name: Owara Kaze no Bon
Start: 2025-08-31
End: 2025-09-02
Location: Yatsuo

Melancholy and Wind Dance in the Enchanted Nights of Yatsuo

2025/08/31 - 2025/09/02

Every September, the mountain town of Yatsuo in Toyama Prefecture is wrapped in a mystical tranquility and beauty during the Owara Kaze no Bon festival. For three nights, lanterns sway along stone-paved alleys, the plaintive sounds of shamisen, kokyu, and taiko echo through the air, and the gentle shuffle of straw sandals blends into the night breeze. Both locals and travelers are drawn into a dreamlike world where time slows down, and the town is enveloped by dance and prayer carried on the wind.

Held annually from September 1st to 3rd, Owara Kaze no Bon is perfect for those seeking quiet beauty, tradition, and a unique, moving experience. If you love traditional music, photography, or memorable journeys, the nights of Yatsuo will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.

Main Attractions

Owara Dance Processions

The festival’s main highlight is the nightly Owara dance processions. Dancers from each of Yatsuo’s 11 districts parade through narrow, lantern-lit alleys and stone streets, moving gracefully to the melancholy tunes of shamisen, kokyu, and taiko. With their faces hidden by wide-brimmed straw hats, their slow, elegant movements create an ethereal and fleeting beauty. The sight of dancers swaying in the interplay of old town shadows and lantern light is a scene unique to Yatsuo’s nights.

Key Events

Each evening, dancers from each neighborhood perform processional dances throughout the town, with stage dances in squares, small performances in front of residents’ homes, and the entire town turning into a stage. The grand opening procession and the final night’s united performance are especially not to be missed. Visitors can also join the “kakarai-odori” circle dance and experience the Owara rhythm for themselves.

Costumes and Decorations

Dancers wear subdued-colored yukata; women hide their faces with woven straw hats, while men wear happi coats and headbands. The simple yet refined costumes enhance the festival’s sense of melancholy and tranquility. The town is decorated with bamboo, lanterns, and banners, while the scent of incense and the cool mountain breeze fill the festival air.

Traditional Food & Drink

Stalls offer Toyama specialties like masu-zushi (trout sushi), local sake, mountain vegetable tempura, and sweet rice dumplings. The aroma of grilled fish and tempura, the warmth of sake, and the crisp texture of freshly fried foods satisfy both body and soul as you stroll through the night.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of Owara Kaze no Bon date back to the Genroku era of the Edo period (late 17th to early 18th century), said to have started when townspeople danced for three days and nights to celebrate the return of an important town document. Later, the festival evolved into a ritual held on the 210th day after the start of spring (a time prone to typhoons and wind damage), praying for a good harvest and protection from wind disasters.

For the people of Yatsuo, Owara Kaze no Bon is a cherished event that expresses gratitude to ancestors and nature, deepens community bonds, and passes down Yatsuo’s unique culture.

Participant Voices

I grew up in Yatsuo, and whenever I hear the shamisen at night, it brings back childhood memories. Dancing with neighbors under the lanterns, I feel connected to generations past.

Fun Facts

Owara Kaze no Bon is held on the 210th day after the start of spring (usually September 1–3), to pray for protection from typhoons and wind disasters.
The dancers’ straw hats, which hide their faces, symbolize humility and the fleeting nature of beauty.
Visitors can also join the “kakarai-odori” circle dance and experience the festival themselves.