Bon-Odori, Summer Festival

Cultural Festivals

When
August 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where
Portland Japanese Garden, Tateuchi Courtyard

Event Audience
Public and All Members
This event is included with daily admission or a membership to the Garden.
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Bon-Odori at Portland Japanese Garden 2025. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.

Event Information

A highlight of summer festivals in Japan is the bon-odori (盆踊り/ Bon dance). Each region in Japan has their own version of the dance, as well as different music. In Japanese Buddhist tradition, bon-odori is a way to entertain and send off the spirits of our ancestors and celebrate life. Dancers circle the yagura, a high wooden bandstand for the musicians and singers.

At Portland Japanese Garden, dances will be taught by Chris Dart and demonstrated by dancers from Oregon Buddhist Temple. Come to learn the dances, see people dressed in yukata, and to hear and feel the sound of taiko drums.

Dancers enjoy dancing at last year’s Bon-Odori 2025

Schedule

TimeProgram
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Taiko and Shamisen Ensemble Songs by Takohachi/Kotori-Kai

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

First Dance set | This set will feature three traditional songs performed by Takohachi. Dances will be taught by Chris Dart and demonstrated by dancers from Oregon Buddhist Temple.

11:15 AM - 11:45 AM

Second Dance set | This set will feature Japanese dances from the 1980s 1990s.

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Third Dance set | This set will feature bon dances popular in the United States.

Bon Odori 2025

2025 Bon-Odori Song Videos

Soran Bushi

Hokkai Bon Uta

Fukushima Ondo


Portland Japanese Garden would like to thank James F. and Marion L. The Miller FoundationOregon Arts Commission, and the America 250 Oregon Commission for their support of arts and culture programming.

Special thanks to Park Lane Suites and Inn for their continued support.