Photo courtesy of Portland Japanese Garden
Celebrate community, culture and continuity during Bon-Odori Summer Festival at Portland Japanese Garden.
Nestled in Washington Park, Portland Japanese Garden has been a place of serenity and tranquility for more than 50 years. Explore the eight unique garden spaces, from lush greens to ponds to sand and stone. Each garden highlights unique aspects of Japanese garden history and design.
While you’re there, see the whole park aboard the free Washington Park shuttle.
Here are the details about the garden’s summer festival. You may also enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival Moonlight Market at Lan Su Chinese Garden this weekend.
Summer Festival at Portland Japanese Garden
Bon-Odori Summer Festival at Portland Japanese Garden is Saturday, August 31, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come watch and learn cultural dances surrounded by the garden’s beauty and serenity.
As the summer sun casts its warm glow, communities across Japan gather to partake in one of the most cherished cultural traditions: the Bon-Odori, or Bon dance. This lively event, rooted in Japanese Buddhist tradition, serves as both a celebration of life and a means of honoring the spirits of ancestors.
Each region of Japan has its own unique interpretation of the dance, accompanied by distinct music that reflects the local culture.
What is Bon-Odori?
Bon-Odori is more than just a dance; it is a communal experience that brings people together to remember those who have passed away while celebrating the vibrancy of life. Traditionally, dancers form a circle around a yagura—a tall, wooden bandstand where musicians and singers perform. The rhythmic beat of taiko drums, the melodic tunes and the graceful movements of the dancers create an atmosphere of unity and joy.
This year, dances are taught by Chris Dart and demonstrated by dancers from Oregon Buddhist Temple.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn the traditional dances, witness the beauty of people dressed in yukata (a casual summer kimono), and immerse yourself in the rich sounds of the taiko drums.
Festival Schedule
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Taiko Ensemble Performance: Enjoy the energizing beats of the Takohachi/Kotori-Kai ensemble as they perform traditional taiko songs, creating an exhilarating start to the festival.
10:30 – 11:00 AM
First Dance Set: The first dance set features traditional Bon-Odori songs performed by Takohachi. Chris Dart and the dancers from the Oregon Buddhist Temple guide visitors through the steps of three classic dances:
- Dance 1: Soran Bushi
- Dance 2: Hokkai Bon Uta
- Dance 3: Fukushima Ondo
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Second Dance Set: This set takes us back to the vibrant era of the 1980s and 1990s.
- Dance 4: Heisei
- Dance 5: Ichi Tasu Ichi
- Dance 6: Pokemon Ondo
12:00 – 12:30 PM
Third Dance Set: The final set features Bon-Odori dances that have gained popularity in the United States, offering a delightful blend of tradition and modernity:
- Dance 7: Ya Kyu Ken (Baseball Song)
- Dance 8: Mottainai
- Dance 9: Portland Ondo
- Dance 10: Tanko Bushi
Admission
This event is included in the admission price, which is $21.95 for adults, $17.95 for students, $15.95 for ages 6-17 and free for ages under 6 years old.
For more information and the buy tickets, visit Portland Japanese Garden’s website.
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Mid-Autumn Festival Moonlight Market at Lan Su Chinese Garden
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