Bon Odori Midsummer Festival in Ebisu (恵比寿駅前盆踊り)

The rainy season has come to an end here in Japan, and it is finally time for summer (although as a Norwegian in Tokyo it has already been what I would describe as summer temperatures for the last 4 months already). This time of the year you can find a number of places arranging so-called Bon festival dances, and this weekend the Ebisu district in Shibuya is hosting their annual Bon Odori event.

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This festival has an approximately 60-year old history, but although around 60.000 people visit the festival every year it only last for a total of 7 hours spread over two days. 

A tower stands in the center of the open space in front of Ebisu Station, and people dance around the tower in a big circle. You can spot many Japanese visitors in their yukata, and also try out some Japanese festival food if you're interested.

The atmosphere is really nice, but for me the crowd was a bit too much. My office is really close to Ebisu station so I took a walk around the area before heading for my train, and that was enough for me for this time. Perhaps it simply wasn't the best activity to take part in after a long day at work.. I'm sure it would be fun to visit the festival in a different setting.

Anyway, below you can check out a short video from the festival:

Basic information

Name of Festival	Ebisu Station Bon Odori (恵比寿駅前盆踊り)
Address	東京都渋谷区恵比寿南1丁目　恵比寿駅 (In front of Ebisu Station)
Access	Ebisu Station's South Exit   (恵比寿駅西口)
Dates	July 29th & 30th (2016)  18:00-21:30

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About Anette
Anette came to Japan as an exchange student in 2010, met the love of her life and got stuck. From her base in Tokyo she writes about her experiences as a full-time worker in Tokyo and about her travels in Japan and abroad. She's a free-spirited adventurer who enjoys both the great outdoors and her urban lifestyle.