Kasamatsu’s rain-prayer dance, woven from colorful bamboo and drums
Basho Odori
The 2026 edition of Basho Odori has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/08/22Ended
- Season / frequency
- Usually held on August 22; if August 22 is not a Saturday, it is held on the 3rd Saturday / Every year
- Location
- Akiba Shrine
- Area
- Gifu Prefecture・Kasamatsu(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h–2 h 30 min · bullet train + connecting train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A rain-prayer dance from Enjoji, Kasamatsu, in which dancers carry bamboo decorations adorned with Japanese paper and dance while beating drums.
About Basho Odori
Basho Odori is a rain-prayer dance passed down in Enjoji, Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture.
It is carried on by the Enjoji Basho Odori Preservation Society, which preserves local traditions, and was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Gifu Prefecture in 1989.
Its distinctive feature is the sight of dancers carrying decorated bamboo poles on their backs and dancing while beating drums.
Today, the dance is performed at Akiba Shrine every year.
Source: 芭蕉踊 - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
A highlight is the distinctive costume: 12 bamboo poles decorated with Japanese paper are carried in a fan shape on the back.
The name is said to come from the bamboo decorations resembling the leaves of the Japanese banana plant.
Dancers perform in pairs, beating drums fastened around their waists, and present Kake Odori, Hyoshi Odori, and Hineri Odori.
In the procession, lanterns lead the way, followed by the singers, flute players, bell players, and dancers.
Kasamatsu’s rain-prayer dance, woven from colorful bamboo and drums
What to expect
The procession moves through the streets, led by a bearer of a tall lantern, followed by bearers of bow-shaped lanterns, singers, flute players, bell players, dancers, guards, and organizers.
Dancers carry decorated bamboo poles on their backs and dance in pairs while beating drums.
The dances include Kake Odori, Hyoshi Odori, and Hineri Odori.
Visitors can enjoy the movements of each group and the interplay of sounds, from the procession to the dances offered at the shrine.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Akiba Shrine (Enjoji, Kasamatsu, Hashima District, Gifu Prefecture).
Address Enjoji, Kasamatsu, Hashima District, Gifu Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, the dance is scheduled to be performed at Akiba Shrine on August 22.
In years when August 22 is not a Saturday, it is said to take place on the 3rd Saturday.
Since August 22, 2026 falls on a Saturday, the event date this year is August 22.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Gifu Prefecture / Kasamatsu (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
笠松町歴史未来館
岐阜県笠松町にある博物館
Origins and History of Basho Odori
It is unclear when Basho Odori began, but local tradition says it originated in response to a severe drought in the mid-Edo period.
It is said that people performed the dance, drawing inspiration from the rain-prayer dance of Tanigumi Village, and that the tradition was passed down after rain fell and the drought ended.
It died out after its last performance in 1923, but was revived in 1972, and a preservation society was established the following year.
Since 1981, upper-grade students from Shimohaguri Elementary School have also taken part in the dance.
Basho Odori at a Glance
Basho Odori is a traditional folk performing art for praying for rain, passed down in Enjoji, Kasamatsu.
A distinctive procession featuring dancers carrying bamboo poles decorated with Japanese paper and dancing to drums, songs, flutes, and bells has been passed down through the generations.
In 2026, it is scheduled to take place at Akiba Shrine on August 22.
You can experience this local tradition, designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Gifu Prefecture, through the procession and dances performed by each group.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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