An Amami night filled with drums and song, where Hachigatsu Odori is passed down in a circle
Hachigatsu Odori
The 2026 edition of Hachigatsu Odori has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/08/01Ended
- Season / frequency
- lunar calendar: August / Held on different dates depending on the region and settlement
- Location
- Shichō-dōri, Honmachi-dōri, and Yanikawa-dōri
- Area
- Kagoshima Prefecture・Amami City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 50 min–2 h 20 min · flight time only)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.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation fee
- Free (participating groups)
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A traditional Amami event where people dance in a circle to drums and singing. At Amami City’s Amami Festival, it is presented on the streets of Naze.
About Hachigatsu Odori
Hachigatsu Odori is a traditional dance held in the lunar calendar: August in the Amami Islands and elsewhere.
On Amami Ōshima, it has been passed down as an event in which new rice is offered to pray for an abundant harvest and express gratitude for the harvest.
The customary form is to dance in a circle in an open space in the settlement, accompanied by drums and singing.
In Amami City, it is presented on the streets of Naze as part of the Amami Festival.
Source: 八月踊 - Wikipedia / 第63回奄美まつり／鹿児島県奄美市
Festival highlights
A highlight is seeing men and women form a circle and sing responsively while dancing to the lively drum rhythms of the chijin.
As the dance progresses, the tempo quickens toward a spirited climax known as Arashage.
The sound of the hato and “Hana,” performed with distinctive melodic phrases, are also characteristic.
At the Amami Festival, you can enjoy the evening dances on several streets in Naze.
Source: 笠利地区集落行事予定／鹿児島県奄美市
An Amami night filled with drums and song, where Hachigatsu Odori is passed down in a circle
What to expect
In Hachigatsu Odori, dancers form a circle and combine singing with hand movements to the beat of the drums.
Traditionally, people visited the homes in a settlement one by one and danced along the roads and in gardens. Today, it is increasingly held in places such as open spaces within settlements.
At Amami City’s 2026 event, it was presented from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Shichō-dōri, Honmachi-dōri, and Yanikawa-dōri.
How to take part
Groups were invited to take part in Hachigatsu Odori at the 2026 Amami Festival.
There was no participation fee, and the application period was set from June 1 to June 30. The representatives’ meeting determined details such as the locations for the event day.
The information does not say whether individuals can join freely on the day, so anyone wishing to take part as a dancer should check the application details for groups.
When watching, it is important to observe the customs of each settlement and venue.
Applications to participate in 2026 closed on June 30.
Groups taking part in Hachigatsu Odori were asked to attend a representatives’ meeting, where their locations for the event day were finalized and hand towels were distributed.
For information on how to participate next time and when applications will open, please check that year’s announcements.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Shichō-dōri, Honmachi-dōri, and Yani River Street (Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture)
- Train and bus
Travel to Amami Ōshima is available by air to Amami Airport or by sea routes to Naze from Kagoshima and elsewhere.
Within the city, you can use buses, taxis, and rental cars.
- By car
Traffic restrictions around the venue were scheduled for 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Please follow local guidance during restricted hours.
- Parking
参加団体用駐車場の案内はあります。
Source: 奄美大島へのアクセス・島内の交通／鹿児島県奄美市
Event venue 鹿児島県奄美市 支庁通り
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, Hachigatsu Odori took place on August 1 (Saturday), from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., along Shichō-dōri, Honmachi-dōri, and Yani River Street.
On Amami Ōshima, Hachigatsu Odori is held for occasions such as Shinjū, Shibazashi, and Wakame during lunar calendar: August. Dates vary by settlement.
For the date of the event at Amami Matsuri in Amami City, check the official information each year.
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 Kagoshima Prefecture / Amami City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Hachigatsu Odori is a traditional event passed down by the people of local settlements and communities.
When watching, please follow local directions and venue etiquette so you do not obstruct the dance circle or pedestrian traffic.
Nighttime traffic restrictions were planned for the 2026 event in Amami City, so take care if driving near the venue.
If you plan to take part as a dancer, be sure to check the application deadline for groups and the details of the representatives’ meeting.
Nearby attractions
原野農芸博物館
鹿児島県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
大浜海浜公園
鹿児島県奄美市にある公園
奄美パーク
奄美市にある観光施設
奄美市歴史民俗資料館
鹿児島県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
奄美市立奄美博物館
鹿児島県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
田中一村記念美術館
鹿児島県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
Origins and History of Hachigatsu Odori
Hachigatsu Odori has been passed down as an event in the Amami Islands and elsewhere to celebrate the lunar calendar: August harvest and pray for a good crop.
On Amami Ōshima, descriptions say that new rice is offered during the Kōso Festival and that 3 ceremonies known as San-hachigatsu are held.
In the past, people sometimes visited each home in a settlement and danced through the night. Today, it is more often held in places such as open spaces.
The name and content vary by region.
Official information
Amami City’s official information lists the dates and times, venue, traffic restrictions, and group recruitment details for Hachigatsu Odori as part of the Amami Festival.
Applications to participate in 2026 have closed, and the representatives’ meeting has also taken place.
As the event details and participation arrangements vary by year, check Amami City’s tourism and events information for the latest updates.
Hachigatsu Odori at a Glance
Hachigatsu Odori is a traditional Amami event in which people dance in a circle to drums and singing, expressing gratitude for the harvest and hopes for a bountiful year.
Highlights include its distinctive melodic phrases and the way the tempo builds as the dance progresses.
At Amami City’s 2026 Amami Festival, it was presented on the streets of Naze on the night of August 1.
When watching, please enjoy the event while respecting the dance space and local customs.
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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