A festival of diverse dances performed at bon dance grounds across the island and passed down through the generations
Himeshima Bon Odori
The 2026 edition of Himeshima has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/08/14 〜 2026/08/15Ended
- Season / frequency
- Mid-August / Every year
- Location
- Central Plaza (Himeshima Port Ferry Plaza) and bon dance grounds in each district
- Area
- Oita Prefecture・Himeshima Village(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 35 min–1 h 55 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
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Himeshima Bon Odori is a Bon dance event featuring traditional and original dances passed down in Himeshima Village, performed at the Central Plaza and the bon dance grounds in each district. Distinctive dances such as the Fox Dance and Aya Dance bring the island to life.
About Himeshima Bon Odori
Himeshima Bon Odori is a Bon dance event passed down in Himeshima Village, Oita Prefecture.
The dances include traditional and original performances, with the Fox Dance, Aya Dance, Zenidaiko, and Sarumaru Dayu passed down through the generations.
Dancers travel between the Central Plaza and bon dance grounds in each district, performing throughout the island.
Source: 国選択無形民俗文化財「姫島の盆踊」 | 大分県姫島村
Festival highlights
Highlights include the variety of traditional dances and original dances created each year.
In the Fox Dance, children with white-painted faces and drawn-on whiskers wear white outfits and dance with umbrellas hung with lanterns.
In the Aya Dance, the vigorous movements of men holding green bamboo poles contrast with the graceful hand dancing of women.
Source: 姫島盆踊り - Wikipedia
A festival of diverse dances performed at bon dance grounds across the island and passed down through the generations
What to expect
Dancers first perform at the bon dance ground in their own district, then travel around to perform at bon dance grounds across the island.
The venues are the bon dance grounds in each district and the Central Plaza. In 2026, the Central Plaza will be set up at Himeshima Port Ferry Plaza.
Along with traditional dances, new original dances created that year are also performed, allowing visitors to see dances from different districts.
Source: 姫島盆踊りの開催について | 大分県姫島村
How to take part
Visitors can watch the event.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Central Plaza (Himeshima Port Ferry Plaza) and bon dance grounds in each district / Himeshima Village, Higashikunisaki District, Oita Prefecture
- Train and bus
It is about 50 minutes by car from Oita Airport or Usa Station, then about 20 minutes by ferry from Imi Port in Kunisaki City. The venue is just a short walk from Himeshima Port.
- By car
Cars travel by ferry from the Imi area of Kunisaki Port.
According to the 2026 event information, a temporary parking lot will be set up at Imi Port.
- Parking
A free temporary parking lot with space for 300 vehicles will be available at Imi Port.
Source: 姫島盆踊り(大分県)の詳細データ｜ウォーカープラス
Address Himeshima Village, Higashikunisaki District, Oita Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 Event Information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, it was held on August 14 (Friday) and the 15th (Saturday), from 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The venues are the Central Plaza (Himeshima Port Ferry Plaza) and the bon dance grounds in each district.
It is usually held in mid-August, with dates varying from year to 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 Oita Prefecture / Himeshima Village (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Origins and History of Himeshima Bon Odori
Himeshima Bon Odori is said to have developed from nenbutsu odori, a Buddhist chanting dance from the Kamakura period.
Traditional dances include the Fox Dance, Aya Dance, Zenidaiko, and Sarumaru Dayu, and have been passed down by children and other residents of each district.
The Fox Dance was once a vigorous dance performed by adult men, but it is said that children began performing it after the war.
Official information
The Himeshima Village official website provides the 2026 dates and venue under “Information on Himeshima Bon Odori.”
The festival’s origins and types of dances are introduced on the Himeshima Village official tourism page, “Himeshima Bon Odori,” designated as a Nationally Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Himeshima Bon Odori at a Glance
Himeshima Bon Odori is a Bon dance event where visitors can enjoy traditional and original dances passed down in the districts of Himeshima Village, at the Central Plaza and bon dance grounds.
Each dance has its own distinctive expression, from the Fox Dance’s white outfits and umbrellas hung with lanterns to the contrast between stillness and movement in the Aya Dance.
In 2026, it was held on the night of August 14 and the 15th.
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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