Kaizuka Higashi Bon Odori

Festival highlights

Highlights include the two types of chants, “Kudoki” and “Sanya.”

The dance is said to feature a leisurely, plaintive melody and graceful circular movements.

The event also features inventive costumes. Another distinctive feature is that dancers perform to accompaniment such as shamisen, shakuhachi, and Taisho koto, without taiko drums or kane bells.

Enjoy the distinctive local music and dance up close on the temple grounds.

Source: Traditional crafts · 伝統芸能／貝塚市

Chants passed down at Enkoji Temple and graceful Bon Odori dancing

What to expect

On the grounds of Enkoji Temple, the chants are sung and the dancing is performed to accompaniment such as shamisen, shakuhachi, and Taisho koto.

There are two types of chants, “Kudoki” and “Sanya,” with a leisurely triple-meter rhythm and plaintive melodies to enjoy.

Dancers perform while showing off their inventive costumes.

The event is said to run for 3 days, from August 14 through the 16th.

Source: 東盆踊り - 見どころ、交通 & 周辺情報 | The KANSAI Guide - The Origin of Japan, KANSAI

Location and access

Venue and address

Enkoji Temple grounds (Higashi 10, Kaizuka, Osaka)

Train and bus

An 8-minute walk from Kaizuka Station on the Nankai Main Line.

Address Higashi 10, Kaizuka, Osaka

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Dates and season

Season

August 14–16th

Frequency

Every year

Tips for your visit

The dancing takes place at night. The usual hours listed are from 8 p.m. until close to midnight.

Information indicates that the dancing continues until close to midnight on the final day, so it is a good idea to check your return travel options and the time of the last train in advance.

As the venue is the grounds of Enkoji Temple, comfortable walking clothes are recommended.

Event times and traffic conditions may change.

Nearby attractions

Nearby attractions include the Kaizuka City Local History Exhibition Room and the Kaizuka City History Museum (Furusato Shittoko! Hall).

They can be visited alongside the festival if you would like to learn about the local culture and history of Kaizuka City.

Kishiwada Danjiri Kaikan is also listed among nearby attractions.

Check each facility’s opening status and visitor information before you go.

Origins and History of Kaizuka Higashi Bon Odori

Higashi Bon Odori is said to have originated in nenbutsu odori dances held at Enkoji Temple, associated with Asajima Sannojo, in the mid-Edo period.

It has a history and tradition spanning about 280 years and was selected as an Osaka Prefecture Recorded Intangible Folk Cultural Property in Showa 49.

In Heisei 5 November, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Osaka Prefecture.

In Showa 45, the Kaizuka City Higashi Bon Odori Preservation Association was formed to pass on the event and promote and raise awareness of it.

Official information

The official Kaizuka City guide introduces the origins and history of Higashi Bon Odori, as well as its cultural property designations.

The guide to Kaizuka City’s traditional crafts and performing arts describes the distinctive chants, dancing, costumes, and accompaniment, and gives the dates as August 14 through the 16th.

Kaizuka Higashi Bon Odori at a Glance

Kaizuka Higashi Bon Odori is a Bon Odori dance with a history of about 280 years, passed down at Enkoji Temple.

Highlights include the “Kudoki” and “Sanya” chants, graceful dancing, inventive costumes, and musical accompaniment such as shamisen and shakuhachi.

It is usually held from August 14 through the 16th and is an 8-minute walk from Kaizuka Station on the Nankai Main Line.