A circle of dancers carries on history on the singing-sand beach
Kotogahama Bon Odori
The 2026 edition of Kotogahama has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/08/13 〜 2026/08/15Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year, August 13–15
- Location
- Kotogahama Beach
- Area
- Shimane Prefecture・Oda City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 20 min–1 h 40 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.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
At Kotogahama Beach, known for its singing sands, circles of Bon Odori carry on the region’s history. The dance is characterized by the rhythmic calls of the kuchikata and dance styles that vary from place to place.
About Kotogahama Bon Odori
Kotogahama Bon Odori is a Bon dance passed down at Kotogahama in Magi, Nima-cho, Oda, Shimane Prefecture.
It is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Oda City and is said to have continued for more than 400 years.
Set on a beach known for its singing sand, this local event continues as a tradition where people returning to their hometown for can enjoy a night in their home region.
Source: 琴ヶ浜盆踊り（８月13日～15日） | 島根県大田市公式サイト / 琴ヶ浜盆踊り | しまね観光ナビ｜島根県公式観光情報サイト
Festival highlights
The main highlight is seeing a circle of dancers spread across Kotogahama as the sound of the singing sand mingles with the waves.
Dancers wear white tabi socks and formal attire, with women restyling their hair.
The dances vary according to the kudoki chants, and dances connected with local history, such as “Ganjōju,” “Hitotsubashi,” and “Shianbashi,” have been passed down.
A circle of dancers carries on history on the singing-sand beach
What to expect
Bon Odori takes place over 3 days corresponding to the welcoming of ancestral spirits, the middle of Obon, and their sending off, with dancers forming a circle at Kotogahama at night.
Several kudokite chanters chant within the circle, while people who have learned the melodic verses dance along.
One distinctive feature is that people from children to adults take part, and the circle eventually grows larger.
Source: くらしの情報260810 | 島根日日新聞
How to take part
There are records of people from children to adults taking part in Bon Odori, and visitors have the opportunity to join the circle.
This is more than just a viewing event—you can experience a dance passed down in the community.
Please follow the guidance given on the day about the dance steps and when to join.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Kotogahama (1545-21 Magi, Nima-cho, Oda, Shimane Prefecture)
- Train and bus
A 3-minute walk from Magi Station on the San'in Main Line.
- By car
It is a 30-minute drive from Gotsu IC.
- Parking
Available, free of charge.
Address 1545-21 Magi, Nima-cho, Oda, Shimane Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, the event is scheduled to run from August 13 through the 15th, starting at 8 p.m. and continuing with the aim of dancing until dawn.
The venue is Kotogahama Beach in Maji.
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 Shimane Prefecture / Oda City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
As the event takes place at Kotogahama at night, watch your footing and be mindful of the condition of the beach sand as you walk.
The event is listed as taking place from 8 p.m. until around daybreak.
If you join the dancing, enjoy it in keeping with the flow of the event, taking care not to obstruct the movements of other dancers or the kudokite chanters.
Nearby attractions
Near Kotogahama, you can see Jomon-period giant trees at the Sanbe Azukihara Buried Forest Park.
At Yunotsu Pottery Village, you can see an active climbing kiln and experience Yunotsu ware.
The Nima Sand Museum is also listed as a nearby attraction.
さんべ縄文の森ミュージアム
島根県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
仁摩サンドミュージアム
島根県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
島根県立三瓶自然館
島根県大田市にある博物館
物部神社
島根県大田市にある神社
石見銀山世界遺産センター
島根県大田市にある世界遺産のガイダンス施設・資料館
石見銀山資料館
島根県大田市にある博物館
三瓶山
島根県の山
Origins and History of Kotogahama Bon Odori
Kotogahama Bon Odori is a traditional event said to have continued for more than 400 years.
A legend at Kotogahama tells that the Bon dance began as a memorial for a court lady who was among the Heike fugitives.
Meanwhile, the leading theory is that the dances developed from nenbutsu odori Buddhist dances. Dances connected with local history, such as Ganjōju, Hitotsubashi, and Shianbashi, have been passed down.
Official information
There is an official website provided by the Kotogahama Bon Odori Preservation Society.
The Preservation Society’s listed contact number is 0854-88-2554.
Kotogahama Bon Odori at a Glance
Kotogahama Bon Odori is a Bon dance held on Kotogahama, known for its singing sand, and is said to have continued for more than 400 years.
The circle expands as people dance in styles that differ from one community to another, following the chanters’ songs.
On the nights from the welcoming of ancestral spirits to their sending off, enjoy dances that carry on local legends and history, accompanied by the sounds of the coast.
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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