Kawara Bon Odori

Festival highlights

A highlight is the circular dance to Bon kudoki songs passed down in Kawara.

It has been passed down locally as a memorial rite praying for those who died in battle to attain peace.

Along with Bon Odori, the event also features fireworks and food stalls, combining traditional performing arts with summer festival activities.

Source: 歴史│香春町観光協会ホームページ

Kawara’s Bon Odori and summer night, carrying on the spirit of memorial offerings

What to expect

The event features Bon kudoki, a traditional Bon Odori in Kawara.

In addition to Bon Odori, there are fireworks and food stalls.

The dance is described as a memorial rite performed through dancing throughout the night each Obon, praying for the spirits associated with Kawaradake Castle to attain peace.

How to take part

It is presented as an event attended by people from both within and outside the area.

Location and access

Venue and address

Kawara Town General Sports Park (Kawara Town)

Event venue 福岡県香春町 香春町総合運動公園

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

2026年の案内では、8月15日(土)18:30から開催予定として案内されていました。

In case of rain, it was scheduled to be postponed to August 16 (Sunday).

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Origins and History of Kawara Bon Odori

The origins of Kawara Bon Odori are also said to lie in memorial rites for the spirits of those who lost their lives in battles fought between the Ōuchi and Ōtomo clans on Mount Kawara.

On Mount Kawara stood Onigajo Castle, and stories are told of the battle between Bekki Dōsetsu and the monk Akamatsu Genshin, who defended Mount Kawara.

Stories of these battles have been passed down through Bon Odori and performances by biwa-playing minstrels.

Official information

The Kawara Town Tourism Association website’s information on the “Furusato Kawara Summer Festival Bon Odori”

Kawara Bon Odori at a Glance

Kawara Bon Odori, said to originate in memorial rites for those who died in battles on Mount Kawara, is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kawara Town.

Traditional Bon kudoki songs are performed every year during Obon, and the event also features fireworks and food stalls.

2026年の案内では、8月15日18:30から香春町総合運動公園で開催予定とされ、雨天時は8月16日に延期される予定でした。