Ose’s Bon dance, passed down through drums and a circle of fans
Ose Taiko Odori
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- During the urabon period (around the Bon season)
- Area
- Wakayama Prefecture・Tanabe City(From Tokyo: approx. 3 h 30 min–4 h · bullet train + connecting train)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
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
The Ose Odori, where dancers holding fans move to the sound of drums and songs. It is a Bon-season furyu dance passed down in Ose, Hongu Town, Tanabe City.
About Ose Taiko Odori
The Ose Taiko Odori is a Bon-season furyu dance passed down in Ose, Hongu Town, Tanabe City.
Male and female dancers holding fans form a circle, while 3 taiko drummers in the center dance with shime-daiko drums slung from their necks.
It has been passed down as a folk performing art rich in local character, accompanied by songs led by the lead singer.
Source: 国指定文化財等データベース
Festival highlights
A highlight is watching the drummers in the center dance, working their pair of sticks and stamping their feet.
The tempo varies from one piece to another, bringing a wide variety of changes to the dance movements.
The dance songs include old-style short songs such as “Going to the Temple,” “Picking Tea,” and “Visiting the Garden.”
Source: 大瀬の太鼓踊 | わかやまの文化財
Ose’s , passed down through drums and a circle of fans
What to expect
During the dance, the lead singer sings from the outside of the circle, while male and female dancers holding fans move to the song.
The drummers in the center of the circle strike the shime-daiko drums slung from their necks with a pair of sticks, while stamping their feet and making broad movements.
The pace changes from one piece to another, making it possible to enjoy the transition from quiet movements to energetic drumming and dancing.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Ose, Hongu Town, Tanabe City.
Traditionally, the dance is performed on the grounds of the Batō Kannon-do Hall in the district.
Event venue 和歌山県田辺市 田辺市本宮町大瀬
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
Ōse no Taiko Odori is performed as part of the Urabon observances.
例年の時期はお盆のころです。
In the past, performances were announced for August 18 from 7 p.m., but that schedule cannot be treated as the planned date for 2026.
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 Wakayama Prefecture / Tanabe City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
南方熊楠顕彰館
和歌山県田辺市にある博物館
新庄総合公園
和歌山県田辺市にある公園
熊野古道なかへち美術館
和歌山県田辺市にある美術館
熊野本宮大社
和歌山県田辺市本宮町本宮にある神社
写真：Tim Notari from Tanabe-Shi Wakayama-Ken, Japan / CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo source ·
田辺市立美術館
和歌山県田辺市にある美術館
道の駅田辺市龍神ごまさんスカイタワー
和歌山県田辺市にある国道371号の道の駅
Origins and History of Ose Taiko Odori
According to local tradition, Heike warriors who fled after their defeat settled in Ose.
The taiko dance is described as having once been performed during the Bon season at Kannon-do Hall, where the spirits of the defeated warriors were enshrined.
Many songs are said to have been performed in the past; today, members of a traditional performing arts class and others continue to pass down the dance, performing a smaller selection of songs.
Official information
You can find an explanation of the Ose Taiko Odori and cultural property information in the Database of National Cultural Properties.
The Wakayama Prefectural Board of Education’s list includes it as a nationally selected intangible folk cultural property in Showa 53December 8.
Ose Taiko Odori at a Glance
The Ose Taiko Odori is a Bon-season furyu dance passed down in Ose, Hongu Town, Tanabe City.
Male and female dancers holding fans form a circle, while 3 taiko drummers in the center dance to the songs and drums.
Its distinctive features include old-style short songs and changes in tempo from one piece to another, reflecting the performing art’s local heritage.
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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