The Bon Odori of Sanbonsugi, passed down through taiko and supple hand movements
The Bon Odori of Sanbonsugi
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Location
- Sanbonsugi hamlet
- Area
- Tottori Prefecture・Kotoura Town(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 15 min–1 h 30 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
- Last updated
- 2026/11/15
A passed down in Sanbonsugi, Kotoura, since the mid-Edo period. It is distinctive for its hand movements performed to while wearing braided hats and kasuri outfits, and for its history of being offered at local festivals.
About The Bon Odori of Sanbonsugi
The Bon Odori of Sanbonsugi is a Bon dance passed down in Sanbonsugi, Kotoura, Tottori Prefecture.
It has been passed down since the mid-Edo period and is said to have originated in the Sanbonsugi hamlet.
Locally, the dance is said to have been offered at the festivals of Konpira Daigongen and Akiba Daigongen, and it is also designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the prefecture.
As a dance that brings together local faith and performing arts, it offers a way to learn about the culture passed down to the present day.
Festival highlights
A highlight is the hand movements performed to a steady taiko rhythm, with dancers wearing braided hats and kasuri outfits.
Its hand movements are said to have a sensual quality, and the dancers become so absorbed that they lose track of time.
The chant “Chotto saa, kōra-sho” is also passed down as part of the dance. Its distinctive expression comes through in the dancers’ steps and supple hand movements.
It is also said to be the source of the Mitsuboshi Odori passed down in the Kurayoshi region.
The Bon Odori of Sanbonsugi, passed down through taiko and supple hand movements
What to expect
The dance is performed to the rhythm of taiko, with dancers in braided hats and kasuri outfits moving their hands and feet in unison.
It is said that the dance has been offered at the festivals of Konpira Daigongen and Akiba Daigongen.
In the past, young men gathered not only from villages throughout Kotoura but also from outside the town, and are said to have danced for several days, staying overnight.
One recent example of efforts to pass on the dance is at Seigo Elementary School, where students practice with the preservation society and perform the Sanbonsugi Odori at the school sports day.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Oaza Sanbonsugi, Kotoura Town
Address Oaza Sanbonsugi, Kotoura Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
Accommodation and hotels PR
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Nearby attractions
塩谷定好写真記念館
写真美術館
日韓友好資料館
鳥取県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
Origins and History of The Bon Odori of Sanbonsugi
The Bon Odori of Sanbonsugi is said to have been passed down since the mid-Edo period, originating in the Sanbonsugi hamlet.
Historical records state that local residents began inviting and enshrining Konpira Daigongen and Akiba Daigongen, and offered the dance at each deity’s festival.
In the past, young men gathered from both inside and outside the town, and are said to have danced for several days, staying overnight.
In Showa 49, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tottori Prefecture. Schools and the preservation society also work to pass it on.
Official information
The Bon Odori of Sanbonsugi is listed as a prefecture-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property on Kotoura Town’s “Cultural Properties of Kotoura Town” page.
The designation date is Showa 49October 18, and the location is Oaza Sanbonsugi, Kotoura Town.
The Bon Odori of Sanbonsugi at a Glance
The Bon Odori of Sanbonsugi is a Bon dance passed down in Sanbonsugi, Kotoura, since the mid-Edo period.
The dance is distinctive for its hand movements performed to taiko while wearing braided hats and kasuri outfits, and for the chant “Chotto saa, kōra-sho.”
The dance was offered at the festivals of Konpira Daigongen and Akiba Daigongen. In the past, young men from inside and outside the town are said to have gathered and danced for several days.
It became a prefecture-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property in Showa 49, and is passed down by the preservation society and local schools.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/15
