Ueno Bon Odori

A passed down in Ueno, Minamiechizen Town, and designated an intangible folk cultural property by the prefecture. Its distinctive dance sequence, costumes, and simple soundscape of local folk songs and interjections are preserved.

About Ueno Bon Odori

Ueno Bon Odori is a prefecturally designated intangible folk cultural property, held every year on August 15 in the grounds of Eiseiji Temple in Ueno, Minamiechizen Town.

It is said to have begun as a celebration of the completion of the Monma Irrigation Canal in the early Edo period, and has been passed down locally.

The “Bon Wakashu,” a group made up of people of all ages and genders, runs the event and also teaches the dances to children.

Source: 文化財詳細 | 福井県文化財ページ

Festival highlights

The highlights are the sequence of dances, beginning with “Dodora Odori,” centering on “Haneso Odori,” and ending with “Senbon Tsuki.”

The dancing proceeds without instrumental accompaniment such as drums, relying only on the lead singer’s local folk song and the dancers’ responses.

Costumes worn by the dancers and the distinctive role known as “Minomushi,” which keeps the circle in order, are also unique features of this Bon Odori.

A traditional Bon Odori in Ueno, Minamiechizen Town, featuring folk songs and costumes

What to expect

The dances follow a set order, with the circle formed around local folk songs and interjections.

Some dancers wear costumes, reflecting the festival’s playful, changing style as it incorporates current trends and social conditions.

At the venue, “Minomushi” keeps the dance circle in order and serves to curb mischief and disorderly conduct.

Location and access

Venue and address: Grounds of Eiseiji Temple (Ueno, Minamiechizen Town)

Address Ueno, Minamiechizen Town

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Dates and season

Season: Every year on August 15
Frequency: Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

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Origins and History of Ueno Bon Odori

Ueno Bon Odori is said to have begun as a celebration of the completion of the Monma Irrigation Canal, also known as the Ueno Irrigation Canal, when it was excavated in the early Edo period.

Today, its traditional sequence of Dodora Odori, Haneso Odori, and Senbon Tsuki is still maintained.

Even as Bon Odori dances set to new folk songs have spread, it has preserved its simple, traditional form and is carried on by the preservation association and the Bon Wakashu.

Official information

The Fukui Prefecture Cultural Properties page introduces Ueno Bon Odori as a prefecturally designated intangible folk cultural property.

The preservation group is the Ueno Bon Odori Preservation Association.

Ueno Bon Odori at a Glance

Ueno Bon Odori is a prefecturally designated intangible folk cultural property, passed down in the grounds of Eiseiji Temple in Ueno, Minamiechizen Town.

Its features include the sequence of Dodora Odori, Haneso Odori, and Senbon Tsuki; its vocals, consisting only of local folk songs and interjections; and its costumes and “Minomushi.”

It is said to have begun as a celebration of the completion of an irrigation canal in the early Edo period, and is carried on through local preservation activities.