Yamaga Odori

Festival highlights

The highlight is the simple circle dance, accompanied only by the lead singer’s songs and drums.

The lead singer and drummers take turns during the dance, but linking phrases keep the songs going without interruption.

Set phrases are also used when switching dances, and at a signal the dancers all change their movements at once.

The types and tempos of the dances vary by area, so you can also look for the distinctive character of each settlement.

A Bon Odori tradition in Yamaga, with drums and narrative songs passed down in each settlement

What to expect

For the first Bon memorial dance, a stand draped with white cloth is placed in a corner of the square and decorated with a photograph of the deceased, offerings, a memorial tablet, and other items.

People from the neighborhood offer incense and pay their respects. Once the priest or another officiant has finished chanting sutras, the Bon Odori begins.

The dancing then continues for about 2 hours, with breaks, and may end with a raffle or gift exchange.

The program varies by area and event; in places with many children, people may also set off handheld fireworks.

Location and access

Venue and address

Events are held throughout the Yamaga area.

The specific settlement and venue vary by event.

Train and bus

Directions are available for traveling from JR Usa Station to Tateishi Station on an Ōita-bound local train on the Nippo Main Line.

The trip from Usa Station to Tateishi Station takes about 10 minutes.

By car

As venues are spread throughout the Yamaga area, driving routes to individual venues vary by location.

Source: 竜ヶ尾盆踊り | 盆踊りの世界

Event venue 大分県杵築市、豊後高田市 山香 region

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

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Dates and season

Season

August 13 through around the 16th

Origins and History of Yamaga Odori

However, like Tsurusaki Odori and Kusaji Odori, it is considered a long-established Bon Odori tradition, and different dances and narrative songs have been passed down in the settlements of Yamaga-go.

Some songs were danced until around Showa 30, but are no longer performed today. The state of transmission varies by area.

In recent years, the activities of the Yamaga Bon Odori Preservation Society have led to the revival of the dance in some areas, while its continuation is said to be at risk in surrounding areas.

Yamaga Odori at a Glance

Yamaga Odori is a Bon Odori dance passed down in settlements in northeastern Oita Prefecture, including Yamaga-machi in Kitsuki City.

Dancers form a circle around a yagura and dance to the lead singer’s narrative singing, accompanied only by drums.

It is both a ritual tradition associated with observances such as the first Bon memorial service and a part of local life, with people from children to older adults taking part in the drumming and dancing.

The locations and types of dances vary from settlement to settlement.