Far removed from the well-known Awa Odori of Tokushima City, the Higashi Iya Bon Odori preserves the intimate, spiritual character of traditional mountain Obon observances in the deep Iya Valley. Villagers and visitors gather on the narrow terraced grounds of local shrines and community spaces as paper lanterns are floated on the Iya River to guide ancestral spirits. Circular bon odori dances accompanied by live shamisen and hand-held bells continue through the warm summer night. The surrounding mountain ridges and vine bridges create a mystical atmosphere rarely encountered at larger, more commercialised festivals.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Summer
- Month
- Mid-August
- Region
- Shikoku
- Prefecture
- Tokushima
- City
- Miyoshi (Higashi Iya)
Highlights
- ◆Lantern floating on the Iya River for ancestors
- ◆Intimate circular bon odori dancing with live shamisen
- ◆Remote mountain village setting with vine bridge backdrop
- ◆Deeply spiritual Obon atmosphere preserved in full
- ◆Participation open to all visitors