Dust off the dance shoes because the Hibiya Park Bon-Odori Dance Festival is happening from August 24th to 27th 2023. Located right at the city’s core, this event is wonderfully accessible, ensuring that everyone can easily join in on the fun.
Drawing in a massive crowd of over 40,000 revelers, it’s a favorite on the summer festival scene but wait there’s more. No, not steak knives but the World Beer Cup on the same site
Event Overview: Dance and Brews!
Spanning from August 24th to 27th, Hibiya Park transforms into a hotspot of cultural vibrancy. This dance festival, coupled with the 2nd World Beer Cup, ensures that attendees will be swaying either to the rhythm of the music or the buzz of international brews.
- Dates and Timings:
- August 25th & 26th: Hibiya Park Marunouchi Ondo Bon-odori Dance Festival from 18:00 to 21:00.
- August 24th to 27th: World Beer Cup from 11:00 to 21:00.
- Venue Breakdown:
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- Fountain Plaza: Main dance area.
- Second Flowerbed Connection Pathway: Sponsor booths and smoking areas.
- Second Flowerbed: Relaxation space.
- Elm Square: World Beer Cup Central!
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Organized by the Hibiya Park Mutsukai Shopping District Association, this festival receives support from a slew of local institutions and businesses.
About The Hibiya Park Marunouchi Ondo Bon-Odori
Always a favorite, the Hibiya Park Bon-Odori Dance Festival is more than just an annual event – it’s a tale of Tokyo’s history and the indomitable spirit of its people.
Originating in 1932, the dance festival was the brainchild of Marunouchi shop owners, seeking a way to lift the city’s spirits during the prolonged economic depression of the Showa era. Their idea? A grand dance festival, centered around a song that would become synonymous with Tokyo’s summer festivities – the Marunouchi Ondo. Created by the legendary Saijo Yaso and Nakayama Shinpei, this tune would later inspire the universally loved Tokyo Ondo, a staple song for Bon-odori dances everywhere.
After several years, the festival saw a hiatus, only to be brilliantly revived in 2003, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the opening of Hibiya Park. Since then, it has transformed into an urban celebration, bringing together diverse groups – from Marunouchi and Hibiya’s hardworking office-goers to international visitors and the local community.
Picture this: rings of dancers surrounding the park’s grand fountain, moving in harmony to the beats of the Marunouchi Ondo, while vibrant stalls dot the landscape, enhancing the festival’s lively atmosphere.
Highlights Not to Miss:
A standout feature of this festival is its inclusivity. Everyone and anyone is encouraged to join in the festivities! Every year, about 40,000 visitors flock to the park, making it a key summer event for Tokyo’s locals and travelers alike.
Meet The Performers
Bon Odoraa Daichan: The main man of the dance floor, Daichan promises to set the stage on fire with his electrifying Bon-odori moves. Expect some epic dance-offs!
Nakanishi Lemon: Bringing in the soulful melodies, Lemon is all set to serenade the crowd with her enchanting voice. Get ready to sway to her tunes!
Akiyama Kazuhisa: Hear the traditional sounds of the Tsugaru-shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese instrument, as Kazuhisa takes center stage. The resonance will leave you mesmerized!
Mikado Kanako: Delve into the hauntingly beautiful world of the Shinobue flute and traditional O-hayashi musical accompaniment with Kanako.
Chanyuka: Feel the thundering beats of the Taiko drums? That’s Chanyuka for you! Alongside her O-hayashi performance, she’s bound to get your heart racing.
DJ OSSHY: When tradition meets modern beats! DJ OSSHY will be spinning the decks, ensuring the party continues way after the sun goes down.
MC Kuda Yuuka: The voice guiding you through this musical journey, MC Yuuka will keep the energy high and the crowd engaged.
The 2023 Bon-odori Timetable
August 25th (Friday)
- 18:00 – Welcoming Guests & Sake Barrel Breaking Ceremony
- 18:20 – Bon-odori Dance ①
- 18:50 – Quick Breather!
- 18:55 – Taiko Drum Performance
- 19:05 – Dance-off with Bon Odoraa Daichan
- 19:35 – Stretch those Legs!
- 19:40 – Bon-odori Dance ②
- 20:10 – Hydration Break!
- 20:15 – Charity Raffle Draw
- 20:25 – Time for a Snack?
- 20:30 – Live Song & Music Bon-odori
- 21:00 – Wrap Up for the Day
August 26th (Saturday)
- 18:00 – Welcoming Guests & Sake Barrel Breaking Ceremony
- 18:20 – Bon-odori Dance ①
- 18:50 – Chill Out Zone
- 18:55 – Taiko Drum Show
- 19:05 – Get Groovy with Bon Odoraa Daichan
- 19:35 – Rest those Feet!
- 19:40 – Bon-odori Dance ②
- 20:10 – Quick Pit Stop!
- 20:15 – Charity Raffle Draw
- 20:25 – Grab a Drink!
- 20:30 – Bon-odori Dance ③
- 21:00 – Bon-odori Finale
- 21:00 – Extra Stage Time with DJ OSSHY!
- 22:00 – Sayonara for Now!
For those looking to avoid the peak hours, take note: weekends see the highest footfalls. Keep an eye out for tall bar graphs (often provided by festival organizers) that denote crowd density. The taller the graph, the busier the festival!
World Beer Cup
From August 24th to 27th, Elm Square becomes beer central, hosting a stack of international and local breweries. If you’re looking to sample some unique brews and maybe find a new favorite, check out the Word Beer Cup Chiyoda.
How To Get There
By Train 🚆:
- Tokyo Metro: Grab the Hibiya Line or Chiyoda Line and alight at Hibiya Station. A quick 5-minute walk from there, and you’re in festival territory.
- JR Line: Cruising on the Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line? Your stop is Yurakucho Station. From there, it’s a brisk 10-minute walk to where the music’s at.
On Foot 🚶♀️:
Find yourself in Ginza or near the Imperial Palace? Lucky you! A scenic 15 to 20-minute walk is all that stands between you and the vibrant dance circles of Hibiya Park.
Avoid the Jam
We can’t stress this enough: this festival draws in a crowd! Public transport? Expect it to be brimming. Our pro tip? Consider booking a hotel nearby. It’s super convenient, and you can rest your feet after a day of dancing or party with the locals till after the last train.
Stay Close: Recommended Hotels 🏨
- The Imperial Tokyo – Luxurious, classic, and just 10 minutes away. Perfect for those who love grandeur. Book here
- The Blossom Hibiya – Modern, chic, and only 5 minutes from the festival venue. For the trendy at heart. Book here
- The Peninsula Tokyo – Elegant with impeccable service. A mere 12-minute walk to your dance destination. Book here
- Tokyu Stay Tsukiji – Cozy, convenient, with a hint of traditional charm. 15 minutes to the park. Book here
- Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Ginza – Sleek design and top-notch amenities, situated 20 minutes from the festivities. Book here
The Sum Up
So there you have it! An epic combination of traditional dance, music, and international beers, all going down in the heart of Tokyo at Hibiya Park. Clear out your calendar, dust off those dancing shoes, and come thirsty! This is one Tokyo summer event you won’t want to miss. Cheers!
