Tokyo’s summer season isn’t just about the heat, as it’s also the time for Bon Odori, Japan’s traditional dance festival that honors the spirits of ancestors. And one of the most renowned Bon Odori festivals in Tokyo is held at the Tsukiji Honganji Temple, known as the Tsukiji Honganji Temple Noryo Bon-odori.
Tsukiji Hongwanji’s festive atmosphere is pulsing with energy and it’s no wonder why their Bon-Odori festivals are renowned in Tokyo. Dress up in a dazzling yukata, the traditional summertime outfit, to immerse yourself completely in the blissful celebration of dance at this illustrious shrine.
No need to fret if you aren’t well-versed in Japanese folklore or dancing techniques – joining hands with strangers new and old as they circle around Tsukiji Hongwanji’s iconic yagura stage will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for novice dancers too.
Overview of Tsukiji Honganji Temple Noryo Bon-odori
The Tsukiji Honganji Temple Noryo Bon-odori festival is held annually at the Tsukiji Honganji Temple in Tokyo. This festival is part of the Bon season, which is a Buddhist tradition to honor the spirits of ancestors. “Noryo” refers to the cooling evening when people gather to enjoy the festival and escape the summer heat.
The festival sees all join in the lively dance around the Yagura, a central tower where musicians play traditional Japanese music. With the backdrop of the impressive Tsukiji Honganji Temple, the Noryo Bon-odori festival offers an engaging blend of spiritual tradition, community participation, and festive entertainment.
Getting to Tsukiji Honganji Temple
The Tsukiji Honganji Temple, in the bustling Tsukiji neighborhood, is easily accessible. It’s just a short walk from the Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. The area is also served by multiple bus routes, making it conveniently reachable from parts of Tokyo.
Experiencing the Noryo Bon-Odori
At the Tsukiji Honganji Temple Noryo Bon-odori, attendees are encouraged to participate, regardless of their dance skills or knowledge of the tradition. Dancers move in a circle around the central Yagura, following simple movements that are easy to pick up. This inclusivity and sense of community are part of what makes the festival so special.
The festival also features food stalls (known as “yatai”) that offer Japanese festival foods, from yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) to kakigori (shaved ice with sweet syrup). Enjoying these festival treats under the lantern-lit summer night sky adds to the festival’s nostalgic ambiance.
2023 Restrictions
Attention all Tokyoites. A little change of pace is in store for this year’s festival – exclusively welcoming residents and workers from the charming Tsukiji neighborhood. Don’t fret, entry remains free as usual but pre-registration at the Information Centre (within Tsukiji Hongwanji temple) between 10am to 4pm daily will be obligatory. To join the festivities, you’ll have to bring along any ID reflecting your address or proof of employment status in this area upon registration verification.
The Food
But let us not forget about one of the festival’s biggest draws: delectable food selections that accompany any kind of shindig worth attending. Make your way here early on so you have plenty o time to appreciate each dish without missing out on any dance opportunities later; fortune favors those who enjoy both feasting AND merrymaking.
In fact, it’s been said time and again – if there’s one festival where your taste buds can afford to get carried away, its right here. Which is why the festival is Lovingly known as “Japan’s Most Delicious Bon Odori,”.
So join in between 7pm — 9pm each night (6:00 pm until 8:30 pm Saturday) for fun-filled evenings under starry skies suffused with gastronomical pleasure & cultural heritage experiences like no other.
Visiting Tsukiji Honganji Temple
Apart from the Noryo Bon-odori festival, the Tsukiji Honganji Temple itself is worth a visit. This Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land) Buddhist temple, known for its unique Indian architectural style, is a striking contrast to the typical Japanese temple design. It houses a grand pipe organ, used for musical concerts, further adding to its distinctiveness.
The Sum Up
The Tsukiji Honganji Temple Noryo Bon-odori festival offers a captivating immersion into Japanese tradition. Whether it’s joining the community dance, savoring festival foods, or simply observing the lively event set against the majestic Tsukiji Honganji Temple, this festival gives you a unique, unforgettable experience. It’s a true testament to Tokyo’s rich cultural tapestry and the enduring charm of Japanese traditions.
