2026 Shiraishi Island Bon Odori (Shiraishi Odori): A Full-Day Course

On Shiraishi Island (白石島), off the coast of Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, the 'Shiraishi Odori' (白石踊, also known as the Shiraishi Island Bon Odori) is danced through the night for four consecutive nights from August 13th to 16th. Designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, this bon dance is performed at a leisurely pace to drums and ondo singing. This one-day course centers on its opening night (August 13, 2026, held in front of the Shiraishi Community Hall). Before crossing the sea by ferry from Kasaoka Port, spend the daytime at the Horseshoe Crab Museum (カブトガニ博物館) on the mainland, encountering creatures typical of the Seto Inland Sea. After a short breather at the port, it's finally time to head to the island. Spend some island time at the crystal-clear Shiraishi Island Beach, and take in the beautiful scattering of islands across the Seto Inland Sea from the hilltop observatory — by evening, the island's atmosphere has fully shifted into festival mode. At night, when the sound of drums begins to echo in front of the Shiraishi Community Hall, joining the circle to dance is simply how it's done on this island. Enjoy with your family the opening night of these four days, from August 13th to 16th, when the whole island is wrapped in the dancing circle.