Central Plaza, Ferry Plaza, Himeshima Bon Odori, Himeshima Village, Higashikunisaki District, Oita Prefecture

Flow of the course

About this spot

Held across the entire island of Himeshima, floating in the Seto Inland Sea, this Bon dance festival runs for two days, August 14 and 15, 2026. Circles of dancing spread out at Bon-dance grounds set up in each district across the island, starting with the Central Plaza (Ferry Plaza), and the whole small island comes together to color the summer night. One highlight is the Fox Dance and other dances unique to Himeshima, letting you experience up close the traditional dances the local community has carefully passed down. It's a quiet, warm moment of Bon dancing that can only be experienced on an island surrounded by the sea.

Season & hours

Tips

Getting around the island is mainly on foot, so join in with comfortable walking shoes. If arriving by ferry, be sure to check the time of the last return boat. Sea breezes can make the night cool, so a light jacket is reassuring to have.

Best time to visit

From the 17:00 start. Around 19:00, once the sun has set and the lanterns are lit, is the liveliest time.

Access & map

Oita Prefecture, Higashikunisaki District, Himeshima Village, Central Plaza (Ferry Plaza) and other Bon-dance grounds throughout the island