Etchu-Yatsuo Owara Kaze no Bon Venue (around Suwacho Hondori Street) (越中八尾おわら風の盆会場)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This event, said to have a history of more than 300 years, is the signature festival of Etchu-Yatsuo, and in 2026 it runs for three days, from September 1 to 3. Centered on Suwacho Hondori Street, where a stone-paved slope continues on, dancers wearing woven sedge hats move gracefully through the streets to the melancholic melodies of shamisen and kokyu. The sight of the hillside townscape lit by paper lanterns, combined with the supple, flowing dance, creates a fantastical atmosphere full of Japanese charm. The dances and songs, passed down and preserved by each local neighborhood, echo through the hillside town from the very first night until late.

Season & hours

Tips

It gets very crowded during the festival, so if you want a good spot, head to the roadside early. There are many slopes, so if you're bringing a stroller, choosing an easy-to-walk route is reassuring. At night, temperatures can drop, as is typical of a town nestled in the mountains, so it's comfortable to bring something to layer on.

Best time to visit

The town parade begins around 5pm, and the most evocative time is after 6pm, once the sun has set and the paper lanterns are lit.

Access & map

Toyama Prefecture, Yatsuo-machi, Toyama City, around Suwacho Hondori Street