Every year during the Obon season, summer festivals and Bon Odori dances are held in various places.
The event introduced in this article is the "Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori", which takes place for three days from August 14 to 16 in front of Bichu Takahashi Station.
The author participated in the Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori for the first time about ten years ago.
Since then, I have been captivated by the low barrier to entry, allowing me to join whenever I want to dance, and the lively rhythm of the Yatosha dance, participating every year.
A summer festival that heats up the mountainous town, one of the three largest Bon Odori dances in Okayama Prefecture. I will introduce it along with past photos.
About "Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori"
The "Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori" is one of the three major dances in Okayama Prefecture (the others are Kasaoka City's "Shiraishi Odori" and Maniwa City's "Omiya Odori") and boasts the largest scale of Bon Odori in the prefecture.
The venue is the main street in front of JR Bichu Takahashi Station, and it is held every year from August 14 to 16, during which the area in front of Bichu Takahashi Station is filled with dancing.
Let me introduce some highlights.
Ground Dance and Yatosha Dance
The "Ground Dance" features slow movements typical of Bon Odori, while the "Yatosha Dance" has a lively tempo. Additionally, there is the "Shikumi Odori," which was passed down among the samurai. These three are collectively referred to as "Matsuyama Odori."
Among these, the "Ground Dance" and "Yatosha Dance" are the ones that the general public can easily participate in. The two dances are alternated over approximately 30 minutes.
The movements are simple, so even first-timers can easily join in, so please try to join the circle of dancers.
Sanren Odori Fuda
If you participate in the dance wearing a yukata for three days, you will receive a wooden tag with a charm called "Sanren Odori Fuda."
I was finally able to receive it for the first time last year (2023). (Last year, the second day was canceled due to rain, so I was able to receive it after participating for two days).
Note that participation cards can be obtained at the reception near Bichu Takahashi Station on the first day.
The Sanren Odori Fuda is said to be limited to 200 pieces, so please try to participate for all three days to obtain one.
Conclusion
There were cancellations and scale reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but last year (2023) I felt that the usual summer had returned, as we could see the same excitement as before.
I participated in the Matsuyama Odori for the first time about ten years ago, and since then, I have been captivated by the low barrier to entry and the rhythm of the Yatosha dance, participating every year.
The venue is also in front of JR Bichu Takahashi Station, making access by train very convenient. If you go by car, parking is available a little further away.
This summer, please make sure to visit Takahashi.
Data on Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori
| Name | Bichu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 14 (Tuesday) to 16 (Friday), 2024 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
| Location | Main street in front of Bichu Takahashi Station |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Takahashi City Tourism Guide |
