Every year during the Obon season, summer festivals and Bon dances are held throughout Japan.
The event featured in this article is the Bitchu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori, held for three days every year from August 14 to 16 in front of Bitchu-Takahashi Station.
The writer first took part in the Bitchu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori about 10 years ago.
Ever since being captivated by how easy it is to join in whenever you feel like dancing, and by the upbeat rhythm of the Yatosa dance, the writer has taken part every year.
This Bon dance gets the mountain town fired up and is one of the three largest in Okayama Prefecture. Here, we introduce it with photos from past years.
The information presented was current when this article was published in August 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About the Bitchu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori
The Bitchu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori is one of the three major dances in Okayama Prefecture (the others are Shiraishi Odori in Kasaoka City and Omiyadori in Maniwa City) and is the largest Bon dance in the prefecture.
The venue is the main street in front of JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station. The event is held every year from August 14 to 16, and during this time the area in front of the station is filled with dancing.
Here are some highlights.
Jiodori and Yatosa Odori
The slow-moving “jiodori,” characteristic of Bon dances; the lively, upbeat “Yatosa Odori”; and the “shikumi odori,” passed down among samurai. Together, these three dances are known as the “Matsuyama Odori.”
Of these, the “jiodori” and “Yatosa Odori” are easy for anyone to join. The two dances are performed alternately over about 30 minutes.
The steps are simple, and even first-timers can join in easily, so be sure to step into the circle of dancers.
Sanren Odori Fuda
If you wear a yukata and take part in the dancing for all three days, you can receive a wooden tag with a netsuke ornament called a “Sanren Odori Fuda.”
The writer finally got one last year (2023), for the first time. (The second day was canceled due to rain last year, so taking part for two days was enough to receive one.)
You can get a participation card at the reception desk near Bitchu-Takahashi Station on the first day.
Apparently, only 200 Sanren Odori Fuda are available, so try taking part all three days to get one.
From the Writer
The event was canceled or scaled back during the COVID-19 pandemic, but last year (2023) it was as lively as before, and it felt like a normal summer had returned.
The writer first took part in the Matsuyama Odori about 10 years ago and has participated every year since, captivated by how easy it is to join in and by the rhythm of the Yatosa Odori.
The venue is in front of JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, so it is easy to reach by train. If you drive, parking is available a short distance away.
This summer, be sure to visit Takahashi.
Bitchu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori Information
| Name | Bitchu Takahashi Matsuyama Odori |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 14 (Tuesday)–16 (Friday), 2024 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. |
| Location | Main street in front of Bitchu-Takahashi Station |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Takahashi City Tourism Guide |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
