Obon Festival
A Gathering of Joy and Remembrance
July 25 & 26 (Sat & Sun) from 2pm-8pm
Obon is a special occasion for Japanese Americans and Shin Buddhists. It is a time to remember those who have come before us and to reflect with deep gratitude on how their lives made our own possible.
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Admission and parking are free! Click here to see the schedule of events.
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Want to learn and practice the Bon Odori dances before the festival? Join us for Bon Odori dance practice July 6, July 13, July 20 from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm in the temple parking lot.
Discussions on Buddhism
Learn about Shin Buddhism and hear a Buddhist dharma message
Bon Odori Dancing
Join the dance circle in celebration and gratitude of those that came before you
Click here to see the full list of dances
Homestyle Japanese Foods
Try delicious foods including: manju, chirashi, spam musubi, Japanese curry, somen salad, taikoyaki, & mochi ice cream
Taiko Drumming
Catch a performance of the Shokenji Taiko drum group perform their greatest hits
Japanese Cultural Activities
Watch a performance, learn about the Japanese Language School, & win prizes at the game booth
Local Produce, Plants & Marketplace
Shop a variety of local produce, plants, handmade crafts, teacups and small goods
Saturday, July 25 Schedule*
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Koto Hands-On Experience​
Location: Japanese Cultural Center South Room
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3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Introduction to Buddhism
Location: Buddhist Temple Main Hall
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​​4:00 PM - 4:20 PM
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Bon Odori Dance Practice
Location: Dance Circle Outdoor Festival Grounds
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4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
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Japanese Phrase Lesson
Location: Japanese Cultural Center South Room
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4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
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Southern California Koto Ensemble
Location: Buddhist Temple Main Hall
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5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Vista Buddhist Temple Shokenji Taiko Performance
Location: Center of Outdoor Festival Grounds
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6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Bon Odori Dancing
Location: Dance Circle Outdoor Festival Grounds
Sunday, July 26 Schedule*
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
​Kamishibai, Japanese Storybook Theatre
Location: Japanese Cultural Center South Room
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3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Introduction to Buddhism
Location: Buddhist Temple Main Hall
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3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
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Mitsuhiro Kai Japanese Dance
Location: Japanese Cultural Center Stage ​​
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4:15 PM - 4:35 PM
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Bon Odori Dance Practice
Location: Dance Circle Outdoor Festival Grounds
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4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
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Japanese Phrase Lesson
Location: Japanese Cultural Center Stage
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5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Vista Buddhist Temple Shokenji Taiko with the Buddhist Temple of San Diego Taiko Performance
Location: Center of Outdoor Festival Grounds
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6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Bon Odori Dancing
Location: Dance Circle Outdoor Festival Grounds
*Schedules Subject to Change
Bon Odori Dance List
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Bon Odori Uta
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Kagoshima Ohara Bushi
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Uki Uki Ondo
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Memanbetsu Bayashi
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Shigisan Ondo
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Hawaii Ondo
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Ei Ja Nai Ka
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Yosakoi Naruko Odori
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Ashibinaa
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1+1
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Shiawase Samba
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Kyushu Tanko Bushi
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Bon Odori Uta
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