Obon Festival
A Gathering of Joy and Remembrance
July 26 & 27 (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.
Admission and parking are free! Click here to see a full schedule.
Want to learn and practice the Bon Odori dances before the festival? Join us for Bon Odori dance practice July 7, 14, & 21 from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm at 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
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
Come watch a judo demo, 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 26 Schedule*
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Koto Hands-On Experience
Location: Japanese Cultural Center South Room
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Introduction to Buddhism
Location: Buddhist Temple Main Hall
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Japanese Story Time
Location: Japanese Cultural Center, Kindergarten Room
4:00 PM - 4:20 PM
Bon Odori Dance Practice
Location: Dance Circle Outdoor Festival Grounds
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Southern California Koto Ensemble
Location: Buddhist Temple Main Hall
5:15 PM - 6:00 PM
Vista Buddhist Temple Shokenji Taiko Performance
Location: Center of Outdoor Festival Grounds
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Bon Odori Dancing
Location: Dance Circle Outdoor Festival Grounds
Sunday, July 27 Schedule*
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Shakuhachi Meditation
Location: Buddhist Temple Main Hall
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
AOT Judo Club, Escondido
Location: Japanese Cultural Center Stage
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Introduction to Buddhism
Location: Buddhist Temple Main Hall
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Art Club of San Diego Sumi-e Demonstration
Location: Japanese Cultural Center Stage
4:00 PM - 4:20 PM
Bon Odori Dance Practice
Location: Dance Circle Outdoor Festival Grounds
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Japanese Phrase Lesson
Location: Japanese Cultural Center Stage
5:15 PM - 6:00 PM
Vista Buddhist Temple Shokenji Taiko with the Buddhist Temple of San Diego Taiko Performance
Location: Center of Outdoor Festival Grounds
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Bon Odori Dancing
Location: Dance Circle Outdoor Festival Grounds