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.
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Admission and parking are free! Click here to see a full schedule.
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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
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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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3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
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Japanese Story Time
Location: Japanese Cultural Center, Kindergarten Room
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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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Southern California Koto Ensemble
Location: Buddhist Temple Main Hall
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5:15 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 27 Schedule*
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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Shakuhachi Meditation
Location: Buddhist Temple Main Hall
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2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
AOT Judo Club, Escondido
Location: Japanese Cultural Center Stage ​​
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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 - 4:00 PM
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Art Club of San Diego Sumi-e Demonstration
Location: Japanese Cultural Center Stage ​​
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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 Stage
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5:15 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