Tsukiji Honganji Bon Dance Festival

Mid-summer is the season for obon, the traditional Japanese festival of the dead. It is the occasion of festivals featuring taiko drumming and group dancing. The dancing takes place in a circle, with predefined moves depending on the songs. Here are some photos of the Tsukiji Honganji Bon Dance Festival held at the Tsukiji Honganji Temple in Tokyo.

Above, people eating before the start of the dance, with the Tsukiji Honganji temple in the background.

Above, demonstration of taiko drumming before the start of the dance.

Above, taiko drummer at the center of the circle.

Above, the start of the dance.

After a while, more people joined in.

The dance moves for each song were shown by the dancers on the stand at the centre of the circle.

A lot of people were wearing a yukata.

Above, the dance circle seen from the entrance of the Honganji temple.