[AKITA-UGO] 17 Aug. Akita: seat & guide of Nishimonai Bon Odori Dance

Admire Nishimonai Bon dance, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, in both street seat and box seat with view from above.August 16th during the Bon Festival is the day to bid farewell to ancestral spirits. As the sun sets over the Dewa mountains, the music of the yose-daiko drum resounds in Nishimonai, Ugo Town. Soon after, well-dressed children perform the Ondo dance on Honmachi Street where bonfires are lit, and the three-day Bon Odori begins.Skillful dancers who cover their faces with braided hats and hikosa hoods join in, and indigo-dyed costumes with gorgeous embroidery stand out against the bonfires. The dance has a fascinating curved beauty of interwoven graceful hand gestures and foot movements. The participants dance wholeheartedly in unison with their ancestral spirits, wishing for an abundant harvest. 100,000 viewers are intoxicated by the dreamy world of the musicians, dancers, and bonfires.The tour starts 18:00. If you interested in Nishimonai bon dance more, we can offer optional tour for free. You can learn how to dance Nishimonai Bon dance, and history. The optional tour starts 14:00 at meeting place.