Obon

Obon FESTIVAL 2026

SATURDAY JULY 18, 12:00 – 4:00 pm

Obon 2026 has concluded and we thank all who made such a special day possible! We are grateful to all of the volunteers, performers, vendors, exhibitors, and visitors from across California who brought such joy to our temple. Please check back in spring 2027 for information about our next Obon festival!

Obon is our annual festival of joy in which we gather and remember our deceased ancestors with gratitude and reverence.

Free admission and all are welcome! 

Click here to learn more about the history and cultures of Obon. 

Parking is available in the neighborhood and at Franklin Elementary School located at 1111 E Mason St,

Dance Practice
Schedule 

 

Join us at the temple to learn the basic, gentle dance moves for Obon! We will be guided by our talented and experienced dance instructors, the Fujii Sisters. To learn more about the dances, click here for a tutorial.   

  • Sat. 6/13 — 1:30 – 3:00 
  • Sat. 6/20 —  1:00 – 3:00 
  • Sat. 6/27 — 1:00 – 3:00 
  • Fri. 7/10 — 6:00 – 8:00
  • Fri 7/17 — 6:30 – 7:30 

OBON SCHEDULE:
SATURDAY JULY 18

 

12:00: Welcome

12:15: Hula performance 

12:35: Okinawan Dance performance

1:10: Taiko Drumming

1:40: Bon Odori Dances

2:40: Taiko Drumming

3:10: Bon Odori Dances

4:00 Closing

 

Obon Festival Vendors and Performers

 

While the festivities are taking place outside, join us in our social hall for snacks for sale, bonsai exhibit, arts and crafts, Japanese collectables, and more. 

You can also take a moment to rest and re-center in our hondo (main hall) which will be open for quiet reflection. Rev deGuzman will be available to answer your questions about Buddhism. 

In addition to our odori (Japanese folk dance) we are delighted to offer performances from:

  • Togen Daiko
  • Amatasi Polynesian Dance Group
  • Okinawan dance, performed by the students of Richiko Nakashima Sensei