“Summer Festival Memories” Part 4 takes us to the former Ashihara Elementary School grounds for the “Local Bon Odori Festival” at the Chuo Gymnasium Annex.
This year, it was held on August 12 and 13! Here’s a quick look at what it was like. “Summer Festival Memories” is a seven-day series featuring reports by Kagayaki No. 509, a Nishitsu supporter.
Look at this! There’s a mini stage under the yagura tower! It really stands out!! Could this be the only one like it in Nishinomiya?
Here it is on the map↓
The address is 2-6 Jingikancho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture.
Speaking of the Local Bon Odori Festival, did you know it’s famous for the Shako Odori? It features shamisen, drums, bells, and more.This document has more details
According to one theory, it’s a Bon dance unique to Nishinomiya that has been passed down since the Edo period. Apparently, the name comes from the way people jump around while dancing, like a shako. It seems to have been passed down in Ashiya too.
It’s really lively. Looks fun, doesn’t it? They also apparently performed something called the “1+1 Ondo.”
The food stall area looks super lively too. Next year, be sure to try experiencing Nishinomiya’s traditional Shako Odori for yourself.
That wraps up our report on Ashihara’s Local Bon Odori Festival. Which Nishinomiya summer festival will appear tomorrow? Let’s soak in the memories again then.
