Honba Tsurusaki Odori Dance Festival

A Vibrant Summer Festival Showcasing Colorful Traditional Dance

The Tsurusaki Odori dance, an iconic Oita Prefecture folk performing art, has been passed down for over 450 years. Every August, the Honba Tsurusaki Odori Dance Festival is held over two days at Tsurusaki Park Grounds in Oita City, attracting visitors from near and far.
Tsurusaki Odori features two distinct styles: the graceful, slow-tempo Sarumarudayu and the lively, rhythmic Saemon that is danced to upbeat music. Today, the elegant Sarumarudayu – derived from the Ise Odori dancethat became popular in Mie during the mid-Edo period – takes center stage. This treasured dance has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
During the festival, approximately 1,000 dancers from both the local community and other regions don vibrant, colorful costumes and perform to the sounds of flutes, kokyu (Japanese fiddle), and other traditional instruments. The sight of dancers elegantly swaying to the music in dazzling attire creates a stunning spectacle. The festival concludes with a fireworks display, with their brilliant glow illuminating the night sky over Tsurusaki and bringing the event to a grand and memorable finish.

* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.

Basic Information

Event period
August 24 (Saturday), 2024
*Held annually on the weekend following Obon in August (Saturday and Sunday)
Event venue
Tsurusaki Park Ground
Event time
19:15-21:30
Address (Japanese)
870-0103 大分県大分市東鶴崎1-1772-1 鶴崎公園グラウンド
Address
1-1772-1 Higashi Tsurusaki, Tsurusaki Park Grounds, Oita City, Oita, 870-0103
Telephone Number
097-527-2111(Tsurusaki Dance Preservation Association (within Oita City Tsurusaki Branch Office))
Prices
Free
Car Park
Approximately 55 parking spots available
*Please use public transportation whenever possible
Access
[By train]
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Tsurusaki Station

[By bus]
Approximately 30 minutes from JR Oita Station, get off at "Tsurusaki" bus stop, then walk about 10 minutes
Website

The Tsurusaki Dance Preservation Society

Remarks
Canceled in the event of rain
*Traffic restrictions: 18:00–22:00
*In 2024, the event will mark its 100th anniversary, so the schedule and location will differ from the usual arrangement.

*Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

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