21Etchu Yatsuo Owara Kaze no Bon 2026 | Highlights, Schedule, Venue Map, Access
Owara Kaze no Bon 2026 Event Overview
The "Etchu Yatsuo Owara Kaze no Bon" is a traditional festival held annually from September 1st to 3rd in Yatsuo-machi, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture. This article summarizes the dates, venue, admission fees, and transportation access for 2026 (Reiwa 8).
- Date
- ~
- Time
- 1日・2日 17:00〜23:00／3日 19:00〜23:00
- Venue
- Yao-machi, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture (11 towns in the former town and station area)
- Viewing fee
- Street parades and circle dances are free of charge / Competition tickets are 4,000 yen per person.
- Main contents
- Street parade, circle dance, men's and women's dance, local performances, indoor competition
- Nearest Station
- JR Takayama Line, Etchu-Yatsuo Station (approximately 30-minute walk to the old town center)
The early autumn of Yao is enveloping it,
Over 300 years of prayer and beauty.
The Etchu Yatsuo Owara Kaze no Bon festival is held annually from September 1st to 3rd in Yatsuo-machi, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture. It is said to have started in 1702, and has since been passed down as a ritual to appease the wind god and pray for a bountiful harvest on the 210th day of the year, which is considered an unlucky day for wind, counting from the beginning of spring.
As dusk falls and the paper lanterns are lit, dancers wearing deep straw hats parade through the town to the melancholic sounds of shamisen, taiko drums, and kokyu (Japanese stringed instrument).
This festival doesn't have a single large main venue. Each of the 11 towns becomes a stage, and the sloping streets, cobblestone paths, and rows of houses with lattice doors all contribute to creating the Owara landscape.
A tradition that has continued since the Genroku era.
This is a ritual passed down through the town's history, performed to appease the wind and pray for a bountiful harvest.
Owara is different in each town
Costumes, songs, dances, and streetscapes—each of the 11 towns has its own unique character and story.
Singing, dancing, and a sense of unity in the region
The charm lies in the quiet sense of exhilaration created by the dancers and the "jikata" (local musicians) who sing, play the shamisen, and kokyu.
Owara Kaze no Bon
Four highlights.
Beyond its splendor, the charm of the festival deepens when you quietly appreciate everything from the sounds and lights to the townscape and the dancers' movements.
Dwelling in the depths of the woven hat,
A graceful dance.
The powerful men's dance depicts the actions of farm work, the graceful women's dance evokes the image of catching fireflies, and the harvest dance has been cherished for centuries. Take your time and follow every movement with your eyes, from the fingertips to the footwork.
The erhu is played,
A lingering sense of melancholy.
The shamisen plays the melody, the kokyu accompanies it with its mournful sound, and the taiko drums and percussion support the song. Even though you can't see them, the sounds approaching from the end of the alley signal the next encounter.
A town lined with hills,
Thousands of paper lanterns.
With its lattice-doored townhouses, white-walled storehouses, and cobblestone streets, as the sun sets, the soft glow of paper lanterns creates a magical atmosphere that transforms the entire town of Yao into a fantastical stage.
The entire town is the stage,
Street parade.
The "town procession," where dancers and musicians slowly make their way through the streets, is an iconic scene of Owara. Let's enjoy the moment as the music and dance pass by, without obstructing their progress and maintaining a slight distance.
Event schedule for 2026.
Outdoor events such as street parades and circle dances may be changed, interrupted, or ended early depending on the weather, crowd conditions, and the decisions of each town.
TUE / Tuesday
You can enjoy the townscape as it transitions from dusk to night, as well as the Owara festivals of each town.
WED / Wednesday
The event will be held at the same time as the first day. It is recommended to allow ample time and visit multiple towns.
THU / Thursday
The start time will be later on the final day. Please check the return transportation schedule in advance.
Eleven towns, each with its own unique beauty.
There isn't one single "main" place in Owara. For first-time visitors, it's recommended to narrow down your choices to 2-3 towns that interest you and allow yourself plenty of time to travel between them.
Nishishinmachi
The highlights are the powerful performance of the male dancers, who lower their hips deeply, and the delicate female dancers, as they parade through the town.
Higashishinmachi
It's the highest point of the 11 towns. The sight of girls dressed as rice-planting maidens and the Owara festival at Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine are particularly memorable.
Kamishinmachi
This town has relatively wide streets, making it easy to watch the street parade. Every year, there is a large circle dance that tourists can participate in.
Suwa Town
A stone-paved slope lined with paper lanterns. The sound of water from the irrigation canal and the melodies of the Owara festival resonate together.
Kagami-cho
This was once a geisha district. It is known for its glamorous female dances and the spectators who watch them around the Otaya Staircase.
Higashimachi
This area, once lined with large shops, still retains a unique sense of style in its women's clothing and obi sashes.
Nishimachi
Along with Higashimachi, it is the heart of the old town. The area around Zenji Bridge, with its stone walls and traditional dances, is particularly charming.
Imamachi
This town is located directly in front of the ancient temple, Monmyoji. It has a sense of community that is unique to small towns.
Shimoshinmachi
The entrance to the old town from Fukushima. The women's yukata, predominantly in vermilion, are eye-catching.
Tenma Town
This town is surrounded by rivers on three sides. The unique and powerful "Kokubo Owara" folk song is still performed here.
Fukushima
Located near Etchu-Yao Station, it is the largest of the 11 branches. The procession through the streets with its large number of participants is a spectacular sight.
The relative locations of each town are as follows:Go to venue mapYou can check it there.
View on Google Maps
The relative locations of the venue and the town.
The Owara Kaze no Bon festival takes place in 11 towns, from Fukushima in front of Etchu-Yatsuo Station to the old town at the top of the hill. Zoom in and out on the map to check which towns you want to visit and your return route beforehand.
11 towns and the area around the venue,
Check the map.
The map shows the relative locations of the 11 towns that make up the Owara Kaze no Bon festival, as well as the surrounding venues. Before you go, be sure to check which town you want to visit and your route from Etchu-Yatsuo Station.
Before walking through the venue,2026 edition brochurePlease also check the following.
Enjoy without worrying about the weather.
Owara Kaze no Bon Festival Competition.
The outdoor street parade will be suspended in case of rain. For those who want to be sure to see the Owarai performance, we also recommend the paid competition held in an indoor hall.
Toyama City Yao Hikiyama Exhibition Hall
Competition Stage
You can enjoy demonstrations by multiple branches in a comfortable, air-conditioned indoor setting. There are 350 seats available for each performance, and all seats are unreserved.
- Date
- September 1st (Tue), 2nd (Wed), and 3rd (Thu), 2026 * (All three days are sold out.)
- The 1 part
- 18:00 ~ 19:00
- The 2 part
- 19:20 ~ 20:20
- Venue
- Toyama City Yao Hikiyama Exhibition Hall
- seat
- All seats are unreserved; 350 seats per show.
Access and parking information for the Owara Kaze no Bon festival venue.
This guide provides information on accessing Etchu-Yatsuo Station from Toyama Station via the JR Takayama Line, local buses, and private cars. During the event period, both roads and public transportation will be extremely crowded, so using public transport and checking return routes in advance is recommended.
JR Takayama Main Line
Toyama Station → Etchu-Yatsuo Station
Approximately 25-30 minutes
It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Etchu-Yatsuo Station to the old town center. From September 1st to 3rd, on the designated JR Takayama Line trains going from Toyama Station to Etchu-Yatsuo Station, A boarding pass is required..
Numbered tickets will be distributed in front of the "JR Toyama Station Midori no Madoguchi" (ticket office) approximately one and a half hours before the train's departure time.*Tickets are not required for trains returning from Etchu-Yatsuo Station to Toyama Station.
For the latest information, please check the "Ainokaze Toyama Railway" website.
富山地鉄バス
Toyama Station South Exit Platform 6 → Yao Bus Depot
Approximately 50-60 minutes
Fare
One-way fare: Adult 750 yen / Child 380 yen
Special train ticket (one-way ticket only)
Sales location: Near platform 6 in front of Toyama Station
September 1st and 2nd, 14:30 - 19:00
May 9th 3:16-30:19
Please check the Toyama Chihō Railway website for the latest information.
Private car
From Toyama IC/Toyama-Nishi IC
During peak hours, it takes approximately 40-60 minutes.
There are two temporary parking lots: Yao Sports Arena and Konagaya Parking Lot.
The cooperation fee is 3,000 yen per unit.
A free shuttle bus will run between Yao Sports Arena and Yao Ohashi Bridge. (Operates from 11:00 AM) *There is no shuttle bus from Konagaya Parking Lot.
Reception Hours
Yao Sports Arena: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Konagaya Parking Lot: 23:00 AM - 22:00 PM
Some of the temporary parking areas have been changed for 2026.
The Yao Clinic parking lot is unavailable. The shuttle bus operates only between "Yao Sports Arena" and "Yao Ohashi Bridge," and there is no shuttle bus from "Konagaya Parking Lot."
A tranquil atmosphere,
To protect it together.
The venue is a local street where residents live. Please enjoy the Owara festival while respecting the atmosphere and safety.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Yao is a town of hills and cobblestone streets. Comfortable shoes and clothing that allows for easy movement are recommended.
Pack lightly.
The roads are narrow and rest areas are limited. Please avoid bringing large suitcases.
Rain gear is a raincoat
Umbrellas can easily get in the way when walking around town, so a raincoat that leaves both hands free is more convenient on rainy days.
Avoid using flash photography.
These actions obstruct the dancers' view and movement. Please avoid close-up photography and strong flashes.
Prepare for the heat and dark underfoot
It's a good idea to carry water and a small flashlight for walking at night.
The tranquility is also part of its charm.
Let's keep our voices down, enjoy the music and dancing, and slowly savor the lingering atmosphere created by the nighttime city.
Beverages and snacks should be prepared in advance.
There are no convenience stores in the area, and restaurants and vending machines are limited. Please prepare any necessary drinks and snacks in advance and refrain from eating while walking around.
Owara Kaze no Bon 2026: Frequently Asked Questions.
Where is the main venue?
There is no single main venue. The 11 towns located in the old town area and the area around the train station will each serve as a stage. Choosing 2-3 towns that interest you beforehand will make it easier to visit them all.
Will it be canceled if it rains?
Outdoor events will be "suspended" rather than "cancelled" in principle, and each town will make a decision based on the weather. Indoor competition stages will not be affected by the weather.
Can I participate in the dance?
You may be able to participate in the circle dance during the designated time. Large circle dances are held annually in Kamishinmachi and Fukushima, but please check the official schedule for the 2026 dates.
How far is it to walk from Etchu-Yatsuo Station to the old town?
It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk to the old town center. Since there are many uphill sections, please allow ample time and energy for your journey.
Are there rest areas or restrooms?
Western-style flush toilets are planned to be installed in several locations within the town, including in front of Etchu-Yao Station and near the Yao Hikiyama Exhibition Hall. However, the number of toilets that can be installed is limited. As the event utilizes local roads, large rest areas are also limited.
Which day would you recommend going?
There are no major differences in the content of the three days, but the third day starts at 7 PM and is shorter. Since Owara is easily affected by the weather, the weather forecast is an important factor in deciding whether to attend.
Information you should check before your trip.
Get to know the town of Owara
Walking around Yao town
Cobblestone streets, traditional townhouses, washi paper, sake breweries—we introduce the culture and townscape of Yao that nurtured the Owara festival.
View the townscape of Yao → TOYAMA OFFICIAL GUIDEEvent Overview and Inquiries
You can find basic information and contact details on the event information page of the official Toyama City tourism website.
View official tourist information →
Three unforgettable days carried on the wind.
Please check the latest information and allow ample time for your visit.
Share what happened that day on social media.
During the event, the Toyama City Tourism Association's official X and Instagram accounts will be sharing images of the Owara Kaze no Bon festival venue and the atmosphere of the town of Yao.