Nemunoki Bon Chichibu Ondo Festival

Summary

The Ganban-no-Bon Chichibu Ondo Festival takes place on the mid-slope of Mt. Minano in Minano Town, Saitama, on Friday, August 14, 2026. In the home town of the Chichibu Ondo dance, 800 shells launch from 20:30 over 30 minutes, while the free-dance and orthodox dance contests draw contestants from across the region. About 15,000 people attend this lively fixture of summer.

Overview

The Ganban-no-Bon Chichibu Ondo Festival is a summer festival held on Friday, August 14, 2026, in Minano Town, Saitama — known as the birthplace of the Chichibu Ondo dance. At the venue on the mid-slope of Mt. Minano, 800 shells go up from 20:30 to 21:00, while the free-dance and orthodox flowing-dance contests bring contestants from the town and across the prefecture. The authentic Chichibu Ondo rings out over the grounds and hills, drawing about 15,000 visitors. Minano Station on the Chichibu Railway is a 7-minute walk; by car it is about 20 minutes from the Hanazono IC via the Minano-Yorii bypass, with about 800 free parking spaces. Since the venue is on a mountainside with poor visibility after dark, sturdy footwear is a good idea. No food stalls are planned, so bring drinks in advance. Check the festival executive committee's site for the latest details.

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