HIMESHIMA BON ODORI / Himeshima Village

Every summer, Himeshima Island, located off the Kunisaki Peninsula in Northeastern Oita Prefecture, is enveloped in a magical atmosphere. This is because of the ‘Himeshima Bon Odori’ (Bon dance) festival. This traditional festival that has been handed down through the various generations of the region features several dances that are performed as part of the festivities. Of these, the ‘Kitsune Odori’ is considered particularly striking. Children dressed in white fox make–up perform lively dances to drumbeats, captivating everyone with their amusing costumes and choreography.

Himeshima has a long history of success in fishing and salt production, and the island’s unique culture and beliefs are still alive today. The Himeshima Bon Odori originated as part of the Nenbutsu Dance of the Kamakura period, and is believed to symbolise the desire people had to hold a “memorial service” to their ancestors. In addition to Kitsune Odori, numerous other traditional and contemporary dance forms have been preserved and shared across generations by the islanders. The dancers, illuminated by lantern light, appear somewhat bewitching, making you feel at times as if you have wandered into another world.

The ‘Himeshima Bon Odori’ takes place annually from the 14th to the 16th of August. A special night ferry service operates between Imi Port and Himeshima Port during this time, attracting many visitors from outside the island, especially on the 14th and 15th of August.