A shared illustration for this type of festival, not this festival itself. Photos are welcome.
Atobe no Odori Nenbutsu
Japanese name: 跡部の踊り念仏（あとべのおどりねんぶつ）
Saku, Nagano
2027
Sun, Apr 4
Odori nenbutsu
About the festival
This dancing nenbutsu is handed down in Atobe, Saku, Nagano. Tradition says it began in 1279, when the monk Ippen held a nenbutsu memorial service here and the gathered people began to dance as they chanted. A ritual space is built inside the main hall of Saihoji temple, and dancers leap to the beat of drums and bells.
A ritual space enclosed by a fence of wooden grave tablets and four torii-shaped gates
Groups of eight: two lead singers and six dancers with bells hung at the chest
A dance that grows more vigorous as the tempo quickens
Videos
Videos published by local governments, preservation societies and others.
Video: 佐久市観光協会 (YouTube)
Key facts
- Category
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Furyu-odori dances
- Location
- Saku, Nagano
- Main venue
- Main hall of Saihoji temple (Atobe, Saku)
This description was written by Matsuri Biyori based on public information. Dates and details may change. Please check the organizers' latest information before you go. Translated from the Japanese original.
Nearby and similar festivals
FAQ
- When is Atobe no Odori Nenbutsu held in 2027?
- In 2027, it is scheduled for Sun, Apr 4 (Calculated from the usual rule).
- Where is Atobe no Odori Nenbutsu held?
- It is held in Saku, Nagano. The main venue is Main hall of Saihoji temple (Atobe, Saku).
- How are the dates of Atobe no Odori Nenbutsu set?
- Every year on the afternoon of the first Sunday of April (main hall of Saihoji temple)