Written by TC Team
Yōkai Bon Odori opens a doorway into the spirit world — and you’re invited to dance your way through.
What happens?
Yōkai are mischievous, sometimes frightening supernatural beings that come from Japanese folklore. While Obon is typically centered on community and ancestral spirits, the Yōkai Bon Odori takes that tradition and puts its own twist on it, inviting dancers to slip into the skins of naughty spirits, ghosts and goblins.
At this event, there will be the traditional dance circles you know and love from your neighborhood Bon Odori — plus live bands and DJ sets. Mythological creatures and cryptids will come to life in the costume contest, and food stalls will dish up favorites like yakisoba and beyond.
Tickets
Paid areas
To join in on the dancing and premium areas, there’s an admission fee of ¥3,000. Tickets are available for purchase online.
There’s also a dress code. Come as a yōkai, pull on a yukata, or dress up in official gear from the festival. The Yōkai Food Village doubles as a transformation hub with face-painting, makeup booths, and a cloakroom. Roll up as yourself and walk out as someone — or something — unrecognizable.
Free areas
The fee areas have plenty going on. The Yōkai Disco will be thumping out beas, while the eerie Fox’s Wedding and the Hyakki Yagyō — a night parade of demons carried along by lantern light — will be staged on the open plaza.
You’ll also stumble across street performers channeling the old misemonogoya sideshows once seen in Edo Japan.
How to get there
The location is easily accessible from central Tokyo.
At Shinjuku Station, hop on the Chuo Line (Rapid) and alight at Tachikawa Station (around 30 minutes). Green Springs, the venue, is about an 8-minute walk from there.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
