Asakusa pulsed with the beat of traditional drums and joyful music as the Kaminarimon Bon Odori 2025 took over the streets. Held in the shadow of the iconic Sensoji Temple, the festival drew large crowds of locals and tourists, all eager to partake in one of Japan’s most beloved summer traditions. It is a great Tokyo summer event.
From the early evening to night, a section of Namiki-dori avenue was transformed into a street dance arena. Due to the festival’s location on a major thoroughfare, it has a unique layout that separates the central yagura stage from the taiko drummers (you can find a more detailed explanation of the setup in my complete guide to the Asakusa Kaminarimon Bon Odori). The stage was decorated with colorful paper lanterns (chochin), casting a warm and festive glow upon the participants.
Dancers, many adorned in beautifully colored yukata, moved in unison around the stage, their steps guided by the familiar melodies of Bon Odori. To accommodate the enthusiastic crowds and ensure a comfortable experience, the dancing was organized into three 30-minute sessions, starting at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
The musical selection for the evening was a blend of the old and the new, designed to appeal to all generations. “Tokyo Ondo” kicked off the set, and later “Tanko Bushi” was featured, alongside more contemporary additions, ensuring that everyone, from seasoned dancers to newcomers, could join in the fun. For those unfamiliar with the steps, dance instructors occupied key positions to lead the way, making the event accessible and welcoming for all.
Photographing the event was enjoyable. With the first Bon dance beginning at 5:30 p.m. and sunset at 6:02, I had just over thirty minutes of beautiful golden hour light, followed by blue hour. I couldn’t complain with those conditions. Still, the buildings around the dancing area caused shadows, causing me to bump the ISO up to 6400, but there was nothing unmanageable. The Adobe Lightroom Denoise feature handled the extra noise very well.
While my Canon RF 24-105 mm lens is a versatile workhorse for most situations, it proved a little short for some key photos, especially for the yagura in the middle of the road. It just couldn’t isolate the dancers. I needed a 70-200, which, combined with its faster aperture, would have been perfect for those photos.
The Kaminarimon Bon Odori is more than just a dance; it is a community-driven event that encapsulates the warm and spirited nature of downtown Tokyo. It provides a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and celebrate a cherished cultural tradition in a truly spectacular setting.
Have you photographed a Bon Odori? Share your experience in the comments below!
Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5. There are no plans to stop.
For photographers seeking the perfect Japan photo opportunity, the 2025 Asakusa Bon Odori was it. A huge crowd, dancers in colorful yukata, and magical golden hour light made for an unforgettable shoot opposite Sensoji Temple’s Kaminarimon Gate. Here’s how I captured it…