Obon Festival
For the third consecutive year the temple teams with the Japanese Friendship Garden for a day full of activities leading up to the evening Bon Odori. Festivities in the JFG run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a fee to enter the garden. After the JFG closes, activities continue outside of the garden’s gates, leading up to the Bon Odori where the dancing will take place in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Numerous booths and food sales will continue from 4 to 9 p.m. Dancing begins at 6:30 p.m. and musical entertainment will precede the Odori.
Throughout the day the temple will offer food for sale including chicken and beef skewers, somen salad, rice, and taiyaki (pastries with sweet red bean filling). Proceeds benefit the temple’s scholarship fund. A number of community organizations participate in the day’s festivities selling food, crafts, and conducting games for kids. Entertainment will be provided by numerous taiko groups, including our own temple troupe. The Bon Odori will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.