Tr a f f i c G u i d eT he Nishimonai Bon
Odori Exhibit Hall

Railroad
Akita Shinkansen
1h40minAkita Shinkansen
1h40min

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45min
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1hRoute Bus 20min
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道新北海

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40min

JAL/55min

新青森

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JAL/70min
ANA/65min

Chubu International (NGO)

Ugo Town

Airport Liner Taxi
(reservation required)
1h30min

ANA/85min

弘前

青森県

八戸

奥羽本線

JAL/85min

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ANA/95min
五能線

大館北IC

Tohoku Expressway
130km

Kitakami
Junction

Akita Kita
Interchange

19km

KawabeJunctionInterchange

鷹巣IC
二ツ井白神IC 大館能代空港IC
能代東IC
大館能代空港
能代南IC
八竜IC

Route3988km

琴丘森岳IC

Prefectural road 57,72 8.6km

12h

12h

秋田

6h40min

盛岡IC

秋田南IC

仙北市

河辺JCT

34

398

山形県

398

新庄

道

至中部国際空港

至羽田空港

東

海

本
日

線
幹
新
形
山

車

動
自
北

若柳金成IC
築館IC

古川IC

尾花沢IC

宮城県

performing the dance?

Nishimonai Bon Odori?

to enjoy dancing without worrying
about differences in status, or to
become one with the spirits of deceased ancestors. It might also be
the way of Akita people to conquer
their shyness in dealing with thecrowds.

half of the dance is participated bychildren and the beginner dancers.
Then, later at around nine in theevening, expert dancers gradually
join in. As the dance is about to end,
the rhythm of the musical accompaniment and the tempo of the dancechange drastically, and the venue
becomes lively and more excited.

Q. Are there available

Q. Are there available park-

月山IC
寒河江IC

ing lots near the venue?

in the venue. There is an advancedrawing to purchase tickets for the
bleachers. And there is also a firstcome-first-served sale on the day.
For more details, please check thewebsite of Ugo Town Tourism and
Products Association. It’s allowed tobring your own chair for viewing at
places other than the bleachers.

 ostumes are decoratedCin house with this markrains?

Event, there are temporary parking
areas (with fee) at facilities aroundthe venue such as the Town Hall
parking space. Parking is available
from 13:00, and one can go out
temporarily by presenting the parking ticket. Please remember that it isoften full from 20:00 to 21:00.

⬅To Yurihonjodance performance will be hold at
the town’s “General Gymnasium”
next to the Town Hall. There’s anofficial announcement at around
14:00, if there are changes. If you
have already purchased a ticket, you
can use the reserved seats in the
gymnasium.

Q. Does anyone can partici-

Gorinzaka hot springs“Toshitorando”●

pate in the dance?

City
te
ko
Yo
o
T

Dance Practice Session

Soba Noodles Informationy➡
Cit

A. Yes, but Nishimonai Bon Odori is a

traditional event and it’s a culturethat the local people (residents) havecarefully preserved. So, if you wantto participate, you need to wear
appropriate costumes and learn therules of the dance.

In Ugo Town, “Nishimonai Soba noodles” is famousfood and there are many restaurants. Please try to eat.

398

●LawsonThe "Nishimonai Bon Odori Preservation Society" holds a practice session for the general public. Their aim is to popularize and pass down
the Nishimonai Bon Odori to the new generation. The members of themprovide guidance according to the level of the learners from beginners toadvanced. Anyone can participate without any application needed.
For inquiries, please contact the Nishimonai Bon Odori Exhibit Hall. Practice sessions are as follows: Every third Saturday of the month (excluding
January and August) at 19:00 – 21:00 in the Community Center from April
to December. Then, in Nishimonai Bon Odori Hall from February until
March.

398

Mitakejinja-shrine
Ugo JuniorHigh SchoolP

Hosenji-temple
Soba (Kotaro)

Soba (Hikosa)

Soba (Hanui Dining)Nishimonai Bon Odori
Exhibit Hall

Ugo
Roadside station●

Soba(Haseyama)

Dance Venue
Soba(Yasuke)Community
Center●Soba(Matsuya)●General GymnasiumP

Q. Are there hotels to stay for?
A. Ugo Town has few hotels, and res-ervations for the Bon Odori season
are filled up quite earlier. Therefore,
some other tourists often stay in theneighboring cities such as Yuzawa
and Yokote City. It is better to havean early reservation because it will
be full during that season.

P●
Town Hall

Soba(Shinta)➡

Seven-Eleven●

Nishimonai River

天童IC

P Nishimonai Elementary School

泉IC

東北
中央
自動
車道

堀
横

院内

山形

仙台宮城IC仙台

山形中央IC 山形蔵王IC⬅To Yurihonjo Cityu

村田JCT

Published by Ugo Town Tourism and Products Association

Dance time

200 Nishimonai Nakano, Ugo Town, Ogachi District, Akita Prefecture 012-1131

Tel.0183-55-8635 Fax.0183-55-8636 E-mail:kanko@hanuinosato.jp

Official HP

August 16th to 18th

A. Yes, there are prepared bleachers A. Yes, there are. During the Bon Odori A. I f bad weather is expected, the n event of Aizome
Aand Hanui costumes

山形JCT
雄勝こまちIC

Nishimonai
Bon Odori

Q. What will happen if it

道

須川IC

平泉前IC
342

車
自動
山形

311

東北中央自動車道︵湯沢横手道路︶
奥羽本線

上湯沢

Yuzawa City

397

一関IC

鶴岡JCT
鶴岡

(Admission is free of charge/9:00 - 17:00/Closed every Monday (Next
day if it is a holiday), 12/29-1/3 / TEL 0183-78-4187)

This is an event before the Nishimonai Bon Odori in which
each house that owns “Aizome” (Indigo-dyed Yukata) and“Hanui” (Patchwork [Kimono]) display such elegant andartistic costumes in front of their house or in the vicinity
garden.
By observing this, all will be able to discover more about
the charm of Nishimonai Bon Odori, the history and culture associated with the elegance of dance, and charm of“Aizome” and “Hanui”.
Each of the exhibits or displays has its own design andstyles, for this, the town seems to be an art museum ofhistorical kimonos. It is held every year of the first Sundayof August, starts at 10:00 in Nishimonai area.

Q. Why they hide faces while Q. What is the content of

based on the Ainu language “nishi”
means “valley”, “mo” means “little”
and “nai” means “river”. As interpreted “the place of the valley where
the stream flows”. As the meaning implies, the Nishimonai River,which flows from the mountain runs
through the center of the town.

北上JCT

344

酒田IC

13

Ugo Town

湯沢横手道路酒田みなとIC
112

三関IC

新花巻

水沢IC

奥羽本線

至伊丹空港

花巻空港IC

東北
新幹
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田新
幹線

311

湯沢

湯沢IC

57

柳田

398

57

羽後町

いわて花巻空港

北上線

横手IC

須川IC
雄勝こまちIC

下湯沢

Details on the right

湯田IC 秋田自動車道

横手

十文字IC
湯沢IC
湯沢

三関IC

342

東北自動
車道

横手

398

横手JCT
398

至新潟

十文
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57

108

羽越本線

十文字IC

34

仁賀保IC
由利高原鉄道
金浦IC
矢島
象潟IC

13

398

花巻JCT
花巻

横手北IC

醍醐

Yokote City

Yurihonjo City

大曲

大曲IC

羽後本荘
本荘IC

107

Omonogawa River

岩手県

西仙北IC

盛岡

秋田新幹線

角館

協和IC
松ヶ崎亀田IC
大内JCT

32

341

秋田県

岩城IC

横手JCT

安代JCT

線

好摩

秋田空港

36

花輪

秋田中央IC

秋田空港IC

164

八

秋田内陸縦貫鉄道

秋田北IC

至苫小牧

Shin Nihonkai Ferry

動自戸

鹿角八幡平IC

鹿角花輪

道

車

An Important Intangible Folk
Cultural Property of Japan

A. T here are various theories, but A. There are various purposes, such as A. It is divided into two parts. The firstbleachers?

昭和男鹿半島IC

奥羽本線

Ferry

花輪線

阿仁合

五城目八郎潟IC

男鹿線

男鹿Tomakomai East Port

鷹巣

能代

Yuzawa Yokote Road
13.5kmYuzawa53km"Nishimonai"?

小坂IC
大館
十和田IC

東北新
幹線

50km

Akita Express way

Q. What is the etymology ofThis hall is the activity base of "Nishimonai Bon Odori".
This is also the place for tourist cultural exchange activities of the town. It was opened in August 2005.
Artistic dance costumes with a history of over a hundredyears are displayed inside the hall, as well as fifty handmade miniature dolls that portray the dance steps andgraceful movements. Anyone can watch the videos of Bon
Odori through the 200 inches wide screen inside the hall.
In addition, there are performances of Nishimonai Bon
Odori regularly every second Saturday of the month (first
Sunday only in August). Everyone can enjoy the lively
music and dance regardless of the season (with fee/1,000JPY).

小坂JCT

Highway
Sendai Miyagi
Interchange

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)●Lawson57

19：30〜23：00(Until 23:30 on the 18th)398
To Yuzawa City➡

Traffic regulation

14：00〜24：00
Around the venue 18：00〜24：00
Dance venue（Until 24:30 on the 18th）

Graceful into a
dreamlike world
The Nishimonai Bon Odori is held every year from
August 16th to 18th in Ugo Town, in the southern partof Akita Prefecture.
This dance has a history of more than 700 years,
has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk
Cultural Property of the Japanese government, and is
one of the three major Bon festival dances in Japan.
Surrounding the bonfire lit on the central street of thetown, the valiant and lively musical accompanimentplayed by men and the exquisite beauty of women
dancing gracefully in colorful costumes create a"beauty of dissonance" and makes the viewer feelthey’re in the world of fantasy.

Ugo Town, Akita PrefectureDancing inherited over 700 years

Costumes

Renowned for its beautiful costumes, dancers are dressed in“Hanui” (patchwork) kimono or “Aizome” (indigo-dyed) yukata.

Amigasa and Hikosa Zukin

The fusion of two dance styles
The Nishimonai Bon Odori is said to be a fusion of two dances that started at different times.
One, a dance to pray for good harvests, was performed within the temple groundsof Zaogongen (the current site of Nishimonai Mitake Shrine) built by a monk
named Genshin roughly 700 years ago.
The other, a dance for memorial service, was performed by the vassals on the
grounds of Hosenji Temple in memory of the Onodera Lord, the lord of Nishimonai
Castle, who lost in the battle with the Mogami clan about 400 years ago.
The two styles were fused at some point and, In the latter days of the Edo Period,
the venue was moved to the current Nishimonai Honcho-dori where it continues
to take place today.

Nationwide debut in 1935
Due to the participation in the 1935
"9th National Folk Dance Folk Song
Tournament" (sponsored by Nippon
Seinenkan, Tokyo), the Bon Odori,
which was a local event, has been
greatly redesigned.
The dancers have relearned the traditional dance choreography and have prepared a fine color scheme and dyeing
method for their costumes. And the accompaniments added shamisen, drums,
and gong to make the performance more rhythmic. Through these efforts, the "adance to show" was completed.
And with this performance as a trigger, the Nishimonai Bon Odori became known
all over the country as a graceful dance like no other.

Designated as an Important Intangible
Folk Cultural Property
The Nishimonai Bon Odori was first canceled in 1945 due to the influence ofWorld War II, but it was resumed immediately the following year, and after that,the "Nishimonai Bon Odori Preservation Society" was established to train successors and done performance activities in 1947.
In 1971, the Nishimonai Bon Odori was designated as an "Akita Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property" and an "Intangible Folk Cultural Property for whichmeasures such as creating records should be taken".
Then, on January 21, 1981, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the Japanese government, and had been called now one of thethree major Bon Festival in Japan along with "Awa Odori" in Tokushima Prefectureand "Gujo Odori" in Gifu Prefecture.

Around the time of the Battle of Sekigahara (1593 to 1601)		
	Misfortunes fell upon the Nishimonai feudal lord Shigemichi
Onodera and his clan, bringing about its downfall. The retainer’s heirs started the Bon Odori to console the spirits.
The Tenmei Era (1781 to 1788)
	The Bon Odori venue was moved from the grounds of theHousen temple to Motomachi-dori.
Dancing continued for five days in fair weather from the start ofOkuri-bon.
1935	Participated in the Ninth National Folk Dance & Folk Song Festival

Aizome (indigodyed) yukataSpecifically worn by women,“Hanui” are characterized bya symmetric, and are made by
sewing several types of carefully selected old silk cloths.
As “Hanui” are considered as aprestigious costume, it can only
be worn once their dance gets
approved by everyone.

Worn by both men and women,“Aizome” is a type of yukatathat uses the traditional dyeing
technique of this region. Historically, “Aizome” had been a morecommon option for dancers, as
only wealthy households wereable to have “Hanui”. In contrast
to the elegance of “Hanui”, “Aizome” is known for its refined
beauty that gets imbued further
through use.

Another indispensable contains for Nishimonai Bon Odori outfit is“Amigasa” (straw hat) or “Hikosa Zukin” (black hood).

(sponsored by Nippon Seinen-Kan) held in Tokyo at the recommendation of the prefecture.
1945	Canceled amidst the confusion surrounding the end of the war
1947	Formation of the Nishimonai Bon Odori Preservation Society
1955	The birth of Ugo Town as the result of merging one block andsix villages of west Ogachi district into a single town
1971	Designated as an intangible cultural asset of Akita Prefecture
1981	Designated as a signicant intangible cultural asset by the national government.
Participation in the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival in
April.
2005	Completion of Nishimonai Bon Odori Hall in Motomachi-doriComposition and music of Hayashii
Musical accompaniment of Nishimonai Bon Odori - called “Hayashi” - iscomposed of traditional instruments such as fue (flute), shamisen, kane(gongs) and drums of various sizes. Moreover, singers perform “Jiguchi”
and “Jinku” alongside “Hayashi”. On the day of the event, musicians
and singers perform on a special stage built by the street with the same
outfits consisted of yukata, shoulder garment and Hachimaki headband.
Repertoire of “Hayashi” consists of four music - “Yosedaiko”, “Ondo”,“Tori Ondo” and “Ganke”.
“Yosedaiko” is performed to signal the start of Bon Odori. It enlivens the atmosphere with energetic drumming and rhythmical melody of high-pitched flutes, and is also played at the finale ofthe dance.
"Ondo" is one of the music for dancing. It starts with a call of “Ya-to-se Yoiwana Seccha”, followed by the dance. After that, the phrase of “Ondo” is performed repeatedly with various lyrics
called “Jinku”.
"Tori-Ondo" is also one of the music for dancing, and it is performed immediately after "Ondo".
Led by flutes, long phrase of mournful yet enrapturing melody resonates through the venue.
"Ganke" is also music for dancing, but unlike the previous two, it creates a tranquil atmospherethrough simple melody. In "Ganke", the lyrics called "Jinku" are sung.
The dance finale is closed with “Ganke”. The tempo changed gradually to the end and it stimulates the dancers and audience to become more active and makes the venue lively.

Two types of danceOrigin and development
The Shoou Era (1288 to 1293)
	Dance began as prayers for good harvests on the temple
grounds of Zaogongen(the current site of Nishimonai Mitake
Shrine)Hanui (patchwork)
KimonoCompletely covering theface of dancers once
worn,” Amigasa” used in
Nishimonai Bon Odori arecharacterized by half-moon
shape with curved edges.”
Amigasa” are worn bydancers with either Hanui or
Aizome - the neckline from
Amigasa
behind are aestheticallyprojected by the moonlight.
“Hikosa Zukin” are characterized by its black, bagshaped mask with twoholes for eyes, and are worn
alongside Hachimaki (traditional headband). Although
its historical backgroundremains unclear, it is believed to have derived fromsunshades or masks used
Hikosa Zukin
during farming, or fromthe Kuroko outfit of Kabuki. Only worn by dancers in
Aizome outfit, it creates a unique atmosphere that iscalled ‘dance of the dead’.

“Ondo” is a beautiful dance renowned for its elegance. The dance isbelieved to have been influenced culturally from Kyoto and Osaka, as aresult of shipping interactions during the Edo period. It consists of two
subtly different choreography, and are danced alternately. Due to its
relatively easy to learn, dancers first learn “Ondo” before moving onto
mastering “Ganke”.
In contrast, “Ganke” is faster in tempo and more challenging than
”Ondo". There are several theories on the origin of the name, such as
Gankei (appearance of a goose flying in the moonlight night), Kange(Buddhist missionary activity) and Gansho-kesho (expression of grief
towards present world and prayer for the felicitous afterlife). There
are also two types of choreography, characterized by the turn that isbelieved to represent reincarnation - another reason behind its called‘dance of the dead’.

Nishimonai Bon Odori consists of
two dances: "Ondo" and "Ganke".

Jiguchi (lyrics of Ondo)

Jinku (lyrics of Ganke)

Despite some subtle differences, “Jiguchi” of Nishimonai
Bon Odori is very similar to that of folk songs in Akita prefecture, and its lyrics are composed of six phrases of 8,8,9,8,8,9.
Sung in an improvisational style, lyrics of “Jiguchi” have wildphrases, humorous stories, satirical songs towards worldly
matters, and to rustic eroticism of peasants.

“Jinku” is a typical format of the Japanese folk song, andit consists of the four phrases of 7,7,7,5. Many of the
lyrics sung today are selected through contests for soliciting lyrics ideas. In contrast to the rustic atmosphere of“Ondo”, emotional and artistic lyrics of “Jinku” add a refined and noble atmosphere towards the “Ganke” dance.

An example of lyrics♪Jisei-ha-doudemo Seken-ha-nandemo
Odoriko-odotanse Nippon-kaibyaku
Amanoiwato-mo Odori-de-yo-ga-aketa

An example of lyrics♪Obon-koishiya Kagaribi-koishi Mashite-odoriko-naokoishi

Meaning
Let's dance together regardless of whether theworld situation is good or bad
Because as described in the legend of AmanoIwato in Japanese mythology, this world wasdawned by dancing.

Meaning
I want the Obon season to come early.
I miss the bonfire that is lit during the Obon.
I can't wait to see the Bon Odori dancers.

Dancing inherited over 700 years

Costumes

Renowned for its beautiful costumes, dancers are dressed in“Hanui” (patchwork) kimono or “Aizome” (indigo-dyed) yukata.

Amigasa and Hikosa Zukin

The fusion of two dance styles
The Nishimonai Bon Odori is said to be a fusion of two dances that started at different times.
One, a dance to pray for good harvests, was performed within the temple groundsof Zaogongen (the current site of Nishimonai Mitake Shrine) built by a monk
named Genshin roughly 700 years ago.
The other, a dance for memorial service, was performed by the vassals on the
grounds of Hosenji Temple in memory of the Onodera Lord, the lord of Nishimonai
Castle, who lost in the battle with the Mogami clan about 400 years ago.
The two styles were fused at some point and, In the latter days of the Edo Period,
the venue was moved to the current Nishimonai Honcho-dori where it continues
to take place today.

Nationwide debut in 1935
Due to the participation in the 1935
"9th National Folk Dance Folk Song
Tournament" (sponsored by Nippon
Seinenkan, Tokyo), the Bon Odori,
which was a local event, has been
greatly redesigned.
The dancers have relearned the traditional dance choreography and have prepared a fine color scheme and dyeing
method for their costumes. And the accompaniments added shamisen, drums,
and gong to make the performance more rhythmic. Through these efforts, the "adance to show" was completed.
And with this performance as a trigger, the Nishimonai Bon Odori became known
all over the country as a graceful dance like no other.

Designated as an Important Intangible
Folk Cultural Property
The Nishimonai Bon Odori was first canceled in 1945 due to the influence ofWorld War II, but it was resumed immediately the following year, and after that,the "Nishimonai Bon Odori Preservation Society" was established to train successors and done performance activities in 1947.
In 1971, the Nishimonai Bon Odori was designated as an "Akita Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property" and an "Intangible Folk Cultural Property for whichmeasures such as creating records should be taken".
Then, on January 21, 1981, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the Japanese government, and had been called now one of thethree major Bon Festival in Japan along with "Awa Odori" in Tokushima Prefectureand "Gujo Odori" in Gifu Prefecture.

Around the time of the Battle of Sekigahara (1593 to 1601)		
	Misfortunes fell upon the Nishimonai feudal lord Shigemichi
Onodera and his clan, bringing about its downfall. The retainer’s heirs started the Bon Odori to console the spirits.
The Tenmei Era (1781 to 1788)
	The Bon Odori venue was moved from the grounds of theHousen temple to Motomachi-dori.
Dancing continued for five days in fair weather from the start ofOkuri-bon.
1935	Participated in the Ninth National Folk Dance & Folk Song Festival

Aizome (indigodyed) yukataSpecifically worn by women,“Hanui” are characterized bya symmetric, and are made by
sewing several types of carefully selected old silk cloths.
As “Hanui” are considered as aprestigious costume, it can only
be worn once their dance gets
approved by everyone.

Worn by both men and women,“Aizome” is a type of yukatathat uses the traditional dyeing
technique of this region. Historically, “Aizome” had been a morecommon option for dancers, as
only wealthy households wereable to have “Hanui”. In contrast
to the elegance of “Hanui”, “Aizome” is known for its refined
beauty that gets imbued further
through use.

Another indispensable contains for Nishimonai Bon Odori outfit is“Amigasa” (straw hat) or “Hikosa Zukin” (black hood).

(sponsored by Nippon Seinen-Kan) held in Tokyo at the recommendation of the prefecture.
1945	Canceled amidst the confusion surrounding the end of the war
1947	Formation of the Nishimonai Bon Odori Preservation Society
1955	The birth of Ugo Town as the result of merging one block andsix villages of west Ogachi district into a single town
1971	Designated as an intangible cultural asset of Akita Prefecture
1981	Designated as a signicant intangible cultural asset by the national government.
Participation in the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival in
April.
2005	Completion of Nishimonai Bon Odori Hall in Motomachi-doriComposition and music of Hayashii
Musical accompaniment of Nishimonai Bon Odori - called “Hayashi” - iscomposed of traditional instruments such as fue (flute), shamisen, kane(gongs) and drums of various sizes. Moreover, singers perform “Jiguchi”
and “Jinku” alongside “Hayashi”. On the day of the event, musicians
and singers perform on a special stage built by the street with the same
outfits consisted of yukata, shoulder garment and Hachimaki headband.
Repertoire of “Hayashi” consists of four music - “Yosedaiko”, “Ondo”,“Tori Ondo” and “Ganke”.
“Yosedaiko” is performed to signal the start of Bon Odori. It enlivens the atmosphere with energetic drumming and rhythmical melody of high-pitched flutes, and is also played at the finale ofthe dance.
"Ondo" is one of the music for dancing. It starts with a call of “Ya-to-se Yoiwana Seccha”, followed by the dance. After that, the phrase of “Ondo” is performed repeatedly with various lyrics
called “Jinku”.
"Tori-Ondo" is also one of the music for dancing, and it is performed immediately after "Ondo".
Led by flutes, long phrase of mournful yet enrapturing melody resonates through the venue.
"Ganke" is also music for dancing, but unlike the previous two, it creates a tranquil atmospherethrough simple melody. In "Ganke", the lyrics called "Jinku" are sung.
The dance finale is closed with “Ganke”. The tempo changed gradually to the end and it stimulates the dancers and audience to become more active and makes the venue lively.

Two types of danceOrigin and development
The Shoou Era (1288 to 1293)
	Dance began as prayers for good harvests on the temple
grounds of Zaogongen(the current site of Nishimonai Mitake
Shrine)Hanui (patchwork)
KimonoCompletely covering theface of dancers once
worn,” Amigasa” used in
Nishimonai Bon Odori arecharacterized by half-moon
shape with curved edges.”
Amigasa” are worn bydancers with either Hanui or
Aizome - the neckline from
Amigasa
behind are aestheticallyprojected by the moonlight.
“Hikosa Zukin” are characterized by its black, bagshaped mask with twoholes for eyes, and are worn
alongside Hachimaki (traditional headband). Although
its historical backgroundremains unclear, it is believed to have derived fromsunshades or masks used
Hikosa Zukin
during farming, or fromthe Kuroko outfit of Kabuki. Only worn by dancers in
Aizome outfit, it creates a unique atmosphere that iscalled ‘dance of the dead’.

“Ondo” is a beautiful dance renowned for its elegance. The dance isbelieved to have been influenced culturally from Kyoto and Osaka, as aresult of shipping interactions during the Edo period. It consists of two
subtly different choreography, and are danced alternately. Due to its
relatively easy to learn, dancers first learn “Ondo” before moving onto
mastering “Ganke”.
In contrast, “Ganke” is faster in tempo and more challenging than
”Ondo". There are several theories on the origin of the name, such as
Gankei (appearance of a goose flying in the moonlight night), Kange(Buddhist missionary activity) and Gansho-kesho (expression of grief
towards present world and prayer for the felicitous afterlife). There
are also two types of choreography, characterized by the turn that isbelieved to represent reincarnation - another reason behind its called‘dance of the dead’.

Nishimonai Bon Odori consists of
two dances: "Ondo" and "Ganke".

Jiguchi (lyrics of Ondo)

Jinku (lyrics of Ganke)

Despite some subtle differences, “Jiguchi” of Nishimonai
Bon Odori is very similar to that of folk songs in Akita prefecture, and its lyrics are composed of six phrases of 8,8,9,8,8,9.
Sung in an improvisational style, lyrics of “Jiguchi” have wildphrases, humorous stories, satirical songs towards worldly
matters, and to rustic eroticism of peasants.

“Jinku” is a typical format of the Japanese folk song, andit consists of the four phrases of 7,7,7,5. Many of the
lyrics sung today are selected through contests for soliciting lyrics ideas. In contrast to the rustic atmosphere of“Ondo”, emotional and artistic lyrics of “Jinku” add a refined and noble atmosphere towards the “Ganke” dance.

An example of lyrics♪Jisei-ha-doudemo Seken-ha-nandemo
Odoriko-odotanse Nippon-kaibyaku
Amanoiwato-mo Odori-de-yo-ga-aketa

An example of lyrics♪Obon-koishiya Kagaribi-koishi Mashite-odoriko-naokoishi

Meaning
Let's dance together regardless of whether theworld situation is good or bad
Because as described in the legend of AmanoIwato in Japanese mythology, this world wasdawned by dancing.

Meaning
I want the Obon season to come early.
I miss the bonfire that is lit during the Obon.
I can't wait to see the Bon Odori dancers.

Tr a f f i c G u i d eT he Nishimonai Bon
Odori Exhibit Hall

Railroad
Akita Shinkansen
1h40minAkita Shinkansen
1h40min

Ohu Line
45min
至新千歳空港Yamagata Shinkansen
3h30min

Ohu Line
1hRoute Bus 20min
Taxi15min幹線
道新北海

Airplane

Ohu Line
1h40min
Airport Limousine Bus
40min

JAL/55min

新青森

ANA/65min

青森JCT

五能線

JAL/70min
ANA/65min

Chubu International (NGO)

Ugo Town

Airport Liner Taxi
(reservation required)
1h30min

ANA/85min

弘前

青森県

八戸

奥羽本線

JAL/85min

八戸JCT

ANA/95min
五能線

大館北IC

Tohoku Expressway
130km

Kitakami
Junction

Akita Kita
Interchange

19km

KawabeJunctionInterchange

鷹巣IC
二ツ井白神IC 大館能代空港IC
能代東IC
大館能代空港
能代南IC
八竜IC

Route3988km

琴丘森岳IC

Prefectural road 57,72 8.6km

12h

12h

秋田

6h40min

盛岡IC

秋田南IC

仙北市

河辺JCT

34

398

山形県

398

新庄

道

至中部国際空港

至羽田空港

東

海

本
日

線
幹
新
形
山

車

動
自
北

若柳金成IC
築館IC

古川IC

尾花沢IC

宮城県

performing the dance?

Nishimonai Bon Odori?

to enjoy dancing without worrying
about differences in status, or to
become one with the spirits of deceased ancestors. It might also be
the way of Akita people to conquer
their shyness in dealing with thecrowds.

half of the dance is participated bychildren and the beginner dancers.
Then, later at around nine in theevening, expert dancers gradually
join in. As the dance is about to end,
the rhythm of the musical accompaniment and the tempo of the dancechange drastically, and the venue
becomes lively and more excited.

Q. Are there available

Q. Are there available park-

月山IC
寒河江IC

ing lots near the venue?

in the venue. There is an advancedrawing to purchase tickets for the
bleachers. And there is also a firstcome-first-served sale on the day.
For more details, please check thewebsite of Ugo Town Tourism and
Products Association. It’s allowed tobring your own chair for viewing at
places other than the bleachers.

 ostumes are decoratedCin house with this markrains?

Event, there are temporary parking
areas (with fee) at facilities aroundthe venue such as the Town Hall
parking space. Parking is available
from 13:00, and one can go out
temporarily by presenting the parking ticket. Please remember that it isoften full from 20:00 to 21:00.

⬅To Yurihonjodance performance will be hold at
the town’s “General Gymnasium”
next to the Town Hall. There’s anofficial announcement at around
14:00, if there are changes. If you
have already purchased a ticket, you
can use the reserved seats in the
gymnasium.

Q. Does anyone can partici-

Gorinzaka hot springs“Toshitorando”●

pate in the dance?

City
te
ko
Yo
o
T

Dance Practice Session

Soba Noodles Informationy➡
Cit

A. Yes, but Nishimonai Bon Odori is a

traditional event and it’s a culturethat the local people (residents) havecarefully preserved. So, if you wantto participate, you need to wear
appropriate costumes and learn therules of the dance.

In Ugo Town, “Nishimonai Soba noodles” is famousfood and there are many restaurants. Please try to eat.

398

●LawsonThe "Nishimonai Bon Odori Preservation Society" holds a practice session for the general public. Their aim is to popularize and pass down
the Nishimonai Bon Odori to the new generation. The members of themprovide guidance according to the level of the learners from beginners toadvanced. Anyone can participate without any application needed.
For inquiries, please contact the Nishimonai Bon Odori Exhibit Hall. Practice sessions are as follows: Every third Saturday of the month (excluding
January and August) at 19:00 – 21:00 in the Community Center from April
to December. Then, in Nishimonai Bon Odori Hall from February until
March.

398

Mitakejinja-shrine
Ugo JuniorHigh SchoolP

Hosenji-temple
Soba (Kotaro)

Soba (Hikosa)

Soba (Hanui Dining)Nishimonai Bon Odori
Exhibit Hall

Ugo
Roadside station●

Soba(Haseyama)

Dance Venue
Soba(Yasuke)Community
Center●Soba(Matsuya)●General GymnasiumP

Q. Are there hotels to stay for?
A. Ugo Town has few hotels, and res-ervations for the Bon Odori season
are filled up quite earlier. Therefore,
some other tourists often stay in theneighboring cities such as Yuzawa
and Yokote City. It is better to havean early reservation because it will
be full during that season.

P●
Town Hall

Soba(Shinta)➡

Seven-Eleven●

Nishimonai River

天童IC

P Nishimonai Elementary School

泉IC

東北
中央
自動
車道

堀
横

院内

山形

仙台宮城IC仙台

山形中央IC 山形蔵王IC⬅To Yurihonjo Cityu

村田JCT

Published by Ugo Town Tourism and Products Association

Dance time

200 Nishimonai Nakano, Ugo Town, Ogachi District, Akita Prefecture 012-1131

Tel.0183-55-8635 Fax.0183-55-8636 E-mail:kanko@hanuinosato.jp

Official HP

August 16th to 18th

A. Yes, there are prepared bleachers A. Yes, there are. During the Bon Odori A. I f bad weather is expected, the n event of Aizome
Aand Hanui costumes

山形JCT
雄勝こまちIC

Nishimonai
Bon Odori

Q. What will happen if it

道

須川IC

平泉前IC
342

車
自動
山形

311

東北中央自動車道︵湯沢横手道路︶
奥羽本線

上湯沢

Yuzawa City

397

一関IC

鶴岡JCT
鶴岡

(Admission is free of charge/9:00 - 17:00/Closed every Monday (Next
day if it is a holiday), 12/29-1/3 / TEL 0183-78-4187)

This is an event before the Nishimonai Bon Odori in which
each house that owns “Aizome” (Indigo-dyed Yukata) and“Hanui” (Patchwork [Kimono]) display such elegant andartistic costumes in front of their house or in the vicinity
garden.
By observing this, all will be able to discover more about
the charm of Nishimonai Bon Odori, the history and culture associated with the elegance of dance, and charm of“Aizome” and “Hanui”.
Each of the exhibits or displays has its own design andstyles, for this, the town seems to be an art museum ofhistorical kimonos. It is held every year of the first Sundayof August, starts at 10:00 in Nishimonai area.

Q. Why they hide faces while Q. What is the content of

based on the Ainu language “nishi”
means “valley”, “mo” means “little”
and “nai” means “river”. As interpreted “the place of the valley where
the stream flows”. As the meaning implies, the Nishimonai River,which flows from the mountain runs
through the center of the town.

北上JCT

344

酒田IC

13

Ugo Town

湯沢横手道路酒田みなとIC
112

三関IC

新花巻

水沢IC

奥羽本線

至伊丹空港

花巻空港IC

東北
新幹
線・秋
田新
幹線

311

湯沢

湯沢IC

57

柳田

398

57

羽後町

いわて花巻空港

北上線

横手IC

須川IC
雄勝こまちIC

下湯沢

Details on the right

湯田IC 秋田自動車道

横手

十文字IC
湯沢IC
湯沢

三関IC

342

東北自動
車道

横手

398

横手JCT
398

至新潟

十文
字

57

108

羽越本線

十文字IC

34

仁賀保IC
由利高原鉄道
金浦IC
矢島
象潟IC

13

398

花巻JCT
花巻

横手北IC

醍醐

Yokote City

Yurihonjo City

大曲

大曲IC

羽後本荘
本荘IC

107

Omonogawa River

岩手県

西仙北IC

盛岡

秋田新幹線

角館

協和IC
松ヶ崎亀田IC
大内JCT

32

341

秋田県

岩城IC

横手JCT

安代JCT

線

好摩

秋田空港

36

花輪

秋田中央IC

秋田空港IC

164

八

秋田内陸縦貫鉄道

秋田北IC

至苫小牧

Shin Nihonkai Ferry

動自戸

鹿角八幡平IC

鹿角花輪

道

車

An Important Intangible Folk
Cultural Property of Japan

A. T here are various theories, but A. There are various purposes, such as A. It is divided into two parts. The firstbleachers?

昭和男鹿半島IC

奥羽本線

Ferry

花輪線

阿仁合

五城目八郎潟IC

男鹿線

男鹿Tomakomai East Port

鷹巣

能代

Yuzawa Yokote Road
13.5kmYuzawa53km"Nishimonai"?

小坂IC
大館
十和田IC

東北新
幹線

50km

Akita Express way

Q. What is the etymology ofThis hall is the activity base of "Nishimonai Bon Odori".
This is also the place for tourist cultural exchange activities of the town. It was opened in August 2005.
Artistic dance costumes with a history of over a hundredyears are displayed inside the hall, as well as fifty handmade miniature dolls that portray the dance steps andgraceful movements. Anyone can watch the videos of Bon
Odori through the 200 inches wide screen inside the hall.
In addition, there are performances of Nishimonai Bon
Odori regularly every second Saturday of the month (first
Sunday only in August). Everyone can enjoy the lively
music and dance regardless of the season (with fee/1,000JPY).

小坂JCT

Highway
Sendai Miyagi
Interchange

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)●Lawson57

19：30〜23：00(Until 23:30 on the 18th)398
To Yuzawa City➡

Traffic regulation

14：00〜24：00
Around the venue 18：00〜24：00
Dance venue（Until 24:30 on the 18th）

Graceful into a
dreamlike world
The Nishimonai Bon Odori is held every year from
August 16th to 18th in Ugo Town, in the southern partof Akita Prefecture.
This dance has a history of more than 700 years,
has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk
Cultural Property of the Japanese government, and is
one of the three major Bon festival dances in Japan.
Surrounding the bonfire lit on the central street of thetown, the valiant and lively musical accompanimentplayed by men and the exquisite beauty of women
dancing gracefully in colorful costumes create a"beauty of dissonance" and makes the viewer feelthey’re in the world of fantasy.

Ugo Town, Akita PrefectureTr a f f i c G u i d eT he Nishimonai Bon
Odori Exhibit Hall

Railroad
Akita Shinkansen
1h40minAkita Shinkansen
1h40min

Ohu Line
45min
至新千歳空港Yamagata Shinkansen
3h30min

Ohu Line
1hRoute Bus 20min
Taxi15min幹線
道新北海

Airplane

Ohu Line
1h40min
Airport Limousine Bus
40min

JAL/55min

新青森

ANA/65min

青森JCT

五能線

JAL/70min
ANA/65min

Chubu International (NGO)

Ugo Town

Airport Liner Taxi
(reservation required)
1h30min

ANA/85min

弘前

青森県

八戸

奥羽本線

JAL/85min

八戸JCT

ANA/95min
五能線

大館北IC

Tohoku Expressway
130km

Kitakami
Junction

Akita Kita
Interchange

19km

KawabeJunctionInterchange

鷹巣IC
二ツ井白神IC 大館能代空港IC
能代東IC
大館能代空港
能代南IC
八竜IC

Route3988km

琴丘森岳IC

Prefectural road 57,72 8.6km

12h

12h

秋田

6h40min

盛岡IC

秋田南IC

仙北市

河辺JCT

34

398

山形県

398

新庄

道

至中部国際空港

至羽田空港

東

海

本
日

線
幹
新
形
山

車

動
自
北

若柳金成IC
築館IC

古川IC

尾花沢IC

宮城県

performing the dance?

Nishimonai Bon Odori?

to enjoy dancing without worrying
about differences in status, or to
become one with the spirits of deceased ancestors. It might also be
the way of Akita people to conquer
their shyness in dealing with thecrowds.

half of the dance is participated bychildren and the beginner dancers.
Then, later at around nine in theevening, expert dancers gradually
join in. As the dance is about to end,
the rhythm of the musical accompaniment and the tempo of the dancechange drastically, and the venue
becomes lively and more excited.

Q. Are there available

Q. Are there available park-

月山IC
寒河江IC

ing lots near the venue?

in the venue. There is an advancedrawing to purchase tickets for the
bleachers. And there is also a firstcome-first-served sale on the day.
For more details, please check thewebsite of Ugo Town Tourism and
Products Association. It’s allowed tobring your own chair for viewing at
places other than the bleachers.

 ostumes are decoratedCin house with this markrains?

Event, there are temporary parking
areas (with fee) at facilities aroundthe venue such as the Town Hall
parking space. Parking is available
from 13:00, and one can go out
temporarily by presenting the parking ticket. Please remember that it isoften full from 20:00 to 21:00.

⬅To Yurihonjodance performance will be hold at
the town’s “General Gymnasium”
next to the Town Hall. There’s anofficial announcement at around
14:00, if there are changes. If you
have already purchased a ticket, you
can use the reserved seats in the
gymnasium.

Q. Does anyone can partici-

Gorinzaka hot springs“Toshitorando”●

pate in the dance?

City
te
ko
Yo
o
T

Dance Practice Session

Soba Noodles Informationy➡
Cit

A. Yes, but Nishimonai Bon Odori is a

traditional event and it’s a culturethat the local people (residents) havecarefully preserved. So, if you wantto participate, you need to wear
appropriate costumes and learn therules of the dance.

In Ugo Town, “Nishimonai Soba noodles” is famousfood and there are many restaurants. Please try to eat.

398

●LawsonThe "Nishimonai Bon Odori Preservation Society" holds a practice session for the general public. Their aim is to popularize and pass down
the Nishimonai Bon Odori to the new generation. The members of themprovide guidance according to the level of the learners from beginners toadvanced. Anyone can participate without any application needed.
For inquiries, please contact the Nishimonai Bon Odori Exhibit Hall. Practice sessions are as follows: Every third Saturday of the month (excluding
January and August) at 19:00 – 21:00 in the Community Center from April
to December. Then, in Nishimonai Bon Odori Hall from February until
March.

398

Mitakejinja-shrine
Ugo JuniorHigh SchoolP

Hosenji-temple
Soba (Kotaro)

Soba (Hikosa)

Soba (Hanui Dining)Nishimonai Bon Odori
Exhibit Hall

Ugo
Roadside station●

Soba(Haseyama)

Dance Venue
Soba(Yasuke)Community
Center●Soba(Matsuya)●General GymnasiumP

Q. Are there hotels to stay for?
A. Ugo Town has few hotels, and res-ervations for the Bon Odori season
are filled up quite earlier. Therefore,
some other tourists often stay in theneighboring cities such as Yuzawa
and Yokote City. It is better to havean early reservation because it will
be full during that season.

P●
Town Hall

Soba(Shinta)➡

Seven-Eleven●

Nishimonai River

天童IC

P Nishimonai Elementary School

泉IC

東北
中央
自動
車道

堀
横

院内

山形

仙台宮城IC仙台

山形中央IC 山形蔵王IC⬅To Yurihonjo Cityu

村田JCT

Published by Ugo Town Tourism and Products Association

Dance time

200 Nishimonai Nakano, Ugo Town, Ogachi District, Akita Prefecture 012-1131

Tel.0183-55-8635 Fax.0183-55-8636 E-mail:kanko@hanuinosato.jp

Official HP

August 16th to 18th

A. Yes, there are prepared bleachers A. Yes, there are. During the Bon Odori A. I f bad weather is expected, the n event of Aizome
Aand Hanui costumes

山形JCT
雄勝こまちIC

Nishimonai
Bon Odori

Q. What will happen if it

道

須川IC

平泉前IC
342

車
自動
山形

311

東北中央自動車道︵湯沢横手道路︶
奥羽本線

上湯沢

Yuzawa City

397

一関IC

鶴岡JCT
鶴岡

(Admission is free of charge/9:00 - 17:00/Closed every Monday (Next
day if it is a holiday), 12/29-1/3 / TEL 0183-78-4187)

This is an event before the Nishimonai Bon Odori in which
each house that owns “Aizome” (Indigo-dyed Yukata) and“Hanui” (Patchwork [Kimono]) display such elegant andartistic costumes in front of their house or in the vicinity
garden.
By observing this, all will be able to discover more about
the charm of Nishimonai Bon Odori, the history and culture associated with the elegance of dance, and charm of“Aizome” and “Hanui”.
Each of the exhibits or displays has its own design andstyles, for this, the town seems to be an art museum ofhistorical kimonos. It is held every year of the first Sundayof August, starts at 10:00 in Nishimonai area.

Q. Why they hide faces while Q. What is the content of

based on the Ainu language “nishi”
means “valley”, “mo” means “little”
and “nai” means “river”. As interpreted “the place of the valley where
the stream flows”. As the meaning implies, the Nishimonai River,which flows from the mountain runs
through the center of the town.

北上JCT

344

酒田IC

13

Ugo Town

湯沢横手道路酒田みなとIC
112

三関IC

新花巻

水沢IC

奥羽本線

至伊丹空港

花巻空港IC

東北
新幹
線・秋
田新
幹線

311

湯沢

湯沢IC

57

柳田

398

57

羽後町

いわて花巻空港

北上線

横手IC

須川IC
雄勝こまちIC

下湯沢

Details on the right

湯田IC 秋田自動車道

横手

十文字IC
湯沢IC
湯沢

三関IC

342

東北自動
車道

横手

398

横手JCT
398

至新潟

十文
字

57

108

羽越本線

十文字IC

34

仁賀保IC
由利高原鉄道
金浦IC
矢島
象潟IC

13

398

花巻JCT
花巻

横手北IC

醍醐

Yokote City

Yurihonjo City

大曲

大曲IC

羽後本荘
本荘IC

107

Omonogawa River

岩手県

西仙北IC

盛岡

秋田新幹線

角館

協和IC
松ヶ崎亀田IC
大内JCT

32

341

秋田県

岩城IC

横手JCT

安代JCT

線

好摩

秋田空港

36

花輪

秋田中央IC

秋田空港IC

164

八

秋田内陸縦貫鉄道

秋田北IC

至苫小牧

Shin Nihonkai Ferry

動自戸

鹿角八幡平IC

鹿角花輪

道

車

An Important Intangible Folk
Cultural Property of Japan

A. T here are various theories, but A. There are various purposes, such as A. It is divided into two parts. The firstbleachers?

昭和男鹿半島IC

奥羽本線

Ferry

花輪線

阿仁合

五城目八郎潟IC

男鹿線

男鹿Tomakomai East Port

鷹巣

能代

Yuzawa Yokote Road
13.5kmYuzawa53km"Nishimonai"?

小坂IC
大館
十和田IC

東北新
幹線

50km

Akita Express way

Q. What is the etymology ofThis hall is the activity base of "Nishimonai Bon Odori".
This is also the place for tourist cultural exchange activities of the town. It was opened in August 2005.
Artistic dance costumes with a history of over a hundredyears are displayed inside the hall, as well as fifty handmade miniature dolls that portray the dance steps andgraceful movements. Anyone can watch the videos of Bon
Odori through the 200 inches wide screen inside the hall.
In addition, there are performances of Nishimonai Bon
Odori regularly every second Saturday of the month (first
Sunday only in August). Everyone can enjoy the lively
music and dance regardless of the season (with fee/1,000JPY).

小坂JCT

Highway
Sendai Miyagi
Interchange

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)●Lawson57

19：30〜23：00(Until 23:30 on the 18th)398
To Yuzawa City➡

Traffic regulation

14：00〜24：00
Around the venue 18：00〜24：00
Dance venue（Until 24:30 on the 18th）

Graceful into a
dreamlike world
The Nishimonai Bon Odori is held every year from
August 16th to 18th in Ugo Town, in the southern partof Akita Prefecture.
This dance has a history of more than 700 years,
has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk
Cultural Property of the Japanese government, and is
one of the three major Bon festival dances in Japan.
Surrounding the bonfire lit on the central street of thetown, the valiant and lively musical accompanimentplayed by men and the exquisite beauty of women
dancing gracefully in colorful costumes create a"beauty of dissonance" and makes the viewer feelthey’re in the world of fantasy.

Ugo Town, Akita Prefecture