Odawara Essa Hoi Dance Festival 2026

About this event

"ODAWARA Essa Hoi Odori 2026" is a festival held in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, aiming to pass down local culture and revitalize the regional economy. It showcases locally rooted dances combining the Odawara style with the children's song "Osaru no Kagoya." Approximately 35 teams will participate, with an expected audience of 10,000 people. The event takes place in downtown Odawara, across venues including Ohoribata Street, Akaganemon Square, Sannomaru Hall (Main Hall), and Ninomaru Square. On Day 1, performances and a dance contest will be held at each venue. On Day 2, in addition to stage performances, street parades along Ohoribata Street and a Red vs. White performance contest are scheduled. The contest awards titles such as the ODAWARA Essa Hoi Odori Grand Prize and Semi-Grand Prize. Through collaboration with tourism associations and shopping districts, the event aims to contribute to a positive economic cycle and support the preservation and development of Odawara's culture. It also seeks to create an "Essa" spirit Japan can be proud of and bring vibrancy to central Odawara. Designed for everyone to enjoy and feel like a main character, the event shares positive energy through dance while offering time to explore Odawara's cityscape. Enjoying lunch and strolling through town after the event is also encouraged.

Venue

Odawara Sannomaru Hall

1-7-50 Honcho, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0012