Osu Summer Festival

This summer festival takes place around Osu Kannon (Hōshōin), known as one of Japan’s Three Great Kannon temples and for having been relocated from Mino by Tokugawa Ieyasu, as well as the surrounding shopping streets. It is held every year over two days on a weekend in early August.

During the festival, cosplay participants dressed as anime, game, and other characters parade through the shopping streets alongside Awa Odori dance groups. Special stages are set up at Osu Kannon, Banshoji, and Fureai Square, where visitors can enjoy a wide variety of events including live music and dance performances. Be sure to make the most of the festival along with the food stalls and the wide range of gourmet options found in the shopping district.

On both Saturday and Sunday, a Bon Odori dance event is held around sunset. Around the yagura tower set up in the grounds of Osu Kannon, people of all ages dance together in a scene that captures the spirit of summer in Japan. The festival ends with powerful hand-held fireworks. Bursts of sparks rise intensely to the strong rhythm of Osu taiko drums, vividly lighting up the night sky.