🎎 Matsumoto BONBON

Matsumoto BONBON is the largest summer festival in Nagano Prefecture, held on the first Saturday of August every year. It takes place on the streets between Matsumoto Station East and Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The theme is "Let the songs and dances of Matsumoto BONBON resonate in the ancient town of the Alpine capital!" This festival features traditional Bon Odori dance activities that incorporate songs with the names of local areas. The festival began in 1975 and has been held almost every year since. The name of the festival comes from the traditional girl’s activity in Matsumoto known as "BONBON," where girls wear yukatas, carry lanterns, and adorn their heads with paper flowers while singing and parading during the Obon festival. More than 200 groups, including local companies and schools, participate as dancers in "ren" units, performing to the catchy original song "BONBON Matsumoto BONBONBON" as they dance and parade through the city streets.

Held on the first Saturday of August every year in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, it is the largest summer festival in the prefecture. The event takes place on the streets between Matsumoto Station's east side and Matsumoto Castle, where large crowds of tourists fill the area to capacity. Over 200 groups participate in units called "ren," creating a spectacular scene as they dance and parade down the streets.