Ayawata Night Nenbutsu and Bon Dance

Bon dance, an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of the country
The nighttime nenbutsu is a Bon event where participants visit homes with new Buddhist altars to comfort the spirits by offering prayers and performing hand dances as entertainment. Once widely practiced in the Mikawa mountainous region extending to Ena City in Gifu Prefecture (Yamaoka, Kushihara, Kamiyahagiri), it was observed in 14 areas (17 villages) including Kazusawa Town and Kiriyama Town in the Asuke region, but only this Ayawata village continues the tradition. The serene Bon dance performed in harmony with the recitation of nenbutsu and the traditional songs is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. ■Remarks A solemn traditional event. Please refrain from using camera flashes.
Map & Location
Ayawata Town, Toyota City (former Asuke Town), Heikatsuji Temple grounds
About 40 minutes from Nagoya Seito Road, Nagakute IC
About 50 minutes by car from Meitetsu Umebayashi Station
Details about Ayawata Night Nenbutsu and Bon Dance
- Date & Time
- 8/10(Sun) 8/15(Fri)
- Note
- The event is held on August 10th and August 15th for two days.
- Venue
- Ayawata Town, Toyota City (former Asuke Town), Heikatsuji Temple grounds
- Address
- Aichi Prefecture, Toyota City, Ayawata Town
- parking
- Reserve a free viewing bus in advance.
- Access
- About 40 minutes from Nagoya Seito Road, Nagakute IC
- Access (Public)
- About 50 minutes by car from Meitetsu Umebayashi Station
- Contact
- 0565-32-6561 (Toyota City Cultural Properties Division)