OBON 2026
Dance Practice Starts Soon! Dates TBD
Thank You to Everyone Who Attended 2025!
Thank You to All Our Members and Volunteers!
Thank You to All Our Supporters!
See You August 1st and 2nd 2026!
songlist coming soon ☸️ Asadoya Yunta ☸️ Ashibinaa ☸️ Bon Odori Uta ☸️ ☸️ ☸️ ☸️ ☸️ ☸️ ☸️ ☸️ Shiawase Samba ☸️ Tanko Bushi ☸️ ☸️
Obon Service
SUNDAY, JULY 12 2026
Obon - an opportunity for everyone to remember those who have passed before us, a time to appreciate all that they have done and to recognize the continued impact upon our lives
Let's start the Obon season with an Obon and Hatsubon Service at
the Gardena Buddhist Church.
Everyone is welcome
July 12th, 2026 at 9:30 AM
To learn more - click here
Bon Odori ( Festival Dance) 2026
Come join one of the largest Bon Odori events in So Cal. The street is blocked and everyone is welcome to dance or come stake out a spot to listen to the live music & taiko performance and watch the dancers.
Saturday Opening Service at Yagura at 3:30
Sunday Atomic Bomb Service in Hondo on at 3:30
Taiko Both Days at 4:30
Dancing Both Days at 6:00
Live Okinawa Music by
Afuso Ryu Kenkyuu Choichi Kai
Learn More
Temple Tours 2026
Interested in learning about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism? Everyone is welcome to participate, learn and meet Rev John Iwohara.
Saturday Aug 1st
3:30 - Opening Service @ Yagura
4:00 - Intro to Obon
6:30 - Temple Tour
Sunday Aug 2nd
3:30 - Atomic Bomb Memorial Service
4:00 - Intro to Buddhism
6:30 - Temple Tour
Southern District Obon Schedule
Click here to check out Obon Festivals throughout the Southern District
Questions regarding any of the Obon events at the Gardena Buddhist Church -
email: obon@gardenabuddhistchurch.org
No Food allowed in the HONDO Please
Obon DIY
Express yourself and bring out your crafty inner self and create your own Uchiwa, Hachimaki or Happi Coat
An Uchiwa is a paper fan. To make the LED light kind, click LED Uchiwa. For one of many simple DIY examples online click DIY eventail uchiwa .
The Hachimaki is a headband that is also used during some Obon dances . Click here for an example.
A Happi Coat are a traditional Japanese outer garnet that is typically worn during festivals and other celebratory events. If you'd like to try to make your own, here are some instructions - Part 1 and Part 2