07/06/2025
📣 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 📣
We hope you had a great 4th of July! Check out some San Jose Obon FAQs! See you this weekend!
1] Will the 2025 Obon be the same as in year's past?
Yes! As with last year, we will also be closing Jackson street to provide more room and access to local Japantown businesses, for our attendees.
2] Where can I find some of the Odori (Japanese dance) practice videos online?
You can find a link here, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf-44kymltGU8QQ3wBcGY6L7EWucL2oGj (thank you to Mr. Mas Nishimura for compiling). You will also note that we have a new song this year, as a thank you to Rinban Sakamoto who will be retiring from his head minister position at the end of 2025. Thank you, Rinban Sakamoto for 39 years of service!
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the materials used in our dancing, you can visit Nichi Bei Bussan, Kogura Company or Nikaku Animart.
3] Is the parking/shuttle situation going to be the same as in the past?
Yes. We will have parking at the public lot on First Street and Hedding Street. We will have simultaneous shuttles running from 11am-11pm on Saturday and 11am-10pm on Sunday. Please plan accordingly in case we get slightly backed up. There will be security present at the lot during hours of operation. We also have our regular street parking and we ask that you be respectful of our neighbors, if you decide to park there. Pick up at the parking lot will be clearly marked. Pick up at the festival will be at the intersection of 5th street and Taylor street.
4] Can I bring my dog?
If you must bring your pet, we kindly ask that all dogs be on a leash and able to handle crowds/children etc. Aside from assistance animals, we ask that you not bring your dog into the food court or on our shuttle bus service. Thank you for your understanding. As always, please clean up after your pets.
5] Where can I get dressing assistance for the dancing?
You may change in our designated changing area located at 639 6th street. This building will be locked and not accessible during dancing. We also invite you to come and dance as you are! Street clothes are ok!
Here are some additional resources:
How to put on a Yukata 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch8eWVvwoFk
How to put on a Yukata 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR1t3h2B0YQ
6] I am not able to make it to Obon but I don't want to miss out.
We got you! Some of our programming will be live streamed on our San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Facebook/YouTube channels. We look forward to seeing some of you virtually!
7] I would love to volunteer. Are there still spots?
Yes. We have a few shifts that still need help. Visit this link here: https://signup.com/go/dTBPWBx
Huge thanks to the many people who have already signed up.
8] Will there be bike parking?
Unfortunately, as of right now, we will not have the bike parking areas that we've had in the past. Please be prepared to securely lock up your bike and know that there have been several bike theft issues this year. If this changes, we will update this answer.
9] I want to order Obon merch, where can I find merchandise?
All items will be sold at the festival. As other items become available elsewhere, we will update this answer.
10] What food items will be available?
- Chicken Teriyaki
- Beef Teriyaki Skewers
- Ramen
- Tempura
- Gyoza
- Assorted Sushi
- Cabbage Chicken Salad
- Corn on the Cob
- Imagawa Yaki (pancake with red bean)
- Yaki Manju
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Water/Soda/Beer/Sake/Smoothies
NOTE: Direct Messages to this account will not be checked on a regular basis.
Thank you for reading! We will continue to update this post as the event gets closer. Hope to see you soon!
