We are used to California's Japanese festivals but this was the real deal! Bon Odori means "Folk Dance" and this one happens during the last weekend of July. We were very lucky - it was literally right outside the door of Tim's office, at Ebisu Station. It lasted for three days and included lots of drinking, eating, dancing, taiko drumming, and singing! You'll notice people wearing their yukata (summer kimono) and dancing around the yagura stage. Everyone is invited to join in.
Here's Tim enjoying his yakitori and a view of the crowds enjoying the festivities.
Look at the little ones dancing with their teachers! And you get a glimpse of the salarymen enjoying some after-hours leisure and drinking time.
I loved that they danced to La Vie en Rose at the end of the night...