Friday · From 5:30 PM
Koboji Shingon Mission Obon
Friday, July 10, 2026
Koboji Shingon Mission Obon is listed for Friday, July 10, 2026 at Koboji Shingon Mission in Honolulu, Oahu, From 5:30 PM.
Koboji Shingon Mission was founded in 1947 by Reverend Kakuo Okimura, originally from Yuu-mura, Yamaguchi, Japan. The temple belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect — one of Japan's oldest esoteric Buddhist traditions, tracing its lineage to Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) — and has held its Obon celebration continuously since those early postwar years.
The evenings center on the Minnyo Kai, Koboji's in-house dance troupe, which performs 27+ dances meticulously choreographed by the late Archbishop Dean Zenei Okimura, each embodying Buddhist symbolism. The repertoire includes the signature Iroha Uta, whose lyrics trace back to Japan's Heian period. Three organized groups take the yagura across both nights. Food booths open at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, the temple holds Hatsu Bon memorial services for families observing a loved one's first Obon before dancing begins.
The food booth lineup is anchored by multi-generational family recipes: a chili rice bowl the Kajiwara family has prepared for 60 years, and a Local Boy Stew Bowl from a recipe of a long-ago Kalihi restaurant by Harold and Verna Mikaru. Cash only is accepted at all booths.
- Founded 1947 by Rev. Kakuo Okimura; Koyasan Shingon lineage
- In-house Minnyo Kai troupe performs 27+ choreographed dances across two nights
- Hatsu Bon memorial service held Saturday for families' first Obon
- Kajiwara family chili rice bowl recipe, made at Koboji for 60 years
Food & vendors: Teri chicken plate, Local Boy Stew Bowl, chili rice bowl, teri burger, yakisoba, andagi, and shave ice; cash only
Parking & access: Free parking at Damien Memorial School
Plan your weekend on Oahu
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Good to know
When is Koboji Shingon Mission Obon?
Koboji Shingon Mission Obon is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, From 5:30 PM.
Where is Koboji Shingon Mission Obon?
You'll find Koboji Shingon Mission Obon at Koboji Shingon Mission, Koboji Shingon Mission, 1223-B N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817 in Honolulu, Oahu.
Will there be food at Koboji Shingon Mission Obon?
Teri chicken plate, Local Boy Stew Bowl, chili rice bowl, teri burger, yakisoba, andagi, and shave ice; cash only
What should I know about parking or access?
Free parking at Damien Memorial School
Should I confirm Koboji Shingon Mission Obon before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Koboji official contact page. Event dates and times can change, so confirm with the host before you go.
About bon dances
Bon dance (bon odori) is the centerpiece of obon, the Japanese Buddhist season honoring ancestors. In Hawaii the tradition arrived with plantation-era immigrants and became its own local institution — most temples across the islands hold a dance on a summer weekend between June and September, and the whole community turns out.
The setup is consistent: a yagura (a raised tower) anchors the temple yard, taiko drummers and singers keep the beat, and dancers move in concentric circles around the tower. You don't need to know the steps or be Buddhist to join — follow the circle, copy the person ahead of you, and you'll pick it up by the second song. Around the edges you'll find food booths selling andagi, plate lunches, shave ice, and saimin, plus craft and game tables.
- No experience needed — step into the circle and follow along.
- Come hungry; the food booths are half the reason people go.
- Bring small cash for food, games, and craft tables.
- Dances run rain or shine and are free to attend.
Sources: Verification source; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.