Uraja teams dance with face paint inspired by an oni figure from the Momotaro tradition. Stage performances and street parades use several sites across Okayama.
Okayama Uraja Festival dates
Usually summer; dates announced for each edition
Usual annual timing
Dates and times use JST. Usual timing is not a confirmed next-edition schedule. Read the organiser’s programme for start times, tickets, postponements and cancellations.
Where to watch
Okayama · 岡山
Shimoishii Park stages and the Shiyakusho-suji parade sections
岡山駅周辺・市内演舞場
Stages include Shimoishii Park. The Shiyakusho-suji parade has separate directional sections: the 2026 guide distinguishes northbound toward Aeon from Morinomachi and southbound toward City Hall from the station side.
The directions below use one representative location, not every venue entrance or the complete procession route. Use the official venue map for your ticket or programme.
Getting there by train or bus
Take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okayama. Use the festival map to choose a station-area stage or street parade location.
Planning your visit
Compare stage and parade times to see the face paint and team dances without spending the visit walking between performances.
This is an editorial travel suggestion, not a claim of a personal visit or a guarantee of the programme. When travelling from Canada, use your Japan arrival date to select the festival day.
What to look for
- Face-painted dance groups
- Stage shows
- Street parades
History and traditions
The festival draws on Okayama's Ura and Momotaro stories and has developed as a modern civic dance event.
Photo: Onagadori · CC BY 3.0. Original or supplied reduced image; no additional edits. See the original file for its date and context.
Nearby places to consider
Okayama Korakuen Garden · 岡山後楽園
Okayama Korakuen Garden has lawns, ponds and paths to explore away from the city-centre dance stages.
Visit the garden during the day, then return to the Uraja stages. Allow time for the walk or tram/bus journey between them.
The description and suggested visit refer to the first attraction listed. Other links are separate nearby options; festival traffic and opening hours may affect your plans.
Okayama Uraja Festival questions
When is Okayama Uraja Festival?
Usually summer; dates announced for each edition. Usual annual timing is not confirmation of the next edition.
How do I reach Okayama Uraja Festival by public transport?
Take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okayama. Use the festival map to choose a station-area stage or street parade location.
Is the name Uraja connected to Momotaro?
It is connected to the figure Onra in the Momotaro tradition. Participants wear oni-inspired face paint and perform team dances.
Official programme and sources
- Official reference · uraja.jp ↗
- Official reference · okayama-kanko.net ↗
- Official reference · uraja.jp ↗
- Official reference · okayama-korakuen.jp ↗
Shared source records reviewed October 3, 2026. Some official pages are in Japanese. JapanLiveNow’s English guide is independently edited; the organiser’s latest announcement takes precedence.