About the festival
Okayama Uraja is a lively dance festival whose name draws on the local Momotaro legend. Stage performances and street parades use different venues.
Who is it for?
Dance fans interested in contemporary festival groups and local storytelling.
Photo: Onagadori · CC BY 3.0
Original date: 2 April 2008, 08:06. Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
Usually summer; dates announced by edition
Usual season; next dates not confirmed. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Okayama · 岡山
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.
岡山駅周辺・市内演舞場
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- Travel by Shinkansen to Okayama Station, then walk or use local transport to your chosen stage or parade section.
What to see
- Face-painted dance groups
- Stage shows
- Street parades
History and origins
The festival draws on Okayama's Ura and Momotaro stories and has developed as a modern civic dance event.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Choose a stage to compare groups, or a parade section to see them moving through the streets.
Places to visit nearby
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.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Okayama Uraja Festival: common questions
When is Okayama Uraja Festival?
Usually summer; dates announced by edition This is the usual season, rather than a confirmed timetable for the next edition. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Okayama Uraja Festival take place?
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.
How do I get to Okayama Uraja Festival by public transport?
Travel by Shinkansen to Okayama Station, then walk or use local transport to your chosen stage or parade section.
Are the stage shows and parade on one route?
No. Stages are separate venues and the street parade has designated sections. Match the program to the official map.
Official sources
Sources reviewed: .