Shirotori Odori in Ikebukuro 2026
The traditional 'Shirotori Odori' dance from Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, returns to Ikebukuro, Tokyo, on April 25, 2026. This year's event features expanded dance sessions, workshops, and local Gifu delicacies to celebrate the cultural connection between the two regions.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 01:06 (1h 6m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 13:02 (1499h 55m after Collected)
"I want the sound of geta (wooden clogs) to echo through the city's skyscrapers."
The "Shirotori Odori," a dance cherished for over 300 years in the Shirotori district of Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, is landing in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, again this year. The enthusiasm from last year, which continued even through the rain, is back and powered up with the spring breeze. We are delivering a day to enjoy with all five senses, featuring Gujo cultural experiences, original dance geta workshops, and more.
■ Highlights! 3 Major Topics of "Shirotori Odori in Ikebukuro 2026"
1. [Enthusiasm] The Groove of "Geta Sounds" and "Live Singing" Echoing Through the Skyscrapers
Experience breathtaking live singing and musical accompaniment by members of the preservation society. The session of traditional music and the sound of geta, which makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, is a must-see. Responding to requests to "dance more and more," we have extended the dance time to three hours this year.
2. [Experience] Join the Circle Even as a Beginner! "Dance Classes" and Workshops
Those who are new to Shirotori Odori can rest easy. In the "Dance Class" taught directly by the authentic preservation society, you can learn the choreography on the spot and join the circle. Furthermore, we are holding "Original Dance Geta Making" and "Silk Screen Printing" workshops taught by authentic Gujo Mokuri (Gujo wooden footwear artisans). The experience of dancing in gear you made yourself will be a lifelong memory.
3. [Gourmet] Direct from the Season of Gujo, Gifu. Exquisite Gourmet Food & Craft Alcohol
We have carefully selected the "real Gifu" that can only be tasted locally, including Gifu's famous frankfurters, craft gin from the buzz-worthy "Tatsumi Distillery," and craft beer from Gujo Hachiman.
■ A Challenge to Connect Gujo's "Indomitable Spirit" to the Future
The reason we continue this project is not simply to recreate past culture. The "Shirotori Odori" has been carefully preserved for over 300 years in the Shirotori region of Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, with roots in the "Miya Odori" and "Haiden Odori." We want to connect that traditional culture, which harbors an indomitable spirit, with the diverse city of Ikebukuro through new "bonds."
Last year, despite the unfortunate rainy weather, the venue was filled with an enthusiasm that blew it away. The sight of Ikebukuro becoming one through the power of dance lovers (odori-sukebei) who admit it themselves. "If it was that amazing in the rain, it will be even more amazing this year." To live up to that expectation, we are expanding the circle of dance even further this year.
■ We are also running a "Crowdfunding" campaign to co-create the festival!
This event is a project we are building together with you. We are currently conducting crowdfunding, offering rewards such as lantern sponsorships to color the event and limited-edition merchandise.
Examples of rewards:
・[Name-inscribed Lantern Sponsorship]: Your name-inscribed lantern will be displayed at the venue. (Handed over at the venue after the event ends)
・[Original Geta Workshop]: A pair of geta made with artisans, one of a kind in the world.
・[Limited Edition Tenugui & Stickers]: Official merchandise with event-exclusive designs.
▶ Click here for details on crowdfunding: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/935780/view
■ Event Overview
Event Name: Shirotori Odori in Ikebukuro 2026
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 *Held in light rain, cancelled in stormy weather
Time: 11:00 – 20:00
Venue: Naka-Ikebukuro Park (Main Venue), WACCA IKEBUKURO
Organizer: WACCA IKEBUKURO
Management: Shirotori Odori in Ikebukuro Executive Committee
[Schedule for the Day]
11:00–20:00 Festival stalls (WACCA 1F), Merchandise & Food sales (Naka-Ikebukuro Park)
13:00–14:30 Geta-making workshop (WACCA 4F)
15:00–15:30 Shirotori Odori Talk Show
16:00–16:30 Shirotori Odori Class
16:30–18:00 Shirotori Odori (Part 1 - Live Performance)
18:30–20:00 Shirotori Odori (Part 2 - Live Performance)
*Please note that content and times are subject to change.
For more details, please check our official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirotori.in.ikebukuro/
Please follow us!!
■ Organizer's Message
"Shirotori Odori is a magical culture where young and old, men and women, beginners and experts can all join in a single circle. Please feel the heat of the moment when Gujo's traditions mingle in the diverse city of Ikebukuro with your own skin."
Organizer: WACCA IKEBUKURO
Management: Shirotori Odori in Ikebukuro Executive Committee
The "Shirotori Odori," a dance cherished for over 300 years in the Shirotori district of Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, is landing in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, again this year. The enthusiasm from last year, which continued even through the rain, is back and powered up with the spring breeze. We are delivering a day to enjoy with all five senses, featuring Gujo cultural experiences, original dance geta workshops, and more.
■ Highlights! 3 Major Topics of "Shirotori Odori in Ikebukuro 2026"
1. [Enthusiasm] The Groove of "Geta Sounds" and "Live Singing" Echoing Through the Skyscrapers
Experience breathtaking live singing and musical accompaniment by members of the preservation society. The session of traditional music and the sound of geta, which makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, is a must-see. Responding to requests to "dance more and more," we have extended the dance time to three hours this year.
2. [Experience] Join the Circle Even as a Beginner! "Dance Classes" and Workshops
Those who are new to Shirotori Odori can rest easy. In the "Dance Class" taught directly by the authentic preservation society, you can learn the choreography on the spot and join the circle. Furthermore, we are holding "Original Dance Geta Making" and "Silk Screen Printing" workshops taught by authentic Gujo Mokuri (Gujo wooden footwear artisans). The experience of dancing in gear you made yourself will be a lifelong memory.
3. [Gourmet] Direct from the Season of Gujo, Gifu. Exquisite Gourmet Food & Craft Alcohol
We have carefully selected the "real Gifu" that can only be tasted locally, including Gifu's famous frankfurters, craft gin from the buzz-worthy "Tatsumi Distillery," and craft beer from Gujo Hachiman.
■ A Challenge to Connect Gujo's "Indomitable Spirit" to the Future
The reason we continue this project is not simply to recreate past culture. The "Shirotori Odori" has been carefully preserved for over 300 years in the Shirotori region of Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, with roots in the "Miya Odori" and "Haiden Odori." We want to connect that traditional culture, which harbors an indomitable spirit, with the diverse city of Ikebukuro through new "bonds."
Last year, despite the unfortunate rainy weather, the venue was filled with an enthusiasm that blew it away. The sight of Ikebukuro becoming one through the power of dance lovers (odori-sukebei) who admit it themselves. "If it was that amazing in the rain, it will be even more amazing this year." To live up to that expectation, we are expanding the circle of dance even further this year.
■ We are also running a "Crowdfunding" campaign to co-create the festival!
This event is a project we are building together with you. We are currently conducting crowdfunding, offering rewards such as lantern sponsorships to color the event and limited-edition merchandise.
Examples of rewards:
・[Name-inscribed Lantern Sponsorship]: Your name-inscribed lantern will be displayed at the venue. (Handed over at the venue after the event ends)
・[Original Geta Workshop]: A pair of geta made with artisans, one of a kind in the world.
・[Limited Edition Tenugui & Stickers]: Official merchandise with event-exclusive designs.
▶ Click here for details on crowdfunding: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/935780/view
■ Event Overview
Event Name: Shirotori Odori in Ikebukuro 2026
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 *Held in light rain, cancelled in stormy weather
Time: 11:00 – 20:00
Venue: Naka-Ikebukuro Park (Main Venue), WACCA IKEBUKURO
Organizer: WACCA IKEBUKURO
Management: Shirotori Odori in Ikebukuro Executive Committee
[Schedule for the Day]
11:00–20:00 Festival stalls (WACCA 1F), Merchandise & Food sales (Naka-Ikebukuro Park)
13:00–14:30 Geta-making workshop (WACCA 4F)
15:00–15:30 Shirotori Odori Talk Show
16:00–16:30 Shirotori Odori Class
16:30–18:00 Shirotori Odori (Part 1 - Live Performance)
18:30–20:00 Shirotori Odori (Part 2 - Live Performance)
*Please note that content and times are subject to change.
For more details, please check our official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirotori.in.ikebukuro/
Please follow us!!
■ Organizer's Message
"Shirotori Odori is a magical culture where young and old, men and women, beginners and experts can all join in a single circle. Please feel the heat of the moment when Gujo's traditions mingle in the diverse city of Ikebukuro with your own skin."
Organizer: WACCA IKEBUKURO
Management: Shirotori Odori in Ikebukuro Executive Committee