Get ready, culture lovers — the much-anticipated 49th Bon Odori Festival 2025 is back and bigger than ever!
This year, the beloved Japanese summer celebration is set to light up Sunway City Kuala Lumpur for an unforgettable weekend on 12 and 13 July 2025, featuring vibrant performances, traditional dances, cultural exchange, and a food haven of Japanese delights.
Organised through a strong cultural partnership between The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur (JCKL), The Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur, and the Embassy of Japan, the Bon Odori Festival has evolved from its humble beginnings in 1977 into a major annual event that celebrates enduring friendship, mutual respect, and joyful understanding between Japan and Malaysia.
The 49th Bon Odori 2025 : More Than a Festival – It’s a Cultural Bridge
Originally held for Japanese expatriates to immerse their children in cultural traditions, Bon Odori has grown into a shared space where Malaysians and Japanese communities connect through dance, music, food, and celebration.
The 49th edition in 2025 is more than just a celebration; it’s a key cultural platform that boosts local tourism and reinforces Malaysia’s reputation as a regional cultural destination.
Endorsed by the Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry Malaysia, Tourism Selangor, Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), and Polis Diraja Malaysia, the event not only bridges two cultures but also enriches the country’s tourism ecosystem with a world-class cultural showcase that welcomes locals and international visitors alike.
Over 100 Booths of Japanese Food, Crafts, and Culture
Set at the open-air car park beside Sunway Resort, the festival will feature a specially curated marketplace in collaboration with Pingmin Market, housing over 100 booths offering a wide variety of Japanese street food, snacks, handmade crafts, and traditional goods.
Whether you’re looking for takoyaki, matcha desserts, or adorable trinkets, there’s something for everyone.
Most importantly, food options are halal-friendly, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming experience for both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors. It’s the perfect way to explore the essence of Japanese street culture with a Malaysian twist.
Cultural Performances, Bon Odori Dance & More
Each evening from 4PM to 11PM, the festival comes alive with the rhythm of taiko drums, followed by a line-up of traditional Japanese performances, including the iconic Bon Odori dance. This folk dance — performed around a drum tower called yagura — symbolizes unity, remembrance, and shared joy.
Local elements will also shine, thanks to performances by MBSJ, Tourism Selangor, and Sunway Lagoon, blending Malaysian flair with Japanese tradition for a truly cross-cultural spectacle.
Whether you’re dressed in a yukata or simply coming in casual wear, the Bon Odori Festival welcomes families, couples, friends, and first-timers to experience a unique celebration of unity and cultural appreciation.
Getting There is a Breeze – Here’s How
Accessibility is one of the key highlights of the 49th Bon Odori 2025:
✅ Public Transport:
- LRT Kelana Jaya Line: Stop at USJ 7
- KTM Port Klang Line: Stop at Setia Jaya
- BRT: Get off at Sunway Lagoon Station
✅ E-Hailing:
Use AirAsia Ride with promo code BONODORI25 for a discounted and convenient ride to the event.
✅ Ample Parking at:
- Sunway Pyramid
- The Pinnacle
- Menara Sunway
- Sunway Resort & Lagoon Hotels
- Sunway University & Sunway Geo
- SunU-Monash
All locations are within walking distance or connected via the Canopy Walk and BRT network, making your journey smooth and worry-free.
Free Admission + Early Registration Perks
Admission is completely free! But don’t miss your chance to register early for exclusive hand-fans and festival vouchers — available only to early birds on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit [Sunway Pyramid’s official page or social media channels (@sunway_pyramid)] for more updates and registration details.
Experience the Magic of Bon Odori at Sunset
As the sun sets over Sunway City, lanterns light up the night, the drums echo in unison, and the scent of Japanese street food fills the air. It’s a scene straight out of a Tokyo summer — but with Malaysian soul.
Whether you’re a Bon Odori regular or experiencing it for the first time, this year’s two-day celebration promises double the culture, double the fun, and double the memories.
Gather your friends, dress for the occasion, and join us for a weekend of culture, community, and connection at the 49th Bon Odori 2025 in Sunway City KL.
Visit website or social media pages (@sunway_pyramid), for more information about the 49th Bon Odori Festival.
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