THE 49th BON ODORI 2025 IS COMING TO SUNWAY CITY KUALA LUMPUR FOR A WEEKEND OF CULTURAL CELEBRATION

Get ready to dance, feast, and celebrate under the festival night lights – because the 49th Bon Odori 2025 is coming to Sunway City Kuala Lumpur with not one, but two lively days of celebration on 12 and 13 July!

Originally started out as a small affair for Japanese expatriates to immerse their children in Japanese culture in 1977, Bon Odori has since grown into a much-awaited annual event! This year, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur is co-organising the 49th Bon Odori 2025 with The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur (JCKL), The Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur, and the Embassy of Japan, honouring Japanese traditions while fostering cross-cultural appreciation and marking a symbol of the enduring friendship between Japan and Malaysia. 

The 49^th Bon Odori 2025 is more than a cultural celebration; it’s a significant driver for Malaysia’s tourism sector. This festival attracts a diverse crowd, boosting local tourism while positioning Malaysia as a leading cultural destination in the region by also showcasing the vibrant traditions of Japan. Through this, the 49^th Bon Odori 2025 helps elevate Malaysia’s overall appeal as a tourist destination, supporting the local economy and enriching the tourism landscape with a truly unique experience that resonates far beyond just the attendees.

Further supported by The Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry Malaysia, Tourism Selangor, Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), Polis Diraja Malaysia, and lifestyle curator Pingmin Market, the 49th edition of this iconic festival continues its legacy as one of Malaysia’s most anticipated annual cultural experiences. And the best part? Admission is completely free! Simply register early for an exclusive hand-fan and festival vouchers to fully immerse yourself in the celebrations – but hurry, the exclusive items are limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis! (Early registration link)

The 49^th Bon Odori 2025 is just a short walk from Sunway Pyramid via the Canopy Walk, or an easy hop-off at the Sunway Lagoon BRT station.

Located at the open-air car park beside Sunway Resort, the 49^th Bon Odori 2025 will feature over 100 booths offering tantalising Japanese street food and snacks unlike anywhere else, as well as charming trinkets, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind festival finds. With a wide variety of food options – including plenty that cater to both Muslim and Non-Muslim visitors – everyone is invited to indulge in a festive and inclusive experience that blends Japanese flair with Malaysian hospitality. Itadaki-masu!  

Festivalgoers should also keep an eye out for an energetic, immersive lineup of performances. Just like many Malaysian cultural festivals that center around heritage, family, and community, this event embodies a spirit of togetherness that transcends borders. Each evening is set to come alive with an opening taiko drum performance followed by performances such as the iconic Bon Odori dance, a type of Japanese folk-dance tradition performed during the Obon festival. Involving everyone dancing in a circle around a drum tower or yagura, often at night in open spaces, it’s a tradition that goes beyond just celebration, grounded in shared rhythm, remembrance, and connection.

Adding a proudly local twist to the celebration, special performances by MBSJ, Tourism Selangor, and Sunway Lagoon will infuse the event with Malaysian character, blending two cultures in an unforgettable celebration of friendship and shared values. This convergence of culture – led by the Japanese community and embraced by local institutions, reflects the broader mission of JCKL and the Embassy to build mutual respect and joyful understanding between Japan and Malaysia. Whether you're donning a yukata or keeping it casual, this event is for everyone - families, couples, friend groups, and curious first timers alike.

Running from 4PM to 11PM on both days, the 49^th Bon Odori 2025 is strategically located for ease of accessibility. For a smooth and seamless ride, festivalgoers can opt for e-hailing via AirAsia Ride using the promo code BONODORI25 Public transport is equally accessible, with connections via the LRT (Kelana Jaya Line to USJ 7), KTM (Port Klang Line to Setia Jaya), and BRT (to Sunway Lagoon Station). For those who prefer to drive, parking is available at various nearby locations - full details below for easy planning.

Parking Guide for Drivers:

Parking Location	Access Notes
Sunway Pyramid	Closest mall; Exit via The Link
The Pinnacle Sunway	Adjacent to mall; short walking distance
Menara Sunway	Nearby corporate tower; walking access
Sunway Resort Hotel Sunway Lagoon Hotel Pyramid Hotel	Hotel guests & public parking available
Sunway University	Walkable via Canopy Walk to Sunway Pyramid and exit via The Link
Sunway Geo Avenue	Use BRT from SunMed to Sunway Lagoon Station or Canopy Walk
SunU-Monash	Use BRT or Canopy Walk to reach festival grounds

From the buzz of Sunway Pyramid to the beat of the taiko drums, everything is connected for a seamless day-to-night vibrant experience. With family facilities, rest stops, and last-minute essentials just a short walk away at Sunway Pyramid, festivalgoers can enjoy comfort and convenience throughout the weekend.

As the sun sets over Sunway City, expect an atmosphere unlike any other – lanterns glowing, drums echoing, and the scent of street food in the air. Whether this is your first Bon Odori or a yearly tradition, this year’s expanded celebration promises to double the joy, flavour, and festivity. So gather your crew, dress for the occasion, and dive into an unforgettable weekend of culture, community, and connection.

Visit Sunway Pyramid's website or social media pages (@sunway_pyramid), for more information about the 49^th Bon Odori Festival.

About Sunway Malls

With 9 retail developments under its belt, Sunway Malls is gearing to be amongst Malaysia’s largest mall owner-operator. The entirety of established malls and pipeline projects currently stand at 7.7 million square feet (sq. ft.) of net lettable area (NLA). The malls are strategically located in key urban markets to serve the surrounding community.

 

The mall locations are: -

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Pyramid, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Velocity, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Carnival, Seberang Jaya, Penang

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Putra, Kuala Lumpur

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Big Box, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, Johor

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Kluang, Johor

•⁠  ⁠Sunway 163, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Giza, Sunway Damansara, Selangor

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Citrine, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, Johor

 

Upcoming mall locations are: -

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Square, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Pier, Port Klang, Selangor

•⁠  ⁠Sunway Ipoh Mall, Sunway City Ipoh