Awa-odori Dance Festival

The Awa-odori Dance Festival is a traditional Bon dance representing Japan, originating in Tokushima Prefecture. With a history of over 400 years, it is known as one of the three major festivals of Shikoku, alongside the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi and the Niihama Taiko Festival in Ehime. It is also one of Japan's three major Bon dances, and is famous nationwide for its scale and deep history.

The Awa-odori Dance Festival is an event that both spectators and participants can enjoy together. Groups of dancers called 'Ren' parade and dance to a two-beat accompaniment of shamisen, taiko drums, kane bells, and bamboo flutes.

Today, the Awa-odori Dance Festival is held not only in Tokushima Prefecture but also in various places across Japan, such as Koenji in Tokyo and Minami-Koshigaya in Saitama, spreading its culture nationwide. Especially, the festival held in Tokushima City is the largest event in Japan, attracting about one million tourists from inside and outside the country.

The origin of the Awa-odori Dance Festival is said to date back to 1185-1333. It is believed to have been influenced by Buddhist monks' dances such as Nembutsu-odori and Hiji-odori, as well as group dances celebrating harvests. The current style began in 1586, when local people danced drunkenly at a celebration for the completion of Tokushima Castle. The rhythmic music and lyrics improvised at this celebration formed the unique style of the Awa-odori Dance Festival. In the 20th century, the name 'Awa-odori' became established, and it became known nationwide as a cultural event representing Tokushima.

The Awa-odori Dance Festival in Tokushima City is held for five days every year from August 11th to 15th. The detailed schedule for 2025 is as follows.

• August 11: "Takumi no Butai Yuuribi" (formerly the eve festival) will be held at Asty Tokushima.
• August 12–15: The main Awa-odori Dance Festival is held for four consecutive days. At the paid performance venues, there are two sessions: the first from 18:00 to 19:40, and the second from 20:20 to 22:00. At the free performance venues, you can enjoy the dances from 18:10 to 22:00.

During the day, there are also 70-minute performances by selected Ren groups at Awagin Hall.

The Awa-odori Dance Festival is held simultaneously at multiple venues in central Tokushima City.

Paid performance venues are held at three locations: Aibahama, Minamiuchimachi, and Konyamachi. At these venues, you can watch the dances up close from the bleacher seats.

Free performance venues allow you to enjoy the Awa-odori Dance Festival for free at Ryogoku Honmachi and Shinmachi Bridge venues.

Odori Plazas are also set up in various places, with dances performed at Shinmachi Bridge East Odori Plaza, Ryogoku Bridge South Odori Plaza, Amico Dome, Civic Center Sakura Hall, and more.

Furthermore, dances are freely performed on street corners throughout the city, turning the entire town into the Awa-odori Dance Festival.

The women's dance features women wearing yukata and deeply worn woven hats (amigasa), dancing gracefully and elegantly with their hands held high while wearing wooden clogs. The beauty of the perfectly synchronized group fascinates spectators. Since their faces are hidden by the hats, the movements of their hands and feet and the overall silhouette stand out, giving a sense of refined elegance and dignified grace.

The men's dance features men wearing happi coats or yukata with the hems tucked up, dancing powerfully and dynamically with low stances. Sometimes comical movements are incorporated, and props such as fans and lanterns are used, making it a relatively free and lively dance. Their energetic movements further heighten the excitement of the festival.

During the festival, many food stalls line the center of Tokushima City, offering traditional Japanese festival foods. Yakitori, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, karaage, edamame, grilled squid, taiyaki, kakigori, yakisoba, and more are staples. Drinks and dishes using Tokushima's specialty sudachi, as well as Tokushima ramen, are especially popular. The stalls are lively along the riverside and main streets, enhancing the festival atmosphere. There are also casual dance areas where spectators can easily experience the Awa-odori Dance Festival, even as beginners. There are also game stalls, providing plenty of activities for both children and adults.

The following methods are convenient for accessing Tokushima City:

• By Air: About 1 hour from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Tokushima Airport. About 30 minutes by bus or taxi from the airport to central Tokushima City.
• By Train: Take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama Station, then take the JR Seto-Ohashi and Kotoku lines to Tokushima Station (about 5 hours).
• By Bus: About 2.5 hours by express bus from Osaka Station to Tokushima Station.

The festival venues are within walking distance from Tokushima Station. During the festival, central roads become pedestrian-only, and public transportation is recommended. Parking is limited, so early planning is necessary.

• Arrive Early: Free street performances get crowded, so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
• Consider Paid Tickets: If you want to see professional Ren performances up close, purchasing tickets for the paid stage is recommended.
• Comfortable Clothing: Choose comfortable shoes and clothing for long walks and standing. Wearing a yukata will help you enjoy the festival atmosphere even more.
• Prepare Cash: Many food stalls and small shops accept cash only, so be sure to bring enough cash.
• Stay Hydrated: Be sure to stay hydrated to cope with the August heat.
• Join the Dance: Try experiencing the Awa-odori Dance Festival yourself in the casual dance areas.

• Q. Do I need a ticket to watch the dances?
  A. Street performances can be viewed for free. Paid stages require reservations; please check the official website for details.
• Q. What time do the performances start?
  A. The main performances are from 18:00 to 22:00. Daytime performances are held at Awagin Hall.
• Q. Can I participate in the dance?
  A. Yes, spectators can also participate in the casual dance areas. Even beginners can enjoy it.
• Q. What should I wear?
  A. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. Wearing a yukata will help you enjoy the festival atmosphere even more.
• Q. Are there accommodations?
  A. There are hotels in Tokushima City, but they fill up quickly during the festival, so early reservations are necessary.

For the latest information and ticket purchases, please visit Awaodori Mirai.

• Awa-odori Dance Festival Executive Committee
  • https://www.awaodorimirai.com
  • Paid seat reservations: https://ticket.pia.jp/piasp/prs/awaodori/awaodori25aoshjs.jsp