Awa Odori (Tokushima)

The Awa Odori is a dance festival that takes place in Tokushima every year from August 12th to August 15th. It is one of the largest dance festivals in Japan and is a celebration of the Bon Festival, which is a traditional Japanese festival that honors the spirits of ancestors. The festival has a history that dates back over 400 years and is a symbol of Tokushima's rich cultural heritage.

The festival is known for its lively and energetic dance performances, which are performed by both professionals and amateurs. The dancers wear traditional clothing and use traditional instruments, such as taiko drums and shamisen, to create a festive atmosphere.

The Awa Odori takes place over the course of four days, with the main events taking place on August 12th and 13th. During the festival, the streets of Tokushima come alive with dance performances and traditional music.

The festival is divided into two parts: the yoiyama, which takes place on the evenings leading up to the main events, and the main events themselves. During the yoiyama, the streets of Tokushima are lined with food and craft stalls, and the dancers give impromptu performances.

The main events take place on August 12th and 13th and are known as the ren-odori. During these events, the dance groups, called ren, perform their choreographed dances through the streets of Tokushima. The ren are made up of both professionals and amateurs, and visitors can join in the dancing if they wish.

The festival is a major event in Tokushima, and it is estimated that over 1 million people attend the festival each year. It is recommended that you arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the dance performances.

In conclusion, the Awa Odori is a festive dance festival that should be included in your Japan tour package. It is a celebration of Tokushima's rich cultural heritage and is known for its lively dance performances, traditional music, and festive atmosphere. The festival takes place every year from August 12th to August 15th and is a major event in Tokushima, attracting over 1 million visitors. With the information provided in this guide, you can plan your trip to Tokushima and experience the lively and energetic Awa Odori. Be sure to check the festival schedule and plan accordingly to ensure you don't miss any of the main events. With its traditional clothing, instruments, and dance performances, the Awa Odori is a must-see festival for anyone visiting Japan.

1. Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)
2. Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo)
3. Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)
4. Tanabata Matsuri (Various locations)
5. Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo)
6. Takayama Matsuri (Takayama)
7. Obon Festival (Nationwide)
8. Hadaka Matsuri (Various locations)
9. Cherry Blossom Festival (Hanami)
10. Tanabata Matsuri (Sendai)
11. Obon Festival
12. Setsubun Festival
13. New Year Celebrations (Shogatsu)