Tokushima City Awa Odori THE AWAODORI

Event Overview

"Tokushima City Awa Odori THE AWAODORI" is a massive festival held primarily in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, symbolizing the height of summer. Known for the phrase "The dancing fool and the watching fool are both fools, so you might as well dance!", the entire city is swept up in a rhythmic frenzy. The dynamic performances by numerous dancers never fail to captify visitors.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The greatest charm of this festival is the diverse range of performances happening throughout the city. At the main stages, you can witness highly skilled and powerful dances. At free viewing areas and "Odori Hiroba" (Dance Plazas), you can feel the heat of the festival from a much closer distance. The sound of traditional music echoing through the night streets and the sight of dancers in colorful costumes is truly breathtaking. It is an incredibly energetic space where the audience becomes part of the celebration.

Schedule

The festival runs for 5 days from August 11 (Tue) to August 15 (Sat), 2026. Please note that stages and locations vary depending on the date.

• *August 11 (Tue)**
• "Takumi no Butai Yuribi": Held at Asty Tokushima (Positioned as a pre-festival event)
• *August 12 (Wed) – August 15 (Sat)**
• "Yume no Butai Matsuribi": Held at Awagin Hall and various dance stages throughout the city

Please check the official website for the latest schedule and detailed information.

Venue & Access

Performances take place at multiple locations, primarily in the center of Tokushima City.

• *Paid Viewing Areas (Enbu-jo)**
• Aibahama, Minamiuchi-machi, and Konya-machi Enbu-jo
• *Free Viewing Areas**
• Ryogoku Honmachi and Shinmachibashi Enbu-jo
• *Odori Hiroba (Dance Plazas)**
• Shinmachibashi Higashi, Ryogokubashi Minami, and Tomimachi
• *Special Stage**
• Asty Tokushima (Held on August 11)

• Asty Tokushima: 5-minute walk from "Tokushima Bunri University-mae" stop on the Tokushima City Bus Yamashiro Line.
• Enbu-jo & Awagin Hall: Approximately 5–15 minutes walk from JR Tokushima Station.

Tips for Participation

Awa Odori is an event where you should enjoy the atmosphere itself, not just watch. Paid viewing areas allow you to sit and enjoy the professional performances up close. Free areas and plazas offer a more casual way to feel the festival's heat. As crowds are expected to be heavy, we recommend arriving early to find a viewing style that suits you.

Essentials, Clothing & Etiquette

As this is an outdoor event held on summer nights, breathable clothing is recommended. It is also advised to bring drinks to stay hydrated due to the heat.

• *Payment**: We recommend preparing cash for entrance fees and food/drinks in the surrounding area. Please check the official website for specific payment details.
• *English Support**: Please check the official website for the latest information regarding English language support on-site.
• *Reservations**: Reservations or ticket purchases may be required for paid viewing areas. Please confirm details on the official website in advance.