Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima

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Near: Tokushima  (Event is Free)

Event Date(s): Aug. 11, 2025 • Aug. 12, 2025 • Aug. 13, 2025 • Aug. 14, 2025
Dates are subject to change without notice. Check with the official organizers before making travel arrangements.

The entire city of Tokushima takes part in the Awa Odori Dance Festival.  The festival happens during or around the traditional Japanese Obon festival in which folk dances are performed to welcome the souls of ancestors. Everybody joins in Obon!  There is a saying in Japan, "It's a fool who dances and a fool who watches! If both are fools, you might as well have fun dancing!" so go ahead, join the fun! The Tokushima Awa Odori festival can trace it's roots back to the late 1500's when the ruling lord Hachisuka Iemasa wanted to celebrate the building of his new castle.  The new castle celebration was so fun many people drank a bit too much sake and started dancing around... irregular steps, jovial and energetic up-tempo rhythm dance.

Many groups of dancers (all with their own designed costumes) parade about town dancing and then at night its just one big party.  In the streets, in the parks, on the stages... dancing everywhere!

Tokushima, Tokushima Japan

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Website: Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima Homepage