Highlights
- Synchronized 'ren' dance troupes in colorful costume
- Hypnotic shamisen, drum and flute rhythms
- The famous chant: 'The dancing fool and the watching fool...'
Background & story
With over 400 years of history, Awa Odori is a Bon-dance tradition unique to Tokushima, now performed nationwide each summer.
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Walk from JR Tokushima Stn Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, groups of friends, music fans
Good to know
Audience members can often join the 'niwaka-ren' open dance groups — no experience needed, just follow along.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Awa Odori in 2027?
- Not announced yet, as of 11 September 2026. Tokushima Prefecture's official FAQ does state that the Tokushima City Awa Odori is held for four days, 12-15 August, every year, so 2027 would be 12-15 August. That is a rule the prefecture publishes rather than a committee announcement.
- What is the usual programme?
- At the 2026 edition: Takumi no Butai Yoribi (formerly the eve festival) at Asty Tokushima on 11 August, then the dancing itself plus Yume no Butai Matsuribi (formerly the selected-troupe show) at Awagin Hall from 12 to 15 August. The organiser is the Awa Odori Mirai e Tsunagu Executive Committee. The programme names changed in recent years, so older guides use names that no longer match.
- Do I need a ticket?
- Not to watch from the street - that is free. A ticket gets you a seat at one of the paid stages (Aibahama, Minamiuchimachi, Konyamachi) facing the dancers. In 2025 tickets used dynamic pricing: from the second week of general sale, prices changed daily with demand. No 2027 sale has been announced as of 11 September 2026.
Getting there
Central Tokushima City, Shikoku — Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture