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Awa Odori - One of Japan's Three Great Bon Festivals
About This Event
Awa Odori is Japan's largest bon dance festival held annually during the Obon period in August in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture. With over 400 years of history, it is believed to have originated from the celebrations when people in the castle town danced to celebrate the construction of Tokushima Castle in 1586 (Tensho 14).
The festival centers around teams called "ren," consisting of dancers in vibrant costumes and live musicians playing shamisen, taiko drums, flutes, and gongs. The beautiful contrast between the dynamic "men's dance" and the graceful "women's dance" performed by dancers wearing braided hats, combined with the two-beat rhythm accompanied by the chants "Yatto sa, Yatto yatto," envelops the entire festival in a whirlwind of excitement.
The city streets become performance stages at night, where ren parade through the streets in "nagashi odori" (flowing dance). Spectators can join as "niwaka-ren" (impromptu groups) and dance together, making it an open festival where viewers and dancers unite in enjoyment. More than one million visitors come from across Japan and around the world, making it a major cultural event that colors Tokushima's summer.
Main Experience
Tokushima Awa Odori Festival Aug13,14 Seat ticket
Witness the electrifying Awa Odori Festival, one of Japan's largest and most famous traditional dance festivals, held in central Tokushima City during the Obon season. Be captivated by the rhythmic shamisen, taiko drums, shinobue flutes, and the energetic dancers parading through the streets. Reserve before tickets sell out! Experience the Iconic Awa Odori from a Reserved Seat! With over 400 years of history, Awa Odori is one of Japan's most beloved summer festivals. Hundreds of dancers organized into "ren" (dance teams) parade energetically through the streets in synchronized formations, accompanied by the lively sounds of traditional Japanese instruments. With a reserved seat, you can relax and fully enjoy the spectacular atmosphere—no need to worry about crowds or long hours of standing. The festival is celebrated with the famous chant: "The dancers are fools, the watchers are fools; if both are fools, you'd be foolish not to dance!"—capturing the inclusive and joyful essence of Awa Odori. **Time & Location** Date: August 13–14, 2026 Evening performances: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (two blocks each night) Location: ・Central Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku ・About 10–15 minutes on foot from JR Tokushima Station ## **Regarding Seat Types** - The ticket type is Part 1 (18:00–19:40) at Aibahama Enbu-jo, SS Seat. - SS seats are premium reserved seats located closest to the performance area, offering the best views of the dancers. You can enjoy the festival in a comfortable seat with an excellent, unobstructed view. ## **Regarding Ticket Delivery** - Tickets will be mailed to the hotel where you are staying. Please provide the following information when booking: hotel name, hotel address, name under which the hotel reservation was made, check-in date, and hotel reservation number. - Please confirm in advance with your hotel whether they are able to receive registered mail (Kan'i-Kakitome). - Changes to the delivery hotel can be accepted until July 25. Changes after this date cannot be accommodated. ## **How to use** - Please present your paper ticket to the attendant at the entrance gate. - Once you enter the venue, please be seated in the seat indicated on your ticket. ## **What's included** - Paper tickets ## **What is not included** - Transportation to the venue - Other personal expenses ## **Cancellation Policy** - All sales are final. Travelers will not receive any refund regardless of cancellation status. ## **Confirmation before booking** - Events are subject to change or cancellation due to natural disasters, rain, or other unforeseen circumstances. No refunds will be provided except in the case that the event is canceled by the executive committee due to weather or similar conditions. - Eating and drinking are allowed in the spectator seats, but we ask that you please take your trash home with you. ## **Notes for the day** - Please refrain from bringing large luggage, as space in the spectator area is limited. The organizer assumes no responsibility for the theft or loss of personal belongings. - In the event of rain, the festival will generally be canceled; however, the event may still proceed in light rain. - Please refrain from any actions that may disturb other guests. The use or setup of items that obstruct the view of others (such as umbrellas, tall tripods, banners, and flags) is prohibited. - Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, is strictly prohibited throughout the seating area. 
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Event Information
- Location
- Tokushima
- Categories
- Traditional Festival (matsuri)
- Event Dates
- August
- Official Website
- Visit Official Site
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