Awa Odori
MatsuriShikoku(Tokushima)
Annual eventDates
2026-08-12 — 2026-08-15
Venue
Tokushima City center streets and performance stages
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Extremely crowdedJapan's largest dance festival in Tokushima, where 'the dancing fool' philosophy reigns.
Awa Odori is Japan's largest dance festival, attracting over 1.3 million visitors to Tokushima during the Obon season. Organized dance troupes (ren) perform the traditional Awa dance to the rhythm of shamisen, taiko drums, and flutes. The festival's motto is "The dancing fool and the watching fool are both fools, so you might as well dance!" - and spectators are encouraged to join in.
Highlights
Organized ren dance troupes performing in streets and stages; Niwaka-ren open dancing where anyone can join; Paid and free performance stages throughout the city
Access
JR Tokushima Station is in the center of the festival area. From Osaka, take the highway bus (about 2.5 hours) or JR via Okayama. Tokushima Awaodori Airport also serves the city.
Tips for Visitors
Paid seating at the main stages (around 2,000 yen) offers the best views. Free viewing areas are available throughout the city. Join the niwaka-ren (open dance groups) for a hands-on experience. Book accommodation well in advance or consider staying in nearby Kagawa.