Tokushima · Tokushima
Awa Odori
阿波踊り
Bon dance at city scale: troupes called ren moving through the streets with their own musicians.
Next
11–15 August 2027
292 days away
Every year, 11 August, for 5 days
Future dates: 11 August 2027 · 11 August 2028 · 11 August 2029
Origin
A Bon dance that grew to the scale of a city during the feudal era. Men's and women's forms are sharply distinct — the women dance up on the toes of their geta with the arms held high. Over four centuries it acquired a competitive edge.
What to look for
The established troupes dance in a unison that reaches an uncanny precision. At the same time there is the niwaka-ren, an open troupe that visitors can join on the spot.
How to watch
The 11th is the eve; the festival proper runs the 12th to the 15th. If you join the open troupe, pick either the men's or women's form and stay with it. The paid arenas have their own photography rules — check them.
Where
Central Tokushima
Tokushima, Tokushima
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