Awa Odori Festival

The Awa Odori Festival, held annually from August 12 to 15 in Tokushima City, is Japan’s most famous traditional dance festival and a highlight of the Obon season. “Awa” refers to the historical name of Tokushima Prefecture, and “odori” means dance — together symbolising a centuries-old celebration of movement and community.

Dating back over 400 years, the Awa Odori is believed to have begun as a joyful dance commemorating the completion of Tokushima Castle in 1586. Over time, it became closely associated with Obon, a period for honoring ancestors, and evolved into a lively event where dancers take to the streets in celebration.

Dancers form groups known as ren, each with its own choreography and costumes. Participants wear traditional attire such as happi or yukata, with many women donning the distinctive torioigasa, a woven hat whose name — “bird-scaring hat” — hints at its rural roots. Performers move to the rhythm of shamisen, taiko drums, and flutes, creating a spirited atmosphere that fills the city’s avenues and stages.

Open to anyone willing to join a ren and practice with a troupe, the festival embraces both seasoned performers and newcomers. Though Awa Odori dances can now be seen across Japan, the Tokushima event remains the largest and most iconic, drawing over a million visitors annually.

For those who can't attend in August, the Awa Odori Kaikan in Tokushima offers performances and hands-on experiences year-round, preserving this unique tradition and inviting all to share in its joy.