The very first thing I ever did in Tokushima—the very first thing I ever did in Shikoku, in actual fact—was attend an awa odori efficiency.
Previous to coming into the aptly-named Awa Odori Kaikan that night, I’d by no means even heard the 2 phrases collectively; I had completely no concept what to anticipate. half-hour later, nonetheless, I left the corridor completely transfixed, and without end modified by what I’d seen.
Amongst different issues, I knew I’d should someday attend that precise Awa Odori Pageant. It ended up taking nearly eight years, however I made it—and I hope I can encourage you to make it, too.
Why It Took Me Virtually a Decade to Attend Awa Odori
In case you’ve learn different posts I’ve made about summer season festivals in Akita and Aomori, how I realized concerning the Awa Odori matsuri gained’t come as a shock. Specifically I used to be in Tokushima on a “regular” metropolis, minding my very own enterprise, and it smacked me upside the top. Oh wait, I simply realized that I already defined this within the intro. Sorry for the retread, but in addition not sorry.
Certainly, regardless of how impressed I left Tokushima after having seen awa odori in a “managed” setting, I wouldn’t see the competition for actual for nearly one other decade. The brief reply is to why is that covid occurred, and Japan in response to it put in place among the world’s longest and harshest border restrictions. The lengthy reply is that I may’ve gone in 2017, 2018 or 2019, however didn’t have the urgency to take action; I needed to wait till 2024 because of this.
5 Issues to Know About Awa Odori
It’s not an all-day occasion
Like lots of Japan’s different summer season festivals, Awa Odori doesn’t start at sundown and finish just a few hours later. Then again, meals vans don’t begin establishing till most likely 3 or 4 PM, and even the novice dances don’t start till half-hour earlier than the solar goes down. There’s no want so that you can get there within the morning, for instance, or actually anytime earlier than lunch.
However the social gathering begins at night time
In fact, regardless that you possibly can technically see some dancers whereas there’s nonetheless gentle, it isn’t till nighttime that issues actually kick into excessive gear, whether or not that’s the performances on the skilled levels, or the small avenue events I’ll discuss in just a few paragraphs. Don’t be fooled by every other Awa Odori information that tells you to anticipate in any other case!
So, see Tokushima earlier than the competition begins
The nice information about Awa Odori being primarily a nighttime factor? You may spend the daytime exploring Tokushima, even when town isn’t probably the most touristic on its face. To make sure, you most likely gained’t have time to take fashionable Tokushima day journeys to the Naruto Whirlpools or into the Iya Valley. Then again, it needs to be possible (at a minimal) to go up the Bizan Mountain Ropeway.
(And eat after it ends)
Though I obtained hungry (or thirsty, if we’re sincere—I wished/wanted a buzz) earlier than issues kicked off, I didn’t truly eat till after I’d had my filling of watching the dances. Many an Awa Odori journey information will advise you to eat throughout the principle a part of the competition, however as a photographer, I discover this counterproductive. How are you supposed to carry a digicam should you’re attempting to scarf down a plate of yakisoba?
Awa Odori is in contrast to every other Japanese competition
I’ve performed sufficient festivals in Japan to have the ability to make daring declarations, so right here’s one: I believe Awa Odori may be my favourite. And never simply due to the intricacy of the dancing and the great thing about the costumes. No, my greatest recollections concerned strolling down random alleys and occurring upon small dance events, and the utter pleasure that appeared to return over your entire metropolis in the course of the occasion. I’ll by no means, ever neglect it!
Do You Truly Have to Keep In a single day in Tokushima Throughout Awa Odori?
As has been the case for most of the matsuri I’ve visited through the years, I stressed over getting a lodge in Tokushima throughout Awa Odori. For some time, I used to be unable to take action! I truly nearly thought of canceling my journey, till I managed to attain a room about six months upfront (after which, discovered a room on the similar lodge even cheaper only a day earlier than my arrival).
Take it from me: You shouldn’t cancel your journey simply because Awa Odori motels. Personally, I had my fill of the competition lengthy earlier than the final prepare again to Takamatsu (the place many matsuri attendees sleep) left. My recommendation, in actual fact, can be to get comfy with the opportunity of sleeping outdoors of Tokushima, however to actively search for lodging within the metropolis, all the way in which up till the final minute.
Different FAQ About Awa Odori 2025
How lengthy does Awa Odori final?
Awa Odori lasts between the 12-15 of August every year, proper in the course of the Obon Pageant. You don’t have to attend all 4 nights—every night time is kind of the identical—however having 4 prospects offers you some flexibility as to the place in your summer season Japan itinerary you find yourself slotting Tokushima in.
What occurs in Awa Odori?
Awa Odori is usually referred to as the “idiot’s dance,” though the performers of stated dance (a few of whom are skilled, others of whom are highly-practiced amateurs) are something however fools. Actually, it’s one of the vital stunning and complicated dances I’ve had the pleasure of watching anyplace in Japan. Anyway, dancing begins at a number of places (each free and paid) all through Tokushima Metropolis proper round sundown, and continues all through the night time. Whereas strolling between dance levels, you possibly can cease at any variety of food and drinks vans which have been arrange.
What do individuals put on in Awa Odori?
Though many locals put on yukata or happi (principally, the jacket of a kimono) to Awa Odori, it’s completely fantastic to put on regular Western-style garments if that’s what you like. Nevertheless, I like to recommend carrying one thing ethereal and open, because it tends to be extraordinarily scorching and sticky in mid-August, when Awa Odori takes place.
The Backside Line
As somebody who has seen many, many summer season matsuri in Japan, let me proudly declare: Tokushima’s Awa Odori Pageant is true up there with the most effective of them. The unhealthy information? Attending the competition could be overwhelming, primarily as a result of low amount of lodge rooms out there in Tokushima. The excellent news? Whether or not you get fortunate and are in a position to guide a room, or just spend the night time in Takamatsu and are available and go by prepare, Awa Odori is price no matter hassle finally ends up being required so that you can attend. Want customized assist making it occur? Think about hiring me to plan your journey!