Tokushima: Awa Odori Cultural Experience & Live Performance
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Delve into the vibrant world of Awa Odori, Japan’s iconic dance, with this guided cultural experience in Tokushima. Explore the history and significance of Awa Odori beyond the summer festival as you visit the Awa Odori Museum, where you'll learn about the dance's evolution through engaging exhibits and live demonstrations of traditional instruments. Cap off your journey with a captivating performance at Awa Odori Hall, allowing you to witness the dance's energy and precision firsthand. This tour offers a rich understanding of Awa Odori as a living tradition, fostering a deeper connection to the local culture.
- Discover the roots of Awa Odori through museum exhibits and live demos
- Experience a live performance by skilled dancers and musicians
- Choose your starting point: Awa Odori Kaikan or JR Tokushima Station
- Gain insights into how Awa Odori influences everyday life in Tokushima
Available options
JR Tokushima Station Meeting
JR Tokushima Station Meeting<br/>Starting point:<br/>7-ELEVEN JR Tokushima Station Store, 1-chōme-61-4 Terashimahonchōnishi, Tokushima, 770-0831, Japan
Tokushima: Awa Odori Cultural Experience & Live Performance
Starting point:<br/>編笠の東屋, 2-chōme-12 Shinmachibashi, Tokushima, 770-0904, Japan
What's included
Live performance by skilled dancers and musicians
Live demonstrations of traditional instruments
Visit to Awa Odori Museum
Guided tour with explanations
Detailed itinerary
1
Awa Odori Kaikan is a cultural facility in Tokushima City dedicated to Awa Odori, one of Japan’s most well-known traditional dances. Rather than focusing only on the summer festival, the museum presents Awa Odori as a living cultural tradition rooted in local communities, combining dance, music, and shared participation.
Through exhibits, instruments, costumes, and demonstrations, visitors learn how the dance developed and why it continues to be practiced today. A performance hall within the facility features live shows by skilled dancers and musicians, allowing guests to connect cultural background with the energy of Awa Odori as it is performed today.
What's not included
Transportation to the meeting point
Meals
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
If you select the JR Tokushima Station meeting option, please meet in front of the Seven-Eleven JR Tokushima Ekimae Store.
Your guide will be waiting with a yellow signboard.
After meeting, the group will walk together to the Awa Odori Kaikan area.
Please refer to the map for details.
About Tokushima
Tokushima is the capital city of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island in Japan. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes, Tokushima offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences. The city is famous for its Awa Odori dance festival, one of Japan's most celebrated dance events.
Top Attractions
Awa Odori Kaikan
A museum dedicated to the famous Awa Odori dance, featuring exhibits and performances.
Cultural
1-2 hours
500 JPY
Bando Tamon's Garden
A beautifully preserved Edo-period garden with traditional tea houses and ponds.
Historical
1 hour
300 JPY
Mount Bizan
A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of Tokushima and the Seto Inland Sea.
Nature
2-3 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Soba Noodles
Buckwheat noodles served with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth, a specialty of Tokushima.
Main dish
Vegetarian options available
Uzume-meshi
A traditional dish made with grilled mackerel and rice, a local favorite.
Main dish
Contains fish
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Cycling
Onsen (hot springs)
Beach relaxation
Picnicking
Awa Odori dance performances
Traditional crafts workshops
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to November
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities. The Awa Odori dance festival in August is a major highlight.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Tokushima is generally very safe with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious when using ATMs at night
- • Stay in well-lit and populated areas at night
Getting there
By air
- Tokushima Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Tokushima Station
By bus
Tokushima Station Bus Terminal, Central Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Tokushima, covering most areas of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: None widely used
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Tokushima
Kaiyo Area
Day trips
Dezaki Gorge
30 km from Tokushima • Full day
A stunning gorge with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
Naruto Whirlpools
30 km from Tokushima • Half day
A natural phenomenon where powerful whirlpools form in the Naruto Strait.
Festivals
Awa Odori Festival • August 12-15
Tokushima Summer Festival • July to August
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience
- Try local specialties like soba noodles and uzume-meshi
- Visit Mount Bizan for stunning views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea
- Attend the Awa Odori festival if visiting in August
- Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and crafts
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
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