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August 11, 2026 at 10:20 am
Event date:
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August 15, 2026 at 10:20 am
Event end:
Yes! The Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima runs from August 11 to 15, 2026, and the main street performances typically take place from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM each night.
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- First session: 6:00 PM – 7:40 PM
- Second session: 8:20 PM – 10:00 PM
Feel the Rhythm of Tradition in Tokushima’s Iconic Summer Dance Festival The Awa Odori Festival (阿波踊り), Japan’s largest and most energetic traditional dance festival, returns to Tokushima City in 2026 for four days of vibrant performances, rhythmic beats, and joyful celebration. Dating back over 400 years, Awa Odori is part of the Obon season and features thousands of dancers parading through the streets in elaborate costumes, captivating audiences with synchronized movements and chants of “Yatto-sa, yatto-sa!”
Festival Highlights:
- Massive Dance Parades: Watch as over 10,000 dancers form long lines, filling the streets with mesmerizing, synchronized movements to the beat of shamisen, taiko drums, and flutes.
- Rengo (Dance Troupes): Enjoy performances by famous dance troupes, each with unique costumes and choreographies, from graceful female dancers to energetic male formations.
- Nighttime Dance Fever: As the sun sets, the festival comes alive with lantern-lit streets and dancers in vibrant yukata, creating a magical summer atmosphere.
- Join the Dance: Visitors are encouraged to join the “niwaka-ren” (spontaneous dance groups) and experience the joy of participating firsthand. No experience necessary – just let the music move you!
- Festival Stalls & Local Flavors: Savor Tokushima’s local delicacies, including sudachi citrus drinks, grilled skewers, and Awa beef at the many yatai (food stalls) lining the streets.
Event Details:
- Dates: August 11–15, 2026
- Location: Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture
- Admission: Free (Reserved seating along parade routes available for purchase)
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Awa Odori Festival Schedule – 2026
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026: Opening performances, staged events, and indoor shows featuring top dance groups.
- Wednesday, August 12, 2026: Main Street Dance Parades begin (typically 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM).
- Thursday, August 13, 2026: Main Street Dance Parades continue (typically 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM).
- Friday, August 14, 2026: Main Street Dance Parades continue (typically 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM).
- Saturday, August 15, 2026: Final night of the Main Street Dance Parades and festival closing (typically 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM).
(Note: Daytime performances are also held at indoor venues from August 12–15, but the main spectacle is the evening street parades.)
Why You Should Go:
The Awa Odori Festival is more than just a dance event – it’s a dynamic celebration of life and community. The lively atmosphere, infectious energy, and rich cultural heritage make it a must-see summer festival that leaves visitors smiling and dancing long after it ends.
Come dance under the summer sky at Awa Odori Festival 2026 – where tradition, joy, and rhythm collide in a spectacular celebration!
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