Experience Tokushima's largest festival, "Awa Odori."
Awa Odori is a dance performed to the rhythm of "Yoshiko," accompanied by chant in a 7-7-7-5 syllable pattern. In the height of summer in Tokushima, the entire city seems to be swirling with the rhythm of "Yoshiko." This local dance has been passed down for 400 years, evolving in form with the times.
Awa Odori Dance Performance [AoAwo Naruto Resort]
●Time: 20:40 - approximately 20 minutes, until around 21:00
●Location: Blue Rose, 1st Floor, Main Tower, AoAwo Naruto Resort
*Please check the information board next to the navigation desk on the 1st floor of the main tower for the venue and whether the event will be held on the day.
*During the Awa Odori festival in Naruto City and Tokushima City (August 9th to August 15th, 2026), the Awa Odori performances inside the building will be suspended.
What is Ren...?
Awa Odori is performed in groups called "ren," who wear matching happi coats or yukata robes.
These groups consist of anywhere from a few dozen people to as many as 200, and there are dozens of such groups active in Tokushima City alone.
Each group has its own tradition, and they compete by showcasing their individuality and skill.
These groups consist of anywhere from a few dozen people to as many as 200, and there are dozens of such groups active in Tokushima City alone.
Each group has its own tradition, and they compete by showcasing their individuality and skill.
The origin of Awa Odori
The Awa Odori dance originated in 1587 when Lord Hachisuka Iemasa built Tokushima Castle, and townspeople celebrated by dancing inside the castle.
As sung in Yoshiko's song, "The Awa Dance, left behind by Lord Hachisuka, the lord of Awa," Iemasa was very fond of this dance and began to enjoy dancing it for three days every year during the Obon festival from the following year.
As sung in Yoshiko's song, "The Awa Dance, left behind by Lord Hachisuka, the lord of Awa," Iemasa was very fond of this dance and began to enjoy dancing it for three days every year during the Obon festival from the following year.