Awa Odori: The gift that the Awa Feudal Lord Hachisuka left for future generations to enjoy
Awa Odori Dance, a representative culture of Tokushima, is said to have a history spanning more han 400 years is the focal point of the Ah, Wow!! Trip. Although there are many theories to the origin of the Awa Odori Dance, the "Awa Yoshinoko" song theorizes it was a mixture of the time when the founder of the Tokushima domain, feudal lord Hachisuka Iemasa completed the construction of Tokushima Castle, and the activities of the merchants who supported the domain and contributed to the development, especially those involved with the Awa indigo dye production The Ah, Wow!! Trip will trace the multi-generational historic and theatrical memories of the Awa Odori Dance, connecting and expanding them into the future. This event will offer moments that will make you say "Ah" and "Wow" and will trancend language barriers making it accessible to both domestic and international vistors.
List of Events
There are many events to explore that rediscover the charms of Tokushima.
Enjoy a winter's night out in Tokushima with special contents brimming with the essence of Tokushima.
Floating Lantern Night x Awa Odori Dance
- December 1, 2024 (Sun.) 8:00 PM-9:30 PM *Doors open at 6:30 PM
Lanterns will dance in the night's sky at the end of the Awa Odori dance performance. This one-of-a-kind program experience allows you to fully enjoy the fantastic winter atmosphere in Tokushima. After the event, the floating lanterns can be taken home with you, making this an unforgettable event that will remain with you forever. Please enjoy the fantastic scenery amidst the traditional culture of Tokushima.
Awa Odori Special Performance
- Part 1: Special Stage Performance: 4:00 PM - 5:40 PM
- Part 2: Special Performance: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- November 30 (Sat.) - December 1 (Sun.)
- Tokushima Castle Museum (Former Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden) ※*to be cancelled in case of rain
Special performances will be held at the Tokushima Castle Museum (former Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden), a place full of emotion, where the charm and history of Awa Odori dance can be experienced. These performances are made possible thanks to collaborations by famous Awa Odori dance troupes and artists from Tokushima Prefecture. Come and enjoy a performance that can only be experience here.
Mima Wagasa Lampshade Workshop
- Part 1: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Part 2: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- November 30 (Sat.) - December 1 (Sun.)
Learn how to make lampshades using special "Mima Wagasa" techniques directly from skilled artisans during this experience. After you have made your lampshade, you are welcome to take them home to be used as a Japanese-style interior decoration.
Awa Odori Dance Costume Fitting Experience
- November 30 (Sat.) - December 1 (Sun.) 12:00 PM 4:00 PM
Here you can try on costumes that are actually worn by Awa Odori performers. During this experience you will receive a dance lesson from actual dancers whilst in costume. After you have mastered the dance, you are welcome to participate in Nagashi Odori (floating dance) held at Tokushima Chuo Park while still in costume. A photographer will be on hand to take commemorative photos, making this an unforgettable Tokushima experience and a memory you will treasure forever.
Bamboo Light Exhibit
- November 30 (Sat.) - December 1 (Sun.) 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
View bamboo art made by Mr. Ken Higaki and Mrs. Florence Higaki, two bamboo light artists who live in Kaiyo Town, Tokushima Prefecture. On display will be lanterns made from bamboo sourced from Kaiyo town that maintian the indidual charm of bamboo itself. The lighleaking out of the bamboo lanterns will create a cozy and heartwarming atmosphere here in Tokushima Central Park.
Mima Wagasa Umbrella Exhibit
- November 30 (Sat.) - December 1 (Sun.), 2024, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Mima City has been known as a key producer of Japanese "wagasa" umbrellas since the Edo period, and the techniques have been carefully passed down by artisans. In this exhibition, colorful and exquisitely handcrafted wagasa umbrellas will be on display, and will serve as a reminder for visitors of the traditional beauty of Japan and the skills and dedication required from its artisans.
Introduction of Performing Dance Troupes
Awa Odori on a Winter Night
Awa Odori dance troupes from various regions of Tokushima Prefecture will perform, including famous dance troupes from the Awa Odori Promotion Association and the Tokushima Prefecture Awa Odori Association. A perfect opportunity to enjoy the famous Awa Odori dance.
*Performances are subject to change without notice.
Tokushima
Hachisuga-ren
Performancing during the "Awa Odori Special Performance Part 1: Special Stage Play"
A traditional dance troupe that has been carrying on the Sho-Tone Awa Odori since before World War II, based on manners and civility. The yukata of the female dancers, with the Hachisuka family's manji crest and cherry blossom patterns, are both glossy and beautiful, and the length of the sleeves, which are two inches longer than those of the male dancers, helps creates an elegance of the sun dance.
Tokushima
Manji-ren
Performance Iduring the Awa Odori Special Performance Part 1: Special Stage Play
The Manji-ren was formed in 1968, using the family manji crest of the Awa Hachisuka family and was subsequently the dance troupe was named after it. The men's dance is dynamic with hand-held lanterns in one hand, while the women's dance is characterized by its large, relaxed, and dynamic dances with both hands raised high.
Tokushima
Honma-ren
Performing during the Awa Odori Special Performance Part 1: Special Stage Play
The dance troupes name comes from the Tokushima dialect word "Honma" meaning true or genuine. The dancers pursue a fun-filled dance with individuality with a lighthearted musical accompaniment. The women's dance is characterized by its firm posture, that is both sharp and graceful.
tokushima
Tensui-ren
Performing during the Awa Odori Special Performance Part 2 Special Performance
"Tensui” is a dialect word meaning ”a person who is good-natured, in good shape, and easily focuses on one thing. It is also the original group of yukata wearers during Awa Odori. The dance expresses the joy of living with all one's body. During their performance, you can see the original "Yakko Odori”, a dance of kites, as they dancing with power and style
Tokushima
Aho-ren
Performing during the Awa Odori Special Performance Part 2: Special Performance
The symbol of the Awa Odori dance troupe, known for its call of “Awa no aji wa awa no aji” (the character for “a” in Awa is a “broken bamboo hat” which is displayed on the shoulder of their yukata. The Awa Odori dance troupe continues to uphold the spirit of the samurai and the authentic style of Awa Odori dance. They dance vigorously, wearing a “houkamuri”, a crown of a samurai's head, waving lanterns, and following the technique of “sashiashi”, taking stealthy steps.
Tokushima
Muso-ren
Performing during the Awa Odori Special Performance Part 2: Special Performance
Muso-ren is the only dance company that maintains the old style of onna odori (women's dance), which is danced without standing on the toes. The men's dance is based on the image of a samurai, with a low back and straight posture, without leaning forward. The “Seven Samurai” dancers line up side by side and dance with rich individuality, a highlight of the Muso-ren.
Food and drink stall information
Food Stall
COMING SOON...
Special Tour to be held
Special Tour
The Gold Experience - Become a Lord of Awa
All Inclusive Tour
- 300,000
- yen (tax included)/person
This special all-inclusive tour allows you to enjoy the castle town of Tokushima as “Lord Hachisuka,” the feudal lord of Awa Province. This is an immersive tour that will take you closer to the origins of the Awa Odori dance and allow you to become Lord Hachisuka himself.
Sold by: Sekiwo Tourist Co.,Ltd. (0855-22-2222)
Viewing of a special performance to learn more about Awa Odori dance
A rare opportunity to see a large gathering of famous Awa Odori dance troupes
Fedual Lord's Yusanbako Bento Box”, a recreation of the bentos eaten by successive generations of lords.
Pick-up and drop-off by “EV Tuk Tuk,” a vehicle born in Tokushima (limited to certain areas in the city)
Light-up by “Takenohana,” a bamboo artist from Kaiyo Town
Ticket Information
Ticlet
Floating Lantern Night x Awa Odori Dance
- Lantern + admission plan (Adult): ¥5,000/person *includes gift
- Lantern + admission plan (Children): ¥2,500/person *includes gift
- Admission Plan: 500 yen/person *includes gift
- Awa Washi Lantern Plan: + 3,500 yen/person *includes gift/includes a kit that can be used as a lampshade after the event
Awa Odori Special Performance (2-part event)
- Special Viewing Plan: 15,000 yen/person
- Special Viewing Plan with Awa-no-Tono-sama Yusanbako Bento Box: 25,000 yen/person
Mima Wagasa Lampshade Workshop
- Price: 8,000 yen/person
Awa Odori Dance Costume Fitting Experience
- 20,000 yen/person (for one person)
- 10,000 yen/person (for two or more participants)
Awa Feudal Lord's Yusanbako Lunch Box
- 25,000 yen/person Yusanbako included
How to Access by Public Transportation
Access
By public transportation
By train
10 minutes walk from JR Tokushima Station
By car
Tokushima Expressway
About 10 minutes from Tokushima IC via Route 11
