Learn about the dancing fools
The Awa Odori Kaikan is the perfect place to learn about and try one of japan‘s most famous traditional dances. The dance, performed around Obon when the spirits of dead ancestors are honored, goes back about 400 years.
How to Get There
The Awa Odori Kaikan Hall is about a 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station.
Quick Facts
– Tokushima’s famous dance event Awa Odori Festival, is held every August
– The top floor of the museum has a ropeway going up Mt. Bizan
Awa-Odori, all year round
Tokushima’s famous dance event and the subject of national attention, the Awa Odori Festival, is held every summer in August. Even if you are not in Tokushima during August 12-15 when it is held, the Awa Odori Kaikan provides an opportunity to learn about the dance in depth any time of the year.
All about Awa Odori
This facility explains the history of this traditional Bon dance. Every year well over a million spectators flood the streets of Tokushima City, and you’ll be able to see photos and videos of this dynamic spectacle in various exhibits.
Let’s dance!
Regular Awa Odori shows performed by a local group are also held throughout the day, and the male and female dancers are happy to show you how it’s done. An old Tokushima proverb says, “The dancing fool and the watching fool are both fools, so why not dance?” True to the saying, the dancers invite visitors to try out the easy moves of Awa Odori with them at the end of their presentation.
Good views at the top
After learning, and of course, dancing at the Awa Odori Kaikan, head on up to the fifth floor and ride the Bizan Ropeway up to the top of Mt. Bizan for outstanding views of the city day or night.
Plenty for tourists
When you’re done, check out the streets of nearby Shinmachi, an area full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars or simply enjoy a stroll along the lovely riverfront path.
The Awa Odori Kaikan is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture and traditional dance. Located in Tokushima, the birthplace of the Awa Odori Festival, this museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about and experience this vibrant and dynamic dance.
The Awa Odori Festival, held annually in August, attracts millions of visitors from all over Japan and around the world. During the festival, the streets of Tokushima City come alive with the sound of taiko drums, traditional music, and the rhythmic footsteps of dancers. It is a celebration of life, death, and the ancestral spirits that are believed to return during the Obon season.
But even if you can’t make it to Tokushima during the festival, the Awa Odori Kaikan offers a year-round experience of Awa Odori. The museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and traditions of this iconic dance. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the origins of Awa Odori, its cultural significance, and its evolution over the centuries.
One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of photographs and videos that capture the energy and excitement of the Awa Odori Festival. These visuals provide a glimpse into the captivating performances and the colorful costumes worn by the dancers. Watching these recordings, visitors can truly appreciate the beauty and artistry of Awa Odori.
In addition to the exhibits, the Awa Odori Kaikan also offers live performances by local dance groups. These shows allow visitors to witness the skill and precision of the dancers up close. The performers are more than happy to teach the basic steps of Awa Odori to interested visitors, encouraging them to join in the fun and experience the joy of dancing.
After immersing yourself in the world of Awa Odori at the museum, take a trip to the top of Mt. Bizan for breathtaking views of Tokushima City. The Bizan Ropeway, located on the top floor of the museum, will transport you to the summit of the mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the cityscape below. Whether you visit during the day or at night, the view from Mt. Bizan is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Once you’ve finished exploring the museum and taking in the views, venture into the nearby streets of Shinmachi. This vibrant neighborhood offers a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, providing ample opportunities to indulge in local cuisine and shop for souvenirs. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront path, admiring the scenic beauty of the area and immersing yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of Tokushima.
In conclusion, the Awa Odori Kaikan is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture and the art of traditional dance. Whether you visit during the Awa Odori Festival or any other time of the year, this museum offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of Awa Odori. From learning about its history to witnessing live performances and trying out the dance moves yourself, the Awa Odori Kaikan provides a unique opportunity to engage with this vibrant cultural tradition. So, why not dance along with the fools and embrace the spirit of Awa Odori?
Address And Maps Location:
2-20 Shinmachibashi, Tokushima-shi, Tokushima-ken
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