Tokushima city, Japan, AWA Dance

USPA NEWS - One of the most famous and well known festival in Japan, called Awa odori in the city of Tokushima, Japan. It is held during the Obon season in the middle of August (Aug 12-15 in 2013). Tokushima is located at Shikoku. Tokushima used to be called as "Awa"and then Odori means dance.

The history of this dance goes back to 400 years old. The dance has music and its lyrics. The lyrics means like "Fools dance and fools watch, if both are fools, you might as well dance". This festival starts at 6pm~10pm on Aug 12~15. Therefore, during this season, all street will be open during the daytime, however, the downtown will be closed during the festival hour. The dance performers were usually from the local. However, since Awa odori becomes one of the famous and popular festival throughout Japan, many other performance from different region participate every year. The visitor is easily counted more than one 100,0000 people during the festival. Tokushima has opened the Awa odori Kaikan which is museum for Awa dance for the visitor who are coming other days.

During the festival season, it is really hard to make reservation for the hotel, therefore, the early reservation is required and suggested. Also, the international airport is located at Takamatsu, 1 1/2 hour away from Tokushima downtown. The performance will be basically held on the street, however, there would be blocked area where you have to pay. the ticket will be easily purchased with the range between $8~$20(USD) All pictures are copyright @Japan-guide.com