Dance groups called ren move to drums, flutes and shamisen. Reserved-seat performances and street dancing offer different ways to watch; the August 2026 dates are a past edition, not next year’s booking dates.
![Tokushima Awa Odori: Awa Odori in Tokushima, Japan [2008].. Archive or venue photo, not a view of the current edition.](/images/festivals/awa-odori.jpg)
Photo: Rosino · CC BY-SA 2.0
Original date label: 2008-08-15 11:46. Original or supplied resized image; no additional editing.
Tokushima Awa Odori dates
August 12–15, 2026 downtown performances; this edition has ended
Past confirmed edition · not next year’s dates
Event dates and times use Japan Standard Time (JST). Usual annual dates are not a confirmed booking schedule for the next edition. Check the organizer’s notices for daily times, admission and weather-related changes.
Where to watch
Tokushima · 徳島
Downtown Tokushima dance venues, including Aibahama
徳島市内演舞場・藍場浜演舞場周辺
The map marks one reference point, not the entire route or every entrance. For village rites or moving processions, use the organizer’s venue map.
View reference location on Google Maps ↗Getting there by train or bus
From Takamatsu, take the JR Kotoku Line to Tokushima Station and walk to the downtown venues. The Asty Tokushima eve performance uses a separate venue.
History and traditions
Awa Odori has about 400 years of tradition. Bon dances, other folk dances and a castle-celebration story are among the explanations of its origins.
Nearby places to consider
These sights can help you plan the rest of your visit. Check each location’s opening hours and access separately; festival road closures may affect the journey.
Awa Odori Kaikan
阿波おどり会館
Before you visit Tokushima Awa Odori
When is Tokushima Awa Odori?
August 12–15, 2026 downtown performances; this edition has ended. The year shown belongs to this specific edition, not an automatically repeated future booking date. Check the linked organizer for times and changes.
How do I get to Tokushima Awa Odori by public transportation?
From Takamatsu, take the JR Kotoku Line to Tokushima Station and walk to the downtown venues. The Asty Tokushima eve performance uses a separate venue.
What should I plan before visiting Tokushima Awa Odori?
A seated program makes it easier to follow successive groups before exploring street performances. To join in, use an official participation program rather than stepping into a performing group.
These planning suggestions are JapanLiveNow’s editorial advice. Admission and operating arrangements follow the organizer’s current program.
Official program and visitor information
- www.awanavi.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.pref.tokushima.lg.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.awaodori-kaikan.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
This guide uses the shared festival source register reviewed on October 3, 2026. Official notices take priority over archive photos and previous editions.