Tokushima, Japan - Awa Dance Carnival

In Tokushima City, Japan, there is a place that is like a window that allows you to fully appreciate the unique charm of the traditional dance Awa Odori, and that is the Awa Odori Kaikan. Awa Odori has a long history of 400 years. As one of the three major Bon Odori dances in Japan, it originated in the Tokushima area and is Tokushima's most famous business card. Every year from August 12 to 15, Tokushima will hold a grand Awa Odori Festival, which can attract more than 1 million tourists in just four days. However, if you happen to miss this grand festival, there is no need to regret it, because the Awa Odori Kaikan is open all year round and is always ready to present the wonderful Awa Odori to you. The location of the Awa Odori Kaikan is very convenient, and it only takes about 10 minutes to walk from JR Tokushima Station. The architectural style of the hall is unique. The pavilion at the front door has a roof designed in the shape of an Awa Dance dancer's hat, and the carpet at the entrance of the hall is also carefully printed with Awa Dance patterns. From the first step into the hall, you can feel the strong Awa Dance atmosphere. Entering the hall, the first floor is a lively Tokushima Prefecture specialty sales area, which brings together about 1,800 Tokushima specialties, traditional crafts and Awa Dance-related products. Whether it is exquisite handicrafts or delicious local snacks, you can take the good memories of Tokushima home. Go up the stairs to the second floor, where you can watch Awa Dance performances all year round. During the daytime performance, the exclusive group "Awa Wind" will take the stage. They will show various dance moves and forms in a unique performance style by comparing traditional and modern Awa Dance. Awa Dance usually consists of dozens of people, with men and women forming small squares in front to dance to the rhythm of 2 beats, and the accompaniment follows behind. The instruments are basically shamisen, taiko, cymbals and flutes. The dancers' movements are simple but energetic. Their bodies are bent but their upper bodies are straight. Their right hand and right foot, left hand and left foot are stretched forward at the same time, and the cheerful rhythm makes people can't help but sway with it. The evening performance is even more exciting. 33 famous groups called Yumeiren take turns to perform their unique style of Awa Dance for the audience. In addition, there is an experience corner for both daytime and nighttime performances, where dancers will provide friendly guidance and invite the audience to dance on stage together. There is a saying in Tokushima, "The dancers are fools, and the audience are also fools, so why not dance together?" Here, you can throw away your shyness and integrate into the joyful dance atmosphere. During the performance, there are also subtitles in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese to introduce the Narumono (instruments) and explain the dance, ensuring that tourists from all over the world can fully enjoy this unique experience. After watching the performance, don't miss the Awa Dance Museum on the third floor. The museum explains the origin and development of the Awa Dance in detail through photos and documents, and displays dance costumes and musical instruments such as wooden fish and violins used in the past. There are also many interactive experience projects here, allowing you to have a deeper understanding of the cultural connotations behind the Awa Dance. When you are still immersed in the world of Awa Dance, you may wish to go to the fifth floor of the hall. This is the starting point of the Bizan Cable Car. As you take the cable car slowly rise, you can have a panoramic view of the magnificent scenery of Tokushima City, whether it is the bustling street scene during the day or the bright lights at night, it has a unique flavor. After learning and dancing Awa Dance at the Awa Dance Hall, you can also go to the nearby Shinmachi for a stroll. Shinmachi is home to many shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, allowing you to further enjoy your leisure time after enjoying the Awa Dance. Or go for a walk along the beautiful riverside to experience the tranquility and beauty of the city of Tokushima.