What other travelers are saying about Awaodori Kaikan - Tokushima's Traditional Dance Museum
The Awa Odori is an incredibly vibrant traditional dance, accompanied by equally spirited celebrations, that is performed each August to mark Obon, a Buddhist festival for the repose of the dead. Originating in Tokushima, the dance has gradually spread across all of Japan and recently even been held as far away as Paris. Tokushima, however, remains Awa Odori’s spiritual home. The region’s culture is deeply entwined with the dance, and Tokushima City is home to the Awa Odori Kaikan where performances can be enjoyed, and participated in, all year round. At Awadori Kaikan, the performance is interactive, where the audience is invited to interact and dance with the performers. At the end, the performers would be outside the theatre for a photo or two.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during summer (March-September) and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during winter (October-February). It's closed on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. General admission is ¥300, with dance performances costing an additional ¥800 for daytime shows and ¥1,000 for the evening show.
Yes, the world-famous Awa Dance can be viewed all year round at this dance hall. Performances are held five times daily at 11 AM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM, and 8 PM. This allows visitors to experience Tokushima's famous dance tradition even when visiting outside the main August festival period.
The facility offers multiple floors of attractions. The first floor has an information desk and shop for local products, the second floor contains the Awa Dance library and exhibition hall, the third floor houses a museum, and the fifth floor is the station for the ropeway to the top of Mt. Bizan. Visitors can also participate in interactive dance lessons to learn the traditional movements themselves.
The museum is conveniently located in central Tokushima City. It's approximately 15 minutes by car from Tokushima Interchange. The facility is positioned near the city's main transportation hubs, making it easily accessible by public transportation from JR Tokushima Station and other central locations.
Yes, the museum serves as the year-round home for Tokushima's most celebrated cultural event. Even if you are not in Tokushima during August 12-15 when the main festival is held, the Awa Odori Kaikan provides an opportunity to learn about the dance in depth any time of the year. The Awa Odori is one of Japan's big three Bon Odori dances and Tokushima City's festival hosts around 100,000 dancers during its four-day period.
An absolute gem of a place which is about 10-13 minutes on foot from the JR station. If you're in Tokushima for a half day trip, make sure you don't miss this. I watched a daytime show and it's worth every penny. The performing troop was very professional and highly engaging, inviting folks to dance. The dance itself is very easy to learn and I love how accessible it is for all ages. Make sure you visit this place. There's also a really good gift shop downstairs.
A Wonderful and Unforgettable Awa Odori Experience!
We had an absolutely fantastic evening at the Awa Odori Kaikan! The dance performance was energetic and visually captivating, and the live music from the traditional band was incredibly engaging — it truly drew us into the spirit of the show.
The highlight of the evening was when the performers taught the audience how to dance Awa Odori and invited everyone to join in. My parents, who usually just watch, were so happy and excited to participate, dancing along with big smiles on their faces.
At the end of the show, the performers even took group photos with the audience, showing their genuine warmth and hospitality. It made us feel truly welcomed and appreciated as guests.
It was a fun, heartwarming, and interactive cultural experience that’s perfect for all ages. If you’re visiting Tokushima, I highly recommend making time to see this show — it’s something you won’t forget!
Tokushima is very proud and famous for its Awa Odori dance, so it is simply a must-see when you visit Tokushima.
I went to see the show at 15:00. They recommend coming to the one in the evening because it is slightly longer and has more to offer, but 20:00 is a bit too late for me considering my hotel was half an hour walk away. They have multiple show times during the day, and you can just purchase your ticket when you get there. I'd recommend the combo-ticket which also gets you the ropeway up and down, plus the little exhibit on the third floor (which isnt worthy of its own entrance fee honestly).
The show itself was fun. It was filled with demonstrations, as well as a presentation with explanations on how the dance originated, how it differs for men and women, and which instruments they use to keep the rhythm. Sadly, the presentation background did not show the explanation in English; only in Kanji and Korean. So I sat there with my Google Lens open so it could translate for me. I guess they must not see many westerners there?
Towards the end of the show, we were all invited to stand up and participate in the dance after learning the basic steps. For me personally, I'm not a big fan of this, as it puts you on the spot. I'd rather just watch the show and learn about its history; as they are the professionals after all and thats who I came to see dance.
If you’re in Tokushima and looking to dive deep into the region’s cultural heritage, Awaodori Kaikan is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Situated in the heart of Tokushima City, this lively venue is dedicated to the traditional Awa Odori dance festival, a highlight of Tokushima’s cultural calendar.
Atmosphere and Setting: The Kaikan is a charming blend of modern and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The interior is designed to immerse visitors in the vibrant spirit of the Awa Odori festival. The decor, with its bright colors and dynamic displays, captures the essence of the festival’s high energy and joy.
Exhibits and Performances: The highlight of Awaodori Kaikan is undoubtedly the live dance performances. The shows are a feast for the senses, featuring spirited Awa Odori dances that are both mesmerizing and infectious. The performers, clad in traditional costumes, move with an exuberance that’s truly captivating. It’s clear that a lot of passion and dedication goes into these performances.
In addition to the live shows, the museum features informative exhibits about the history and significance of the Awa Odori festival. These displays provide valuable context and enrich the overall experience. Interactive elements, such as trying on traditional costumes or participating in mini dance sessions, add a fun, hands-on aspect to the visit.
Facilities and Services: The facility is well-maintained, with clean and accessible amenities. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and provide insights into the festival’s traditions. There’s also a gift shop offering various souvenirs, including traditional crafts and festival-related items.
Dining: While there is no dedicated dining area within the Kaikan, the surrounding area of Tokushima offers plenty of dining options. Local eateries serve up delicious regional dishes, making it easy to enjoy a meal before or after your visit.
Tips for Visitors:
Check the schedule for performance times ahead of your visit to ensure you catch a live show.
If you’re interested in participating in a dance workshop, it’s worth inquiring about availability in advance.
Allow yourself time to explore the surrounding area, as Tokushima has a lot to offer in terms of cultural experiences and local cuisine.
Overall: Awaodori Kaikan offers a vibrant, engaging glimpse into one of Japan’s most lively festivals. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese culture and dance, providing both entertainment and education in a fun, immersive setting. Whether you’re a dance enthusiast or just curious about regional traditions, this venue will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Tokushima’s rich cultural heritage.
