Awaodori Kaikan
(Dance Experience)

Friday, August 18, 2023 Updated

Shikoku Tokushima | Awa Dance Museum

Awaodori Kaikan is a comprehensive museum in Tokushima on the prefecture's famous traditional dance, Awa odori. Awa Odori Matsuri occurs in August and attracts over one million guests who gather to witness the lively dance take place. Awaodori Kaikan was opened to entertain guests throughout the year rather than just August, and to teach guests about the dance and its history. Furthermore, the museum offers its guests with samples of local products to further knowledge about Tokushima itself.

Awaodori Kaikan has five floors. The first floor consists of the information center and gift shop. The information center all sorts of pamphlets and brochures regarding sightseeing Tokushima. Its gift shop Arudeyo Tokushima sells local produce, souvenirs, and traditional goods of Tokushima. Perhaps the second floor attracts the majority of guests with its Awa Odori performances that take place several times a day, all year long. The day performances vary from the night performance, with the latter lasting 50 minutes rather than 40 minutes and being slightly more expensive. Also on this floor is the gallery space where exhibitions and events are held, as well as holding a small library of free use. On the floor above is the museum where guests can learn all about Awa Odori and its history. Costumes and instruments are displayed on the walls and clips of the dance are played on large screens. Admission is free for children and guests can try Awa Odori dancing to the music following the video instructions. On the fourth floor are open rooms that can be rented out for Awa Odori dance practices or other meetings. On the fifth floor of the Awaodori Kaikan is a soba restaurant where guests can even try their hand at soba-making. Also on this floor is a ropeway station that can take you to Mt. Bizan in just 6 minutes.

You can watch the famous Awa Odori performance if you join our Grand Japan tour or Southern Japan tour.