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Awa Odori dance performance, Tokushima

Visit Tokushima, Japan

Visit Tokushima, Japan

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This prosperous city is set on the eastern side of Shikoku with the Yoshino River running through the centre.

It is defined by two hills, Shiroyama with the old castle ruins and Mount Bizan, which is a popular tourist spot.

Exploring Tokushima

There are plenty of shops, parks and cultural attractions in Tokushima but the city is perhaps best known for its traditional bunraku puppet theatre and the annual Awa Odori festival, which takes place during the Obon national holiday in hot and steamy August.

Awa Odori festival

Bon odori drummer, JapanThe Awa Odori dances have remained largely secret from the outside world, but this vivacious festival of dance attracts over a million Japanese visitors each year. The distinctive drum beats and flute tunes whip the costumed dancers into a frenzy as they parade through the streets in colourful traditional costumes.

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Audley Travel specialist James

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Tokushima by contacting one of our Japan specialists

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Suggested itinerary featuring Tokushima

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Tokushima, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Tokushima

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Tokushima

    Photos of Tokushima

    • Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima
      Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Tokushima
    • Awa Odori Dancers, Tokushima
      Awa Odori Dancers, Tokushima
    • Tanada rice terraces, Kamikatsu, Tokushima
      Tanada rice terraces, Kamikatsu, Tokushima
    • Awa Odori dances, Tokushima
      Awa Odori dances, Tokushima
    • Awa Odori dances, Tokushima
      Awa Odori dances, Tokushima
    • Shikoku Suspension Bridge
      Shikoku Suspension Bridge
    • Pilgrimage walking sticks
      Pilgrimage walking sticks
    • Awa Odori dance performance
      Awa Odori dance performance

    Our expert guides to exploring Tokushima

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Tokushima, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Tokushima at its best.

    • Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
      Cherry Blossom in Kyoto

      Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond

      Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond

      Each Japanese season brings a raft of distinct experiences, from spring’s cherry blossom to winter’s snow crab delicacies. Japan specialist Laura shares the highlights of each time of year to help you decide when to visit Japan.

      13 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Tokushima

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Tokushima. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.