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Recommended Tourism Information

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  Awa Dance Festival (Awa Odori)

  Awa Odori (Awa Dance) is a world-class traditional performing art with a history of over 400 years. In Tokushima City, the eve of the festival is held on August 11 every year. Then, from the 12th to the 15th, a wild dance is performed at stages and other locations throughout the city. Awa Odori is one of the most popular festivals in Japan, attracting many tourists from not only within Japan, but also from abroad. The synchronized dancing to the sounds of shamisen, gongs, drums, and other musical instruments is truly breathtaking.

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  Puppet Theater at the Awa Jurobe Yashiki

  This is the site of the former Edo period residence of Bando Jurobe, the model/main character of the puppet play "Keisei Awa no Naruto". Awa Ningyo Joruri puppet theater, a nationally important intangible folk cultural asset, is performed here daily. The highlights of the performance include the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument) with its diverse tones and the emotional movements of the puppets. Visitors can enjoy a taste of the rich, traditional performing arts that flourished in Tokushima during the Edo period thanks to the prefecture's indigo industry.

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  Hyotanjima Cruise

  Tokushima has many rivers flowing through it, and the urban area where Tokushima City Hall and Tokushima Station are located is actually on a sandbar with a circumference of 6 km. This cruise, which lasts approx. 30min, takes passengers around the sandbar called Hyotanjima (lit: "gourd island"). Looking out over the cityscape while feeling the fresh breeze, you will be able to experience a different side of Tokushima.

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  Enjoy Awa Odori Year-round

  Located in the center of Tokushima City, this facility allows visitors to enjoy Awa Odori performances throughout the year. The building is marked by its unique exterior that was crafted in the image of Awa Odori lanterns. In addition to performances, there is also a museum where visitors can learn about the history of Awa Odori , the Sanroku Station of the Mt. Bizan Ropeway, and a souvenir shop. This is a must-visit spot for first-time Tokushima visitors.