Visit the prefecture of Tokushima between August 12th and 15th and you will see something you had no idea could happen in such an usually empty place, and that is hordes of people dancing and partying as they take part in one of Japan's biggest festivals known as "Awa Odori"
Having lived in Tokushima for six months I was well aware of its country feel and fairly quiet life style. I was also told many times that in the summer there would be a huge festival in which people from all over Japan would come and the city of Tokushima would become as lively as a Friday night in Shibuya. We'll I moved from Tokushima but told myself I would return to see the cities claim to fame, and so I did, and it was GREAT!
Awa: The old name for Tokushima
Odori: Dance
Celebrated during the Obon holiday in Japan Awa Odori is a huge festival centered around dancing in the streets. Many dance troupes put on dancing displays as well as the average joe doing his or her thing, and all are invited to join in. As any festival in Japan there are also tons of small tent shops selling food, snacks, and featuring games to be played such as catching goldfish or small baby turtles. My favorite of these treats would be kakigori. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakig%C5%8Dri) I've never seen so many people enjoy each other than my time with Awa Odori. It's like during those four days everyone participating are family gathering for a long overdue reunion.(Look my drunk uncle is dancing again.) I attended with two friends which was nice cause I always enjoy a festival much more attending with people I know.
Even if you aren't part of a dance troupe it is highly likely you will end up dancing with a group of strangers at some point. My friends and I were even coerced into joining the dancing the evening I arrived my suitcases still in hand as we danced down a long street being watched by people on both sides like a parade. All in all it was a pretty good time and nice to see some excitement in Tokushima being a former resident. I'd recommend anyone who has a chance to attend the Awa Odori if possible. I'd say the only downside is for those are not fans of crowds because it is CROWDED and quite a pain to navigate when trying to get back home on a bicycle. Regardless the music is loud and lively and the costumes are bright and interesting. Oh and the ladies are pretty and plentiful, haha
(I do what I can.)
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