Awaodori Kaikan — Attraction in Tokushima

Visited Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Pretty cool experience! I try to see local shows whenever possible, and this is one of the more productionized shows I have seen.

We purchased our tickets from a machine inside the lobby (with the help of a staff member). There is an English option, as well as other languages. We chose the ticket that included the museum, the show, and the ropeway.

We decided to walk around the museum first to learn a little about the area and the dance. There are some fun musical interactions as well as many historical facts and images to view. There are many things in English, but it was not hard to translate those that were not.

The show was next. I would give 5 stars if not for the way the crowd is managed at the show. The performers were great, and so were all the staff in the building. However, about 15 minutes into the show, the staff allowed a large group of elderly people to enter and disrupt the performance and many of the guests who were already seated and enjoying the show. We were personally stepped on, and then the man who sat in front of us kept standing up throughout the rest of the performance to take photos on his camera. Us being foreigners, we did not feel it proper to say anything to the elderly Japanese gentleman, but a kind Japanese lady behind us saw what was going on and politely asked the elderly man to stop standing up. None of the staff made a move to help, and unfortunately, we were not the only ones having such a problem in the audience. The late arrivals were talking loudly to each other and standing up to see better, unapologetically disrupting the entire room of people. Not only did the audience appear uncomfortable, but even the performers seemed irritated at the frequent interruptions and talking, yet none of the staff did anything to intervene.

The ironic thing is, there were two large school groups present with elementary aged children. Before the show, it seemed evident that other guests tried to sit farther away from the students, presumable because of the fear they might be disruptive. They ended up being the most respectful guests in the room!

At the end, the performers invite guests down to join the dance, and that was a very enjoyable part of the experience. Their passion and skill are evident in the way they conduct themselves, and I appreciated their professionalism.

The ropeway is an easy way to get to the top of the mountain behind the venue. It boasts spectacular views of the city and water, and hosts an interesting temple at the very top. You can also hear many lovely birds. There are restrooms, but the cafe was not open when we visited.

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. We learned a lot about the area and the culture, and I would recommend it to anyone visiting the area from out of town. Hopefully there will be better crowd control for the dance show in the future... I would expect guests to arrive on time for a scheduled show, and if they are late, they should be asked to wait for the next show to begin rather than interrupt the one...

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...

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...