Important Notes During Bus Tour
Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the bus.
Members of the odd-numbered group may need to share seats with other passengers on the bus.
As stipulated by Japanese law, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
Please remain seated and avoid walking while the tour bus is moving.
Seating on the bus is assigned by H.I.S staff. Please do not change your seat during the tour.
Please be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting place on time. The bus will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers.
Latecomers who wish to rejoin the group will be responsible for all transportation fees.
8.Please wear the sticker provided by the tour guide visibly.
Avoid sticking the sticker on leather goods, as it may leave marks.
Do not use the seat reclining function or adjust the seat settings.
Please set all electronic devices, including mobile phones and game consoles, to silent mode.
Talking on mobile phones and making video calls are prohibited on the tour bus.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus.
Arrival times at each sightseeing spot may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The use of drones for filming or other purposes is prohibited during the tour.
Please do not use perfume, sprays, or change baby diapers on the bus, as it may disturb other passengers.
Manage your valuable belongings yourself.
After the tour, please take all your trash with you and do not leave any on the bus.
Ensure you do not forget or leave any personal belongings on the bus after the tour.
For fruit-picking tours, please note that fruit is to be consumed only on the farm. Bringing it home in your own bag is strictly prohibited.
If you fail to follow these regulations and cause a disturbance on the bus, you may be asked to leave the bus, even during the tour.
The Tokushima Awa Odori Festival is one of Japan's Three Great Bon Dance Festivals, rooted in the Obon Buddhist tradition to honor ancestral spirits. It is a vibrant celebration where participants dance to traditional music, expressing joy and community spirit. While it has historical and religious origins, today it is primarily a festive occasion bringing people together to celebrate Tokushima's rich cultural heritage.
To secure the best viewing experience for the Tokushima Awa Odori Festival, visitors can opt for reserved paid seating in designated viewing areas. These seats offer a comfortable vantage point to watch the lively dance performances up close. Planning ahead and booking your viewing spot in advance is highly recommended due to the festival's popularity.
The Tokushima Awa Odori Festival is a seasonal event, typically held annually from August 12th to August 15th. During these days, performances take place in various locations across Tokushima city. The main spectacles with large dance groups usually occur in the evenings, captivating audiences with their energetic displays.
Performers in the Awa Odori Festival are typically organized into groups called "ren." Dancers, often wearing distinct traditional costumes like yukata for women and happi coats for men, move with unique, dynamic steps. Musicians accompany them with instruments like shamisen, taiko drums, shinobue flutes, and kane bells, creating the festival's iconic energetic rhythm.
The Tokushima Awa Odori Festival is renowned as one of Japan's Three Great Bon Dance Festivals, distinguished by its unique dance style and the sheer number of participants. Its spontaneous, joyful energy and accessible "fool's dance" philosophy make it stand out. While other festivals might be grander in scale or older in tradition, Awa Odori is celebrated for its infectious enthusiasm and widespread public participation.
The music of the Awa Odori Festival is distinctive and highly energetic, played by an ensemble called a "narimono." Key instruments include the shamisen (a three-stringed lute), taiko drums (various sizes providing rhythmic drive), shinobue (bamboo flutes adding melodic lines), and kane (small gongs that provide a bright, percussive sound). The combination creates the festival's iconic, lively soundtrack.
Awa Odori translates to "Awa Dance," with "Awa" being the traditional name for Tokushima Prefecture. Its origins trace back to the Bon dance, a tradition for ancestral spirits, which merged with local folk dances and eventually developed into the distinctive Awa Odori style. The festival has a history spanning over 400 years, evolving into the large-scale celebration seen today.
Yes, comfortable seating is available for spectators at the Tokushima Awa Odori Festival, particularly through reserved paid seating options. These provide a dedicated spot to enjoy the performances without the need to stand for extended periods, enhancing the viewing comfort during the lively and extended festival displays.