A festival where everyone joins the circle to enjoy the roots of Awa Odori in a place associated with the Hachisuka family
Hachisuka Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Late April / Every year
- Location
- Tokushima Central Park (Washinomon Plaza)
- Area
- Tokushima Prefecture・Tokushima City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 15 min–1 h 35 min · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This festival is held at Washi-no-mon Plaza in Tokushima Central Park, Tokushima City, and is connected to the history of the Hachisuka family and Awa Odori. Enjoy free-spirited Awa Odori, with dancers and spectators dancing together around the .
About Hachisuka Festival
The Hachisuka Festival is a Tokushima City festival focusing on the connection between the Hachisuka family, lords of the Tokushima domain, and Awa Odori.
It began at Washinomon Plaza in Tokushima Central Park as an event that returns to the roots of Awa Odori and brings dancers and spectators together to enjoy it.
A yagura is set up at the venue, where ningyo joruri and other performances are presented alongside Awa Odori.
It is an opportunity to experience Tokushima’s history and popular performing arts up close.
Source: 蜂須賀まつり - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
The highlight is Awa Odori performed around the yagura set up in the center of the venue.
Accomplished dancers show off their footwork and arm movements with fans, as the dance circle grows to the accompaniment of shamisen music.
The event is designed to invite spectators into the circle to enjoy dancing alongside the performers.
When held, the festival also features ningyo joruri puppet theater and performances of local dances.
Source: ２１００人やぐら囲み乱舞 徳島市で蜂須賀まつり｜徳島ニュース｜徳島新聞デジタル
A festival where everyone joins the circle to enjoy the roots of Awa Odori in a place associated with the Hachisuka family
What to expect
At the festival, Awa Odori performances take place around a yagura, with dancers forming a circle to the accompaniment of shamisen and other traditional instruments.
Spectators can do more than watch the dancers—they are also invited to join the circle and dance.
Depending on the edition, performances by well-known dance groups or local preservation societies, as well as ningyo joruri, may also be featured.
Some editions have also included a historical procession connected to the Hachisuka family and a lecture.
How to take part
It is designed so that general visitors can join the Awa Odori circle and enjoy dancing.
The program includes inviting spectators into the dance circle and dancing around the yagura.
No conditions regarding dance experience or membership in a dance group are specified, so you can mainly watch or join the dancing in accordance with the event guidance.
The participation method and program for 2026 need to be confirmed in the event announcement.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Tokushima Central Park (Washinomon Plaza).
- Train and bus
The nearest station is JR Tokushima Station.
Event venue 徳島県徳島市 徳島中央公園
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
- Season
Late April
- Frequency
Every year
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Tokushima Prefecture / Tokushima City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
とくしま動物園
徳島県の動物園・水族館のスポットです。
徳島中央公園
徳島県徳島市の徳島城跡を利用した公園
徳島城
徳島県徳島市の城
徳島市立徳島城博物館
徳島県徳島市にある博物館
徳島市立考古資料館
徳島県徳島市国府町西矢野にある資料館
写真：Sorrysorry at Japanese Wikipedia / Public domain
Photo source ·
徳島眉山天神社
徳島県徳島市にある神社
徳島県文化の森総合公園
徳島県徳島市八万町の向寺山にある公園
徳島県立博物館
徳島県徳島市の文化の森総合公園にある博物館
徳島県立文学書道館
徳島県徳島市中前川町にある文学館
徳島県立近代美術館
徳島県徳島市の文化の森総合公園にある美術館
徳島県立鳥居龍蔵記念博物館
徳島県徳島市の文化の森総合公園にある博物館
徳島県郷土文化会館
徳島市にある文化施設
Origins and History of Hachisuka Festival
The Hachisuka Festival began when Juro Shimiya, a master of Awa Odori, came up with the idea of holding an event where dancers and spectators could enjoy themselves freely, as they did in the old days of Awa Odori.
Its origins are connected to the historical relationship between Tokushima Castle, built by Hachisuka Iemasa, the founder of the Tokushima domain, and Awa Odori.
It began in 2017 at Washinomon Plaza in Tokushima Central Park and introduces the region’s history and culture through Awa Odori, ningyo joruri, and other performances.
Source: 阿波おどり｜ようこそ徳島県へ
Hachisuka Festival at a Glance
The Hachisuka Festival is an event where you can enjoy the roots of Awa Odori at Washinomon Plaza in Tokushima Central Park.
One of its defining features is its relaxed atmosphere: people dance around a yagura to shamisen music, and spectators can join the circle.
You can experience traditional performing arts such as ningyo joruri while sensing the history of the Hachisuka family, Tokushima Castle, and Awa Odori.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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