Awa Odori

Japan's largest Bon dance festival with over 400 years of history in Tokushima Prefecture. Known for its chant 'It's a fool who dances and a fool who watches—if both are fools, you might as well dance,' it attracts over 1.2 million visitors every August. The lively rhythms of dancing groups called 'ren' are irresistibly inviting.

Japan's largest Bon dance festival, held August 12-15 in Tokushima City. With approximately 400 years of history, it is famous for the motto: 'You're a fool whether you dance or watch, so you might as well dance!' Groups called ren dance through streets to shamisen, taiko, and flute accompaniment, attracting over 1.3 million visitors.

A Bon dance in Tokushima Prefecture, held in August, and one of Japan's three major Bon dances. This folk dance tradition dates to the Edo period and is famous for its saying: 'If both dancers and viewers are fools, then why not dance?' With possible origins dating 1200 years back, its dynamic movements and music captivate performers and audiences alike.

One of Japan's three major Bon dances, held annually in August in Tokushima City. With over 400 years of history, it's famous for the saying 'Both the dancer and watcher are fools, so you might as well dance!' Characterized by distinctive rhythm and vigorous footwork, attracting over 1 million visitors annually.

A premier summer festival of the Tohoku region held every August in Aomori City. Enormous illuminated warrior-themed floats called nebuta parade through the streets while dancers known as haneto leap to the chant of 'Rassera.' It is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

A traditional Japanese Buddhist event to welcome and honor ancestral spirits. Observed around August 13-16, it features regional events such as bon dances and toro nagashi lantern floating. One of Japan's largest annual observances that triggers a major homecoming rush, it serves as an important occasion for reaffirming family bonds.