[2025] A comprehensive guide to the Naruto Awaodori in Tokushima , Tokushima | Dates, access and how to enjoy it

Naruto City , Tokushima Prefecture , is the Higashi gateway to Shikoku, and is connected to the Kansai region by the Naruto and the Akashi Strait. Naruto City has both the sea and the mountains, allowing you to enjoy a diverse range of nature.

There are also many tourist attractions such as the Naruto Whirlpools, one of the three largest tides in the world, the Awa Dance, and the Pilgrimage.

This time, we will introduce the Naruto Awaodori , which is held in Naruto City .

• Table of Contents
• What is Naruto Awaodori?
• Naruto Awaodori Schedule and Access
• How to enjoy box seats and paid seats | Seat types and ticket purchase information
• A special guest appears at Naruto Awaodori!
• What is Hatsuodori? Introducing the highlights and venue
• Anyone can participate! Experience the Awa Dance with Niwaka Ren
• Why not enjoy the Awa Dance in a yukata?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Enjoy the Naruto Summer Festival presented by BOAT RACE Naruto - a fantastic show of songs and fireworks!
• Useful information

What is Naruto Awaodori?

Among them, the Naruto Awaodori is the largest and most spectacular in the prefecture. Four dance halls are set up around Naruto Station, and outdoor stalls are lined up. In particular, the profusion of dances on the approximately 80m-long gallery are a must-see.

Naruto Awaodori Official Homepage

Naruto Awaodori Schedule and Access

The Naruto Awaodori will be held for three days on August 9th (Saturday), 10th (Sunday), and 11th (Monday, national holiday), from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day.

The event will take place at a special performance hall near JR Naruto Station.

*Large-scale traffic congestion is expected on the day, so please use public transportation wherever possible.

Train (JR)

The venue is about a 5-minute walk from Naruto Station.

JR Naruto Station

772-0012 Tokushima Prefecture, Naruto City, Muya Town, Okuwajima

As a transportation hub for the tourist city of Naruto, it is used by tourists and locals alike. We value the heartfelt connections we have with these people. Why not start your trip to Shikoku, a place filled with hospitality, from Naruto?

Operating hours

Depart Tokushima → Arrive Naruto

14:58 → 15:37
15:58 → 16:37
16:58 → 17:37
17:58 → 18:37
18:58 → 19:38

Departing from Naruto → Arriving in Tokushima

20:00→20:45
21:00 → 21:36
22:15 → 22:51 *Special train (scheduled)

bus

Get off at Naruto Station. The venue is about a 5-minute walk away.

Express bus

Naruto City Tourist Information Center

772-0011 Tokushima Prefecture Naruto City Muya Town Okuwajima Aza Toiw...

Located near the Naruto Naruto Bus Stop, we provide information on sightseeing and transportation in the surrounding area, mainly in the city. The facility also features a JR Shikoku Bus and Tokushima Bus Group express bus ticket issuing counter (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). The facility is equipped with a tourist information board focusing on Naruto City, a waiting room, coin lockers, rental bicycles, toilets, a taxi stand, and more. A free slope car called "Sloppy" runs between the mountaintop station, where the express bus stop is located, and Information Center Station. There is also a 24-hour parking lot (capacity 171 cars).

Get off at the express bus stop "Naruto Expressway."

Take the local bus from the Naruto Naruto bus stop and get off in front of Naruto Station. The venue is about a 5-minute walk away.

car

It takes about 15 minutes from Naruto IC.

It is also about 10 minutes away from Naruto IC.

There are temporary parking lots around Naruto City Hall and the Cultural Center, so please feel free to use them.

How to enjoy box seats and paid seats | Seat types and ticket purchase information

The impressive 80m-long gallery will be set up at the BOAT RACE Naruto Higashi Performance Hall as a paid performance venue.

Also, from around 9:30pm on Monday, August 11th (National Holiday), the finale will be held by groups affiliated with the Naruto City Awa Odori Promotion Association! The perfect, perfectly synchronized dance by five groups affiliated with the association will be a sight to behold!

The first 2100 people to enter the theater each day will receive a free "Shishamonekouchiwa"! They will be handed out at each entrance and exit of the theater.

Shishamo cat

About advance tickets

On sale from 10:00 on Tuesday, July 1st!

●For elementary school students and above per person

Advance tickets: 900 yen (1,200 yen on the day)

Where to buy

Naruto City

Naruto Products Center

772-0003 165-10 Higashihama, Minamihama, Fuyacho, Naruto City, Tokushi...

They stock a wide variety of products, including items made with Naruto City's specialties "Naruto Kintoki," "Wakame," and "Lotus Root," as well as sweets and local sake made with "Sudachi." They also stock mugs and teacups made from "Otani ware," a nationally recognized traditional craft, which are recommended as gifts. They also sell their popular original gelato made with local ingredients. The Naruto Products Center is operated by the Naruto City Uzushio Tourism Association, and tourist information about Naruto is also available within the building, so please feel free to visit.

Advance ticket sales locations nationwide

*In addition to the ticket price, additional fees may apply.

*Same-day tickets will be on sale from 6:30pm at the ticket booths around the Higashi Enbujo Theater.

Regarding purchasing numbered tickets for the paid performance venue (Higashi Performance Theatre) and important points to note

1. Numbered admission ticket per person (elementary school age and above): Advance ticket: 900 yen; Same-day ticket: 1,200 yen.

2. There is unreserved seating within the venue. You will not be able to move between the north and south sides of the Higashi Enbujo Theater.

3. In principle, children under elementary school age must be accompanied by one parent for every two children.

4. Half price for those who present a Physical Disability Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, or Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate, and up to one caregiver.

* Advance tickets are 450 yen, same-day tickets are 600 yen

In order to verify identity, tickets will be sold only at the Naruto City Uzushio Tourist Association sales counter near the performance venue.

5. You will not be able to enter the venue on any date other than the date specified on your purchased admission ticket.

6. In case of rain, the event will be cancelled.

For inquiries, please contact the Naruto City Uzushio Tourism Association. TEL 088-684-1731

7. Ticket refunds in the event of cancellation

・If the Awa dance is cancelled after it has begun, no refunds will be given.

・No refunds will be given if the event is delayed due to weather conditions.

・Please note that refunds will not be available after the refund period (September 30th).

・Refunds will only be available for admission tickets with ticket stubs attached.

8. As a general rule, please enter through the venue entrance printed on your admission ticket.

9. Please note that tickets cannot be changed, cancelled or refunded for personal reasons.

10. This year's Awa Odori general temporary parking lots are at Naruto City Hall and Naruto City Cultural Center parking lots (check the location on Google Maps).

11. The venue will be very busy on the day. Please use public transportation to get to the venue.

12.The Naruto Awa Odori Executive Committee will not be held responsible for any theft or accidents that occur in the parking lots or other areas.

13. Please refrain from illegal parking as it will cause inconvenience to our neighbors.

14. The toilets will be very crowded, so please be sure to use them beforehand.

15. We do not allow pets to enter the facility (except for service dogs).

16. Thank you for your cooperation in the "City Clean-up" every year. We ask that you please take your trash home with you this year as well.

A special guest appears at Naruto Awaodori!

Special guests will be appearing at the Naruto Awaodori each day.

①Saturday, August 9th

Ishida Ishida, PR Ambassador for Naruto Awaodori

➡Plan to participate in ribbon cutting and Niwaka Ren

②August 11th (Monday/Holiday)

Naruto Tourism Ambassador/ Tokushima Vortis Legend Ambassador, Akimoto Yasushi produced "SHOW-WA" member, Aoyama Jun

➡Planning to join the Niwaka Ren

What is Hatsuodori? Introducing the highlights and venue

The first dance will be held to mark the start of the Awa Odori season!

The event will be held at Naruto Park Senjojiki Observatory from 10:00 to 10:20 on Saturday, August 9th.

Anyone can participate! Experience the Awa Dance with Niwaka Ren

At the Naruto Awaodori, a "Niwaka Ren" dance group takes to the streets every day, and anyone can participate for free.

The dancing will start at around 20:00 each day. A simple practice will be held from around 19:45, so please gather near the "Odori-ren Entrance" of the Higashi Theater. (Dress is optional.)

We will also be giving away Shishamoneko hand towels to the first 1,000 participants!

Shishamoneko Hand Towel

Why not enjoy the Awa Dance in a yukata?

You can rent a yukata, get dressed, and have your hair done at either of the following stores!

The fee is 8,000 yen (tax included). [Yukata rental, dressing, and hair styling included]

For details on how to make a reservation, please check the URL of each store.

The first 20 customers at each store will receive a paid performance hall admission ticket! In addition, all customers will receive a "Shishamoneko Tenugui" hand towel!

Click here to apply (Imagi Kimono Store)

Click here to apply (FUWARI)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

QWhen is the Naruto Awaodori held?

A: It is usually held over three days on August 9th, 10th, and 11th.

[Naruto City Awa Odori Festival Schedule in 2025] Date: August 9th (Sat), 10th (Sun), 11th (Sun) 2025 19:00-22:00
For more details, please check the official Naruto Awaodori .

Q: If it rains on the day, will the event be cancelled?

A In case of rain, the event will be cancelled.
For inquiries, please contact the Naruto City Uzushio Tourism Association . TEL 088-684-1731

QIs there a parking lot near the venue?

A There are very few parking lots near the venue.
There are temporary parking lots around Naruto City Hall and the Cultural Center, so please feel free to use them.
Parking is free of charge.

Enjoy the Naruto Summer Festival presented by BOAT RACE Naruto - a fantastic show of songs and fireworks!

On August 7th, a complex event will be held incorporating a stage, a festival and market, and fireworks.

In addition to being able to see shows using musical fireworks and laser lights, there will also be a stage show featuring performers such as Matsumoto Matsumoto, who is famous for singing the theme song to the Pokémon anime, "Become a Pokémon Master," as well as a festival and a market.

Why not enjoy the Summer Festival on the 7th, sightseeing in Naruto the next day, and then enjoy the Awa Dance Festival the day after that?

Useful information

Naruto City has a lot of other attractive content besides the Naruto Awaodori. For tourist information on Naruto City, such as transportation access information and accommodation information, please check this website.

NARUTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE

We look forward to seeing you all!

Contact us here.