Every late August, the "Tokyo Koenji Awa Dance Festival" is held in Koenji, Tokyo. This summer tradition attracts around one million visitors each year, making the area incredibly crowded, to the point where it's difficult to walk. If you want to enjoy the event at a leisurely pace, reserved seating is highly recommended. The "Tokyo Koenji Awa Dance Festival Special Viewing Tour," which includes a unique Awa Dance experience, has recently been launched. In this article, we will introduce the highlights of the tour and explain how to purchase tickets.
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[Rakuten Travel]👉Koenji Awa Dance Festival Special Viewing Tour
What is the "Tokyo Koenji Awa Dance Festival"?
Awa Dance is one of Japan's most iconic traditional performing arts, with a history of over 400 years in its birthplace, Tokushima Prefecture. The main festival in Koenji was established in 1957, and through exchanges with Tokushima Prefecture, it has become a hallmark of Tokyo's summer, with 10,000 dancers performing to the cheers of one million spectators in recent years. The spectacle of dance groups called "ren" performing various choreographies to the enchanting and distinctly Japanese music—composed of instruments such as kane (bell), tsuzumi (hand drum), shime-daiko (small drum), o-daiko (large drum), flute, and shamisen—is truly breathtaking.
(Source: Omatsuri Japan https://omatsurijapan.com/search/m/1332/)
The Amazing "Tokyo Koenji Awa Dance Festival Special Viewing Tour"! What Experiences Await?
Experience 1: Dance Workshop
At the workshop, you will learn about the festival’s history and receive dance instruction from actual Awa Dance performers. Even beginners can comfortably master the Awa Dance steps through hands-on experience. At Koenji Hikawa Shrine, where the workshop takes place, you will also have the rare opportunity to hear directly from the shrine's chief priest and former performers of the Koenji Awa Dance about the relationship between Koenji Hikawa Shrine and the Awa Dance, and why the dance was passed down in Koenji. Participants will also receive an original "Tokyo Koenji Awa Dance" happi coat and headband as a gift!
Information
- Venue: Koenji Hikawa Shrine
- Schedule:
- 15:30～ Reception
- 16:00～ Historical explanation
- 16:10～ Dance workshop
- 16:20～ Putting on the happi coat and headband
- 16:35～ Move to the central performance area
- Dress code: Comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing is recommended.
- Belongings: It's recommended to bring a small bag that can be worn at all times, such as a pouch.
Experience 2: Dance Together at a Special Venue
You will participate in the main festival along with local dancers. You'll have the exclusive opportunity to enter the central performance area (a parade-like course), which is usually reserved for ren members, and enjoy a unique experience dancing alongside locals to live music.
Information
- Venue: Koenji South Exit Central Performance Area
- Schedule:
- 24th: 17:10 - Meet with your guide, 17:20 - Start dancing (with the Taiwan Ren group)
- 25th: 16:50 - Meet with your guide, 17:00 - Start dancing (with the Kanto-Tokushima Student Ren group)
Experience 3: View from Premium Seats
Premium viewing seats offer a spacious and relaxed environment for watching the festival. With no need to secure a spot in advance, you can spend the day at your leisure. The seats are equipped with backrests and side tables, allowing you to enjoy the entire festival without getting tired. The viewing area is located at a special venue along Kōnan Street near the Koenji South Exit, providing a panoramic view of the central performance area, where the festivities reach their peak right in front of the station.
The area is staffed with guides who can assist in English or Chinese, ensuring any issues are quickly resolved. Complimentary drinks and light snacks are included, with the snacks being original dishes curated by local Koenji restaurants. Indulge in a special menu featuring delicacies from Tokushima, the birthplace of Awa Dance.
Information
- Venue: Special Venue on Kōnan Street, near Koenji South Exit
- Schedule:
- 24th: Estimated arrival time at 17:20
- 25th: Estimated arrival time at 17:40
- Both days: Last drink order at 19:30
- Both days: Event ends at 20:00
- Free drinks (planned to be served in cans or plastic bottles):
- Beer
- Highball (whisky and soda)
- Sake
- Mineral water
- Orange juice
- Green tea
Seats Are Selling Out Fast! Reserve Your Spot Online
The special experience tour, packed with attractive programs, can be booked online. With only 40 seats available and limited spots remaining, don’t miss your chance—apply now! Late August in Tokyo is often hot and humid, and watching the festival in a crowded area can lead to heat exhaustion. Choosing a spacious, premium seat with complimentary drinks is definitely the best option!
[Rakuten Travel]👉Koenji Awa Dance Festival Special Viewing Tour
Event Overview
- Event Name: Tokyo Koenji Awa Dance Festival Special Viewing Tour (Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Viewing Tour with a unique experience)
- Event Date: August 24th (Sat) - 25th (Sun), 2024 (Once a day)
- Event Time: Reception at 15:30, start at 16:00, end at 20:00 (scheduled)
- Venue: Special Venue on Kōnan Street, near Koenji South Exit, and other locations
- Price: 90,000 yen per person (including tax)
- Availability: 40 seats per day, 80 seats total
- Sales counter:
[Rakuten Travel]👉Koenji Awa Dance Festival Special Viewing Tour
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