Dance the night away at Tokushima’s Awa Odori Festival this summer, and explore the natural and cultural highlights of Shikoku together～

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network  Photos by Xiangsheng Travel

For your summer trip to Japan, immerse yourself in the captivating dance festival of Shikoku. With a history spanning hundreds of years, Tokushima’s Awa Odori Festival showcases an unexpectedly vibrant side of Japan under the midsummer night sky. This year, the Awa Odori Festival takes place from August 12th to 15th—come and soak up the joyful seasonal atmosphere with us～

"Awa Odori" is a traditional performing art from Tokushima Prefecture in Shikoku, with a history of about 400 years. "Awa" is the ancient name for Tokushima Prefecture, and its long history has given rise to Awa indigo dyeing, Awa sake, and Awa Odori, forming the unique "Awa culture" we know today.

The traditional lyrics of Awa Odori go: “The dancers are fools, the watchers are fools, so why not dance—you’re a fool either way!” Since everyone’s a fool anyway, who could resist joining in the lively festival atmosphere? Before you know it, you’ll find yourself swept up in the dancing crowds.

The moves of Awa Odori are simple and brisk: first, move your arms and legs in the same direction; second, dance on your tiptoes; third, there are only two beats to the rhythm; fourth, dance with joy. The Awa Odori Festival is a major annual event in Japan, drawing countless tourists each year. Over these short four days, people of all ages form circles large and small, energetically stepping to the rhythm of Awa Odori—it’s like Japan’s version of the Brazilian Carnival. How could you miss out on experiencing it for yourself?

Now that you’re in Shikoku, you can’t miss its classic attractions. The beloved spot among hipsters, Shōdoshima, is the second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea after Awaji Island. With its warm climate and stunning scenery, it captures the hearts of every visitor.

Especially at Shōdoshima’s Kankakei Gorge Park, you can witness one of Japan’s three most beautiful valleys. Take the cable car up slowly, and once you reach the mountaintop at 612 meters above sea level, the view suddenly opens up, revealing the breathtaking seascape of the Seto Inland Sea. In addition, Shōdoshima boasts Twenty-Four Eyes, the Angel Road, the Oboke and Koboke gorges, and the Naruto Whirlpools—all offering cinematic backdrops that leave every traveler deeply impressed.

A must-visit shrine on your Shikoku journey is the Kumano Nachi Taisha... no, wait—actually, it's the Konpira Shrine (Kanjincho: 金刀比羅宮)! Since ancient times, it has been a sacred site that countless commoners aspired to visit.

Konpira Shrine is located halfway up Mt. Zōzusan in western Kagawa Prefecture and is famed for enshrining the maritime guardian deity. The deity is believed to ward off disasters, bring good fortune, and has thus enjoyed enduring popularity. To reach Konpira Shrine, pilgrims must first climb 365 stone steps to the shrine gate, and then another 785 steps to the main hall. Despite the physically demanding journey, worshippers continue to flock here without pause.

The Yoshino River, which flows through Tokushima and Kōchi prefectures in Shikoku, remains largely untouched by human development, making it a perfect spot to enjoy natural scenery.

Particularly notable is the Iya Valley, a tributary of the upper Yoshino River, which cuts through the mountains of Shikoku to form a hidden natural gorge. Towering cliffs over 100 meters high line the valley, and the fresh greens of early summer and the red leaves of late autumn add seasonal charm to the landscape. Take a boat ride to admire the spectacular scenery of the Oboke and Koboke gorges, creating unforgettable memories of your Shikoku travels.

More related information
For an exciting journey through Shikoku (Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, Kōchi, and Shōdoshima), please inquire herehttp://www.1travel.com.tw/eWeb_tresor/japan/SHK.asp
Highlights:
★ Tiger Peach 'Tigerair Series' – First 10 registrants enjoy a discount of NT$2,000 per person
★ 2017 Shikoku Summer Festival 7-Day Tour – Guaranteed departure, with reserved seating to enjoy the festival up close！

Xiangsheng Travel Agency (02)2507-4688
Websitehttp://www.1travel.com.tw