About Tokushima tourism

Tokushima Awa Odori

Awa Odori is a Bon dance that originated in Awa Province (present-day Tokushima Prefecture). It is one of the three major festivals in Shikoku, along with the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi and the Niihama Taiko Festival in Ehime, and is also known as one of the three major Bon dances in Japan.

Since the calendar was changed from December 3rd, 1895 (old calendar: Tenpo calendar) to January 1st, 1870 (new calendar: Gregorian calendar), the timing of Obon has been moved, and the date of Bon dance (Awa Odori) has also been changed to the lunar calendar.・The relationship with Obon has become weaker, and festivals are now held on various dates, such as using the new calendar, later in the month, on weekends, and on arbitrary days.

Currently, it has spread beyond Awa Province and is being held on a large scale in other areas such as Tokyo. "Tokushima City Awa Odori" is one of the traditional Japanese performing arts with a history of about 400 years and is a representative of Japan's three major Bon dances and Shikoku's three major festivals. ) is the largest in Japan in terms of number of dancers and spectators.

Shikoku 88 places/Pilgrimage

Shikoku 88 Temples (also written as Shikoku 88 Temples) is a general term for 88 Buddhist temples in Shikoku that are associated with Kukai (Kobo Daishi), and are the most representative of the Shikoku sacred sites. It is a famous landmark. Other names include ``88 locations,'' ``O-Shikoku-san,'' and ``hon-Shikoku.'' Pilgrimage (pilgrimage) to the 88 sites in Shikoku is called Shikoku Henro or Henro, and the Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites Association calls it ``Shikoku Pilgrimage,'' and it is also called ``Shikoku Pilgrimage.'' It is a seasonal word for spring in haiku, and the locals call pilgrims ``Ohenro-san.'' Also, visiting a temple is called ``hit'', and being kind to pilgrims is called ``otenten.''

The sacred sites in Awa Province (present-day Tokushima Prefecture) are ``Hatsushin Dojo'' with 23 temples, and the sacred sites in Tosa Province (present-day Kochi Prefecture) are ``Dojos of training'' with 16 temples, and Iyo Province (present-day Ai). There are 88 sacred sites in Sanuki Province (now Kagawa Prefecture), including 26 ``Dojos of Bodhi'' and 23 ``Dojos of Nirvana'' in Sanuki Province (now Kagawa Prefecture).

On April 24, 2015, the Agency for Cultural Affairs recognized ``Shikoku Pilgrimage - Excursive Pilgrimage Route and Unique Pilgrimage Culture'' as one of the first 18 Japanese Heritage Sites. On October 29, 2019, the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route was selected as one of the ``Top 100 Historical Routes'' by the same agency.

Tokushima Prefecture is a tourist attraction.

It is also famous for being home to the first of the 88 temples in Shikoku, including the Awa Odori dance, which is famous in Japan.

The prefecture is said to produce a large amount of specialty products such as Naru Kintoki, lotus roots, and pears, and there are many delicious products.