Shikoku is a region where many of Japan’s most representative dance festivals are held, including the Awa Odori. Summer in Shikoku is special, filled with the sounds of naruko, the sound of drums, and the heat.
● Awa Odori ~ Tokushima
One of Japan’s three major Bon dances, this festival is representative of Shikoku. It has a history of about 400 years, and during the period, Tokushima City turns into a major dance hall. The authentic dance performed by the famous ren (dance group) is a sight to behold.
Date: Wednesday, August 12th to Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Location: Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture (Tokushima Station to the foot of Mt. Bizan)
Transportation: 5 minutes walk from JR “Tokushima Station”
Admission: Paid performance hall available (free on the street)
Official: https://www.awaodori.or.jp/
Highlights: The “female dancers” wearing indigo-dyed yukata and knitted hats are truly elegant. Powerful competitive performances are held at the paid performance hall.
● Yosakoi Festival (Yosakoi Festival) ~ Kochi
A brave and splendid dance festival held in Kochi City. Approximately 200 teams and approximately 20,000 dancers parade through the streets of Kochi. The Yosakoi Naruko Dance, performed by dancers with Naruko in their hands, spread throughout the country.
Event date: August 9th (Sunday) to August 12th (Wednesday), 2026
Location: Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture (Kochi Castle area to Harimaya Bridge area)
Transportation: 10 minutes walk from JR “Kochi Station”
Admission: Free (paid seats available)
Official: https://www.cciweb.or.jp/kochi/yosakoi/
Highlights: The Otesuji Kyojo, the eve of the festival, is at its peak of excitement. The national competition on the final day was also impressive.
● Niihama Taiko Festival ~ Ehime
One of the three major festivals in Shikoku. This is an exciting festival where people carry a huge drum stand, which is 5.5 meters high and weighs about 2.5 to 3 tons. Approximately 60 taiko dais are gathered around the city, and the sight of them being violently carried up while chanting “Kaccho” is a sight to behold.
Event date: October 16th (Friday) to 18th (Sunday), 2026
Location: Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture (various locations in the city)
Transportation: 10 minutes walk from JR Niihama Station
Admission: Free
Official: https://www.city.niihama.lg.jp/taiko/
Highlights: A must-see is the “Godo Togyo,” where about 60 giant taiko drum stands come together.
● Konpira Festival ~ Kagawa
A large spring festival held at Kotohira Shrine in Kotohira Town. This shrine has been worshiped by the common people as “Konpira-san” since the Edo period, and colorful rituals and dedication events are held during the festival period.
Event date: October 9th (Friday) to October 11th (Sunday), 2026
Location: Kotohira Shrine, Kotohira Town, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture
Transportation: 15 minutes walk from JR Kotohira Station
Admission: Free
Official: https://www.konpira.or.jp/
Highlights: A rare opportunity to see the Kotohira Shrine Festival, a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.