The Awa Odori dance brightens up Japan's summer. The streets of Tokushima are filled with heat and excitement, and the many food stalls add to the energy. One of the best parts of enjoying the Awa Odori dance is savoring the food at the food stalls while watching the dancers' passionate performances up close. In this article, we'll introduce some of Tokushima's delicious food that you should definitely try at the Awa Odori food stalls, as well as the fun of touring the food stalls.

What is Awa Odori? Japan's leading summer festival

Awa Odori is a traditional performing art with over 400 years of history in Tokushima Prefecture. The Tokushima City Awa Odori, held every year from August 12th to 15th, is a truly enthusiastic festival in which dancers called "ren" gather from all over the country and parade through the city to the rhythm of instruments such as shamisen, drums, gongs, and flutes, drawing the audience in as they dance.

As the chant suggests, "A fool who dances is a fool who watches; if you're both fools, you'd be missing out if you didn't dance!", the charm of this performance lies not only in watching but also in dancing.

This time, we will focus on the food of the Awa Odori dance , and explore the appeal of the food stalls that add to the excitement of the festival.

A treasure trove of food stalls that energize the festival

During the Awa Odori festival, many food stalls line the streets of Tokushima City, creating a uniquely lively atmosphere. In addition to the standard menu items found at typical festival stalls, a major feature of the festival is that you can enjoy ingredients and dishes unique to Tokushima. The food stalls are an essential way to satisfy your hunger between dances, and also as a place to interact with local people.

Must-try food stalls unique to Tokushima!

If you are visiting Tokushima during the Awa Odori festival, we will introduce you to some of the delicious food stalls that are unique to Tokushima that you cannot miss.

1. Tokushima Ramen

If you come to Tokushima, this is the first thing you should try. "Tokushima Ramen" is known for its unique style, which is different from regular ramen. The typical version is characterized by a rich pork bone and soy sauce-based soup topped with sweet and spicy stewed pork belly. It is usually eaten with rice, and is also popularly known as "ramen rice." A rich bowl of ramen eaten in the heat of the festival is especially delicious.

2. Fish cutlet

Fish cutlet is the soul food of Tokushima residents. It is made by mixing fish paste with curry powder and spices, coating it in breadcrumbs, and deep-frying it. It is delicious eaten as is, but it also goes great with rice and sauces. It is served hot from the frying stalls, and its unique flavor and texture are unforgettable once you have tried it. It also pairs perfectly with beer!

3. Tokushima Burger

The Tokushima Burger has been gaining attention in recent years as a local burger. It features a variety of burgers made with plenty of Tokushima-produced ingredients, including pork belly stewed in a sweet and spicy sauce, similar to Tokushima ramen, and Awaodori chicken. The juicy meat, fresh local vegetables, and special sauce are a perfect match, making it perfect for eating on the go.

4. Awaodori Chicken Yakitori and Fried Chicken

Awaodori chicken is a local breed that Tokushima is proud of. Its meat is characterized by its firm texture and concentrated flavor. At food stalls, it is served as charcoal-grilled yakitori or as juicy fried chicken. Enjoy it simply with salt or with a secret sauce. Once you try its rich flavor and texture, you may never be satisfied with any other chicken.

5. Naruto Kintoki Sweets

Naruto Kintoki is one of Tokushima Prefecture's most famous specialties. It is a sweet potato characterized by its moist texture and refined sweetness. At food stalls, you can enjoy a variety of sweet treats, including daigakuimo (sweet potato), sweet potato, baked sweet potato, and even tarts and gelato made with Naruto Kintoki. In the heat of the festival, a cold gelato or a warm baked sweet potato will gently soothe your tired body.

Tips to make your food stall tour even more enjoyable

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your visit to the Awa Odori food stalls.

1. Bring plenty of cash!

Most food stalls accept cash as payment, so it's a good idea to bring plenty of coins with you so you can smoothly purchase the food you want.

2. Please take your trash home or put it in the designated trash cans.

There are often trash cans set up around the stalls, but they can get crowded during festivals. Make sure to either have the stall you purchased your trash from take it away, or dispose of it in a designated trash can.

3. Check out the food stalls near the landing!

Near the performance hall and dance floor, there are many food stalls where you can stop by for a break. It's fun to enjoy the atmosphere and gourmet food while watching the dancers' powerful performances up close.

4. Enjoy interacting with locals

Food stalls are also a great place to interact with locals. Asking the owner for menu recommendations and trying to converse in basic Japanese will surely become a wonderful memory of your trip.

Experience Tokushima's summer with your whole body through Awa Odori cuisine!

• Awa Odori Official Website https://www.awaodorimirai.com

• Tokushima Tourism Information Site "Awa Navi" https://www.awanavi.jp