Kagurazaka Festival

Mark you calendars for the 37th Annual Kagurazaka Festival. The highlight of the festival is the Awa odori, a local bon dance of Tokushima Prefecture. Fifteen dance troupes will parade down Kagurazaka Dori at 7 & 9PM on July 25th and at 9 PM on July 26th.

In the area around the Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple you will find a group of yukata clad volunteers who will offer information about the area and festival events from 6:30 – 8:30 PM daily. Refresh yourself at the beer garden that is temporarily established within the temple precincts or pick up a hozuki-ichi (Chinese lantern) plant at one of the festival booths.

Head out Kagurazaka early in the day and Tour the Alleyways of Old Edo before taking in the impressive Awa odori in the evening. Kagurazaka is conveniently located in the center of Yamanote Line and is accessible from the JR Iidabashi station. As you exit the station, turn to your right and a one minute walk will place you at the base of Kagurazaka Dori. Tokyo Metro Iidabashi and Ushigome-Kagurazaka stations also provide access to the area. (area map)

Photo Credit: Flickr, Awa Odori festival