Koenji Awa Odori, Tokyo

Koenji Awa Odori, held in Koenji at the end of August, is Tokyo’s version of the Tokushima City Awa Odori dance festival.

Koenji Awa Odori, Tokyo

The dances are similar, but the overall feeling is very different. The performers at the Koenji Awa Odori  wind their way along narrow streets, the sidewalks packed with spectators. Only in certain section are they on larger roads where they can spread out.

Koenji Awa Odori, Tokyo

Taking photographs was easy enough as the dancers awaited the start.

Koenji Awa Odori, Tokyo

Things were trickier when the dancing began as the number of spectators make it difficult to move from one position to another.

Koenji Awa Odori, Tokyo

Overall, an interesting event, especially for those who can’t make it all the way to Shikoku.

Koenji Awa Odori, Tokyo

Koenji Awa Odori, Tokyo