Cool off and have an early dinner under the arcade's roof before the festival begins
About this spot
This covered shopping arcade extending from the south exit of Koenji Station is the neighborhood's heart and also a performance venue for Awa Odori in the evening. Ramen, curry, set meals, and takeout side dishes offer plenty of choices—perfect for refueling before the performances start. The arcade's roof shields you from the harsh sun, making it ideal for conserving energy before watching the festival in the heat of summer. As 5 p.m. approaches and the festival begins in earnest, the street fills with spectators and the paper lanterns around the shops light up, and the festival's energy suddenly intensifies.
Season & hours
Name: 東京高円寺阿波おどり
Date & time: 8/29 (Sat)・8/30 (Sun) 17:00–20:00
Venue: 高円寺駅周辺の商店街・大通り(演舞場)
1957年に始まり、今や本場・徳島に次ぐ規模となった東京の夏の風物詩です。第67回の2026年は8月29日(土)・30日(日)の17時から20時に開催。高円寺駅を中心に商店街や大通りが演舞場となり、約1万人の踊り手が「ヤットサー、ヤットヤット」の掛け声とともに次々と目の前を通り過ぎます。鉦と太鼓の二拍子が体に響き、男踊りの躍動、編笠に浴衣の女踊りのしなやかさ、子どもたちの懸命な踊りと、連ごとに違う個性は何時間見ていても飽きません。ビルの谷間の商店街に太鼓が反響する音圧は高円寺ならでは。夏の終わりを告げる3時間の熱狂を、街の真ん中で浴びてください。
Tips
当日は駅周辺が大規模な通行規制になり、演舞場沿いは大変混雑します。よい場所で観たいなら16時台から沿道へ。移動は演舞の合間に係員の誘導に従って。ベビーカーでの最前列は難しいため、家族連れは沿道後方や広めの交差点付近が安心です。帰りの電車は終演直後がピークなので、余韻を楽しんでから時間をずらすのがおすすめ。荒天時の開催可否は公式サイトで確認を。
Tips
Enter a restaurant before 4 p.m. if possible (after 5 p.m., lines and traffic restrictions make entry difficult). If ordering takeout, stock up extra on drinks. Use restaurants' restrooms before the festival starts—it'll make your evening watching more comfortable.
Best time to visit
About 40 minutes. The early-4 p.m. hour is ideal—before the dinner rush but early enough to grab a seat.
Access & map
〒166-0003 東京都杉並区高円寺南４丁目２５
Model course featuring this spot
2026 Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori Full-Day Immersion Course
Tokyo
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