April 24, 2025
We overnighted in Tokushima so we have a day to explore here. After chatting with folks last night that headed into town, I decided to hop the shuttle and head to the local shopping mall. I really wasn’t much in the mood for retail therapy and there wasn’t much to buy even if I was so I headed back to the ship for lunch with lots of yen still burning a hole in my pocket.
Decided to start the unpleasant task of packing and then hung around reading for a bit before heading to the Promenade deck to check out the local folk dancers who were giving a demonstration on the pier. Tokushima is know for the Awa Odori Festival featuring traditional Japanese dance. Awa Odori features groups of dancers wearing traditional costumes (happi for the men and yukata with bamboo hats called toriogasa for the women).
Awa Odori is accompanied by traditional instruments like shamisen (lute), taiko drums, shinobue flute, and kane bells. Dancers chant and sing while performing. Pretty interesting.
Had dinner in the main dining room and an early night.
Tomorrow is another day. Adventures await …
Judy’s Rambles 