A renowned dance festival in western Japan, Awa Odori, is once again drawing large crowds, following the lifting of restrictions for coronavirus.

The annual August spectacle in Tokushima City began on Saturday. Groups of skilled dancers performed in the city's central area where seats for spectators are installed.

The organizers put in a full number of seats this year because the government lifted all coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Last year, they were limited to three quarters of capacity.

For the first time, seats for spectators were set aside at the price of about 1,400 dollars per person. The expensive tickets for the first day were sold out. Seated spectators, many of them foreign tourists, enjoyed the dances while tasting local delicacies.

Visitors were also allowed to march as an impromptu group in part of the festival. A young visitor from Kyoto who came for the first time said being able to join in was very enjoyable.

The climax of the festival featured a grand march of 1,000 outstanding dancers from 15 prominent groups. Spectators also danced on their own beside them.

The Awa Odori event is scheduled to run through Tuesday.