Traditions Of Tokushima

History comes alive when you stroll along charming streets adorned with traditional houses and attend a puppet show whose roots go back centuries. First on your itinerary is a tour of the Udatsu Town District, home to 50 centuries-old homes designed with unique roofs called "udatsu" recognized by the government as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings." Two of the most prominent udatsu buildings are the Imai Residence built 280 years ago for one of leading paper merchants and the Kosaka Residence, a sake brewery that dates back to the late 18th century. Next, is a visit to the 18th century Awa Jurobe Yashiki Residence Theater for a look at the 400-year-old tradition of Awa puppetry. Then, as now, the movements of the puppets called "dekos" are loud and flamboyant, and accompanied by boisterous narration and simple melodies. Lunch follows then you'll return to your ship.