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Awa Washi Traditional Industry Hall Shop

Awa Washi Traditional Industry Hall Shop

The "Awa Washi Traditional Industry Hall" in Yoshinogawa City is a hub for communicating the charm of Tokushima's traditional "Awa Washi" paper, which boasts over 1,300 years of history. Here, you can observe skilled craftsmen carefully making paper one by one and, most attractively, try the "Hand-making Experience" to create your own postcards or coasters. Awa Washi is strong, tear-resistant, and characterized by a unique warm texture, used in artworks and interiors worldwide. The museum shop features stationery and miscellaneous goods made of washi, and beautiful indigo-dyed washi products, perfect for finding Japanese souvenirs. It is a creative spot where...

Tokushima
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Caretta Sea Turtle Museum

Caretta Sea Turtle Museum

Caretta Sea Turtle Museum in Minami Town (Hiwasa) is a rare facility in the world dedicated to sea turtles. Located right in front of Ohama Beach, a famous nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles, it allows visitors to observe turtles of various ages, from cute hatchlings to giant sea turtles over 100 years old. Through dynamic outdoor pools and academic exhibits on ecology, you can learn about the mystery of their lives and the importance of marine conservation. It is a heartwarming spot where children and adults can feel the miracle of life and the richness of the ocean through...

Tokushima
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Mt. Bizan

Mt. Bizan, towering in the center of Tokushima City, is a symbol of the city and was even composed in the Man'yoshu poetry. It was named because it appears shaped like an "eyebrow" (bi) from any direction. You can reach the summit in about 6 minutes by ropeway while enjoying an aerial walk, and from the observatory, a magnificent panorama stretches across Tokushima City, Awaji Island on clear days, and as far as Wakayama. The night view is especially praised as one of Shikoku's best, with the twinkling city lights appearing very romantic. The summit park features a kaleidoscope-like monument...

Tokushima
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Naruto Whirlpools

Naruto Whirlpools

The "Naruto Whirlpools" appearing in the Naruto Strait are a world-class natural phenomenon caused by the tidal difference between the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Channel. During spring and autumn spring tides, whirlpool diameters can reach 20 meters, and the sight of seawater violently swirling with a roaring sound is spectacular. To experience this natural wonder, it's recommended to look 45 meters straight down from the "Uzu-no-Michi" maritime walkway built into the Great Naruto Bridge, or get close to the whirlpools on a sightseeing boat. The powerful energy created by the tides and the dynamism of the sea splashing...

Tokushima
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Nature
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Mitoko Bay

Mitoko Bay in Kaiyo Town is a beautiful inlet where the dynamic Pacific waves are blocked by islands, creating a mirror-like calm sea surface. Green small islands are dotted within the bay, and the scenery woven by the highly transparent sea, white rocks, and green pines is so spectacular it's called the "Matsushima of Southern Tokushima." It is also popular as a field for sea kayaking and SUP; rowing across the calm surface through a labyrinth of islands provides exceptional exhilaration. At dusk, the silhouettes of the islands are dyed by the sunset, creating a romantic and mysterious atmosphere. For...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Peeing Boy Statue of Iya Valley

Peeing Boy Statue of Iya Valley

The statue of the "Peeing Boy," standing on a rock jutting out over a 200-meter precipice in the Iya Valley, is a very impactful landscape representing Tokushima. It was created based on an anecdote that local children and travelers once tested their courage from this spot. Below flows the emerald green shimmering Iya River; the contrast between the deep, steep valley beauty and the small standing statue is a sight you won't forget. During the autumn foliage season, the entire valley turns vibrant red and yellow, bringing its beauty to a peak. Though the spot might make your legs tremble,...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridges

Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridges

The "Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridges," located in the deepest part of Miyoshi City in Higashi-Iya, is a spot full of hidden region charm with two bridges, the "Man Bridge" and "Woman Bridge," spanning side-by-side. Legend says the Heike clan built them to travel to their horse training grounds; the bridges woven from plants shake with every step, providing a thrill as the stream is visible through gaps underfoot. Compared to the famous "Iya Kazurabashi," there are fewer tourists, allowing for a quieter enjoyment of deep natural silence. Nearby is a unique ride called "Yaen" (Wild Monkey), where you pull a...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Shikoku Alpine Botanical Garden

Shikoku Alpine Botanical Garden

Shikoku Alpine Botanical Garden Gakunin-no-Mori, located near Mt. Tsurugi in Tsurugi Town at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, is a paradise for rare alpine plants. The garden owner spent many years clearing private land to protect and cultivate plants endemic to Shikoku and endangered species, with lovely flowers blooming from spring to autumn. The colonies of "Himeshaga" (Iris gracilipes) in early summer are particularly breathtaking. The grounds also feature a campsite and accommodation, allowing for views of star-filled skies at night and fantastical seas of clouds in the morning. Strolling while listening to birdsong in an environment close to...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Todoroki Kujyu-kyu Waterfalls

Todoroki Kujyu-kyu Waterfalls

The "Todoroki Kujyu-kyu Waterfalls," hidden deep in the mountains of Kaiyo Town, is one of Tokushima's premier water spots featuring a series of large and small falls, including the main waterfall. The "Todoroki Main Fall" in particular drops violently from a sheer vertical rock wall, overwhelming visitors with its power and the sacred air surrounding it. There is also "Todoroki Shrine" dedicated to the fall, protected since ancient times as a site for water deity worship. Upstream from the main fall, a course allows you to tour various unique waterfalls while walking along a promenade, enjoying forest bathing rich in...

Tokushima
Nature
Spring
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Hagawa River

The Hagawa River flowing through Kaiyo Town is known as a highly transparent clear stream and is a fantastical river famous as a habitat for Genji fireflies, especially dancing on early summer nights. The clear water surface, revealing the riverbed, reflects the surrounding lush greenery, creating idyllic Satoyama scenery. Every June, the "Hagawa Firefly Festival" is held, where the experience of riding a Takase boat to appreciate fireflies faintly glowing in the dark is as beautiful as being in a fairy tale. The river is also home to the endangered giant mottled eel, testifying to its ecological richness. Spending time...

Tokushima
Nature
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Osato Matsubara Beach

Osato Matsubara Beach

Osato Matsubara Beach in Kaiyo Town is a scenic spot featuring a beautiful 4-km white sand beach and a magnificent pine grove of centuries-old black pines. Selected as one of "Japan's 100 Best White Sand and Green Pine Landscapes," the contrast between the dynamic Pacific waves crashing ashore and the quiet pine forest fascinates visitors. This place is also known as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles, and its rich natural environment is carefully protected. Strolling through the pine grove, which feels like a green tunnel, while listening to the rhythmic sound of waves, you will feel deeply refreshed...

Tokushima
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Nature
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Naruto City

Naruto City, located at the gateway to Shikoku, is a city of sea and history famous for the "Naruto Whirlpools," one of the world's three great currents. Experiences like the "Uzu-no-Michi" walkway looking straight down at the whirlpools from the Onaruto Bridge and powerful sightseeing boat trips provide moving moments to feel nature's wonders firsthand. Additionally, the "Otsuka Museum of Art," which reproduces world-famous paintings on ceramic boards, boasts Japan's largest exhibition space and is a must-see for art fans. It is also known as a sacred place where the Shikoku Pilgrimage begins at "Ryozenji Temple (No. 1)." Furthermore, gourmet...

Tokushima
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Tokushima City

Tokushima City, the prefectural capital of Tokushima, is a "City of Water" with the symbol "Mt. Bizan" at its center and numerous rivers flowing through. Every August, the world-famous "Awa Odori" is held, enveloping the city in excitement with over 1 million spectators. Even outside the festival, you can experience the authentic dance at the "Awa Odori Kaikan," feeling the energetic culture firsthand. The boardwalk area around the Shinmachi River is ideal for strolling, with beautiful night illuminations coloring the water's surface. With charms in food and culture like products using specialty "Awa Indigo" and local Tokushima Ramen, it's a...

Tokushima
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Nishi-Awa Area

The "Nishi-Awa Area" in western Tokushima is a treasure trove of hidden regions where Japan's original landscapes remain strong, featuring steep mountains led by Mt. Tsurugi, deep valleys carved by the Yoshino River, and villages on sloping land. The "Steep Slope Land Agriculture," passed down in this region, is certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, conveying ancestral wisdom for coexisting with nature. Visitors can enjoy a mix of activities and historical exploration, from thrilling rafting in Oboke and Koboke to daring strolls on the Iya Kazurabashi Bridge and the historic Udatsu Townscape. This area, enveloped in silence and...

Tokushima
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Tebajima Island

Tebajima Island

Tebajima Island, floating off the coast of Mugi Town, is a small island with no cars, where silence and nostalgic scenery remain. The island, about 4 km in circumference, is lined with traditional fishing village buildings from the Edo period to the early Showa era and is designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Walking through the narrow alleys, you can hear the sound of waves and feel the calm lives of the islanders. The crystal-clear sea reaches right up to the port, revealing vibrant small fish. Far from commercialized tourist sites, this place preserves...

Tokushima
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Kaifu District, Tokushima

Kaifu District, Tokushima

Kaifu District, located in southern Tokushima Prefecture, consists of Mugi Town, Minami Town, and Kaiyo Town, an area where you can feel the blessings of the magnificent Pacific Ocean with your whole body. Its greatest charm is the highly transparent, rich sea, including Ohama Beach—world-famous as a nesting site for sea turtles—and Takegashima Marine Park with its coral reefs. It is also known worldwide as a surfing mecca, drawing many people seeking powerful waves. Meanwhile, the inland features clear streams like Todoroki Kujyu-kyu Waterfalls and deep forests, allowing for both sea and mountain activities. It is also the operational hub...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Yoshino River

The Yoshino River, also known as "Shikoku Saburo," is one of Japan's leading great rivers flowing east to west through Shikoku. Its upstream "Oboke and Koboke" area is a spectacular canyon with sheer rock walls and is world-famous as a mecca for rafting. The thrill-packed activity of navigating the torrents is immensely popular among international tourists seeking adventure. Meanwhile, downstream, the river becomes a gentle flow, having supported regional culture as a vital water resource essential for traditional "Indigo Dyeing." The river surface reflecting the setting sun and the seasonal mountain scenery are extremely beautiful, making it ideal for driving...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Kaiyo Town

Kaiyo Town, located at the southernmost tip of Tokushima Prefecture, is a nature-rich town boasting magnificent Pacific views and clear streams. With beautiful coastlines known as surfing meccas and the "Takegashima Marine Park" featuring coral colonies, it offers an ideal environment for travelers who love marine activities. It is also the operational base for the world's first "DMV (Dual Mode Vehicle)," which can travel on both rails and roads, drawing many domestic and international tourists for the unique experience. At night, you can gaze at beautiful starry skies, completely forgetting the city hustle to refresh your mind and body. With...

Tokushima
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Marine Nature Museum Marine Jam

Marine Nature Museum Marine Jam

The "Marine Nature Museum Marine Jam" in Kaiyo Town offers an ocean experience different from the Seto Inland Sea, showcasing the dynamic world of the Pacific Ocean. The main highlight is the cruise on the underwater sightseeing boat "Blue Marine," which allows you to appreciate the beautiful coral reefs spreading around the island. The bottom of the boat serves as an observation room, allowing you to observe vibrant corals and tropical fish in high-transparency water up close. Additionally, the indoor aquarium exhibits rare regional marine life, providing opportunities to learn about the importance of the marine environment. With calm seas...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Awa Odori Festival

Awa Odori Festival

The "Awa Odori," held every August mainly in Tokushima City, is one of Japan's largest Bon Odori festivals boasting over 400 years of history. As the famous phrase goes, "Dancing fools and watching fools; since both are fools, you might as well dance!", the entire city is enveloped in a two-beat "Yoshiko-no" rhythm and swept into a whirlwind of enthusiasm. The elegant "Onna Odori" (women's dance) of women wearing matching yukata and deep braided hats, combined with the powerful and humorous "Otoko Odori" (men's dance), is simply spectacular. A major highlight is that visitors can join the "Niwaka-ren" (impromptu groups)...

Tokushima
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Festivals & Events
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Ai Yoshinogawa Torokko

Ai Yoshinogawa Torokko

The "Ai Yoshinogawa Torokko," running on the JR Tokushima Line (Yoshinogawa Blue Line), is a sightseeing train themed around Tokushima's traditional culture, "Awa Indigo." You can enjoy your journey along the wind while feeling the flow of the Yoshino River—the symbol of Tokushima—close at hand. The car design features deep indigo colors, and a major attraction is enjoying bento boxes packed with local specialties on board. In the open-air feeling unique to trolley cars, the time spent taking in the beautiful murmuring of the river and idyllic rural landscapes with all five senses is pure luxury. The hospitality of residents...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Ikeda Udatsu Townscape

Ikeda Udatsu Townscape

The "Ikeda Udatsu Townscape" in Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi City, is a historic street where mansions of merchants who built fortunes through shredded tobacco production still remain. It has a different atmosphere from the townscape in Mima City, with dignified houses quietly conveying the prosperity of former times. This region flourished as a transportation hub and continues to be home to sake breweries and a rich intersection of food culture and history. Walking while admiring the udon firewalls with detailed craftsmanship and prestigious entrances, the wealthy lifestyle of the time supported by local industries comes to light. It is popular as a...

Tokushima
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Udatsu Townscape

Udatsu Townscape

The "Udatsu Townscape" in Wakimachi, Mima City, is a merchant town that flourished from the Edo to Meiji periods as a center for indigo distribution. "Udatsu" refers to fireproof walls built between adjacent houses; since they cost a fortune to build back then, they became a symbol of wealth. The sight of dignified white-walled buildings stretching for about 430 meters is so beautiful it feels like a time slip back to the Edo period. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, visitors can feel the aesthetic sense and prosperity of former wealthy merchants from the delicate...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Iya Kazurabashi Bridge

Iya Kazurabashi Bridge

The "Iya Kazurabashi Bridge," spanning the valley in the hidden region of Iya in western Tokushima, is an extremely rare suspension bridge in Japan made by weaving Shirakuchi-kazura vines. Designated as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property, legend says that refugees of the Heike clan built the bridge using plants so they could cut it down at any time to escape pursuers. It shakes and creaks with every step, and the thrill of seeing the river surface far below through the gaps under your feet is immense. Surrounded by deep greenery and clear streams, you can enjoy the beautiful...

Tokushima
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Nature
Spring
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