Tokushima

Tokushima, Naruto

Tokushima is famous for the vibrant Awa Odori dance festival and the powerful whirlpools of the Naruto Strait. Enjoy the thrill of rafting down the Yoshino River, or walk part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. With its warm climate and welcoming culture, Tokushima is full of energy, color, and charm.

From Tokyo: 1h 15m

Tokushima

Viewdory Selects

Special recommendations handpicked by our team.

Tokushima Prefecture

Tokushima Prefecture

Located in eastern Shikoku, Tokushima Prefecture is a "treasure trove of emotion" where dynamic nature and passionate culture live on. Its overwhelming natural landscapes, such as the world-class Naruto Whirlpools and the steep beauty of the Iya Valley—one of Japan’s three most hidden regions—captivate visitors. The Awa Odori, a vibrant festival with over 400 years of history that envelops the city in excitement, is an energetic symbol of Japanese summer. Furthermore, deep history and traditions like indigo dyeing nurtured by the Yoshino River and the spirituality of the Shikoku Pilgrimage’s starting point are carefully preserved. From adventures in hidden regions...

Tokushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyoshi City

Miyoshi City, at the western tip of Tokushima, is a city representing Shikoku for adventure and healing, housing the "Oboke and Koboke" gorges carved by the Yoshino River's torrents and "Iya," one of Japan's three most hidden regions. It is a world-famous mecca for rafting while simultaneously preserving historical and cultural heritage like "Kazurabashi" and "Ochiai Village." In recent years, branding as a "Yokai Town" and town-making utilizing old sake breweries have flourished, with spots stimulating intellectual curiosity. With observatories overlooking seas of clouds, quiet hot spring villages, and nutritious Iya Soba, you can enjoy mountain blessings with all five...

Tokushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sacred Shikoku: Journey Along the 1,200-Year Pilgrimage Trail

Shikoku Pilgrimage

Shikoku Pilgrimage

Ryozenji Temple (No. 1)

Ryozenji Temple (No. 1)

Gokurakuji Temple (No. 2)

Gokurakuji Temple (No. 2)

Konsenji Temple (No. 3)

Konsenji Temple (No. 3)

Top Landmarks

Must-visit iconic spots that define Japan.

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
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Otsuka Museum of Art

Otsuka Museum of Art

The "Otsuka Museum of Art" in Naruto City is a unique museum boasting Japan's largest permanent exhibition area, reproducing approximately 1,000 Western masterpieces from over 190 museums in 26 countries on full-scale ceramic boards (tiles). Masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper," Gogh's "Sunflowers," and Michelangelo's "Sistine Chapel Ceiling" are reproduced with surprising precision on fadeless ceramic boards. The greatest feature is the "Environment Exhibit" only achievable via ceramic tiles, recreating entire spaces of masterpieces to provide an immersive feeling as if being on-site. Some works can even be touched, and photography is free. It's a "Palace of Masterpieces"...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Activities
Festivals & Events
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oboke & Koboke Gorges

Oboke & Koboke Gorges

Oboke and Koboke Gorges, carved from crystalline schist over hundreds of millions of years by the Yoshino River's torrents, are dynamic scenic spots representing Tokushima. V-shaped steep cliffs continue for several kilometers; the upstream Oboke can be viewed up close via "sightseeing cruise," while the downstream Koboke attracts adventurers as one of the "world's best rafting spots." The contrast between the emerald green water surface and rugged yet beautiful rock surfaces is a spectacular view feeling the Earth's pulse. Seasonal colors decorate the valley, pressing in with overwhelming scale whenever you visit. It's a premier field where you can run...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oboke Sightseeing Cruise

Oboke Sightseeing Cruise

The Oboke Sightseeing Cruise is an activity where you leisurely tour the "Oboke Gorge," carved out by the Yoshino River's torrents over hundreds of millions of years, while listening to a boatman's guide. The biggest highlight is the crystalline schist rock walls designated as a National Natural Monument. You can admire the rugged yet beautiful rock surfaces that look like sculptures up close, and their power is overwhelming. The seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter reflects on the river surface, providing a different moving experience in every season....

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mt. Tsurugi

Mt. Tsurugi, standing at 1,955 meters, is the second highest peak in Shikoku. While historically a mountain of faith, it is a "heavenly paradise" relatively easy for beginners to climb. Using the mountaineering lift, you can reach near the summit from the mountainside in about 15 minutes and walk along the gentle ridge path. The summit offers a 360-degree unobstructed panorama, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. Legend also says King Solomon's treasure is hidden here, adding a mysterious charm. Rare alpine plants bloom from May to October, allowing you to feel Japan's seasonal...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Authentic Local Experiences

Deep dive into authentic Japanese culture.

Nakagawa Blueberry Miki Farm

Nakagawa Blueberry Miki Farm

BLUEBERRY Miki Farm, located on the banks of the Naka River in Naka Town, is a healing farm where you can enjoy picking pesticide-free or low-pesticide blueberries grown with nature's blessings. In summer (approx. June-August), diverse blueberries ripen in the garden, allowing you to harvest while comparing different sweetness and acidity. The time spent picking fruits while listening to the murmuring of the Naka River and being blown by cool river breezes is a luxurious moment that refreshes mind and body. The warm hospitality of the farm staff is also a charm, and their special blueberry smoothies and jams are...

Tokushima
Food
Activities
Summer

Sunny’s Farm

Sunny's Farm in Anan City is a popular spot for families and couples where you can enjoy harvesting high-quality fruits grown under abundant sunlight. They particularly focus on highly sweet varieties termed "Phantom Strawberries" and large, juicy blueberries. The joy of tasting perfectly ripened fruit on the spot in cleanly maintained greenhouses or open outdoor fields is exceptional. The deliciousness of fruits painstakingly raised by Japanese farmers provides surprise and emotion to international tourists. Beyond seasonal tastes, the farm's unique sweets are also substantial. It is a happy farm where you can most deliciously and enjoyably experience the blessings of...

Tokushima
Food
Activities
Spring

Valley Sauna Shimonoro Permanent

Valley Sauna Shimonoro Permanent

The "Valley Sauna," located within the "Shimonoro Permanent" accommodation in a renovated closed elementary school in Miyoshi City, is a hidden sauna in the wilderness. Tucked away in the silence of deep mountains, the wood-fired sauna is an authentic Nordic style where you stoke the fire yourself and enjoy steam by pouring water on heated stones. The ultimate luxury is cooling down your heated body in the natural stream water flowing through the valley. The "outdoor air bathing" enveloped in forest scents, river murmurs, and birdsong leads mind and body to ultimate "totonoi" (meditative state). It is a modern sanctuary...

Tokushima
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sea Turtle Marine Cruise

Sea Turtle Marine Cruise

This adventure experience tours Minami Town's beautiful coastline on a refurbished fishing boat. The main highlight is looking up at dynamic sea caves and cliffs carved by rough waves, such as Senjojiki and Ebisu-do, from close range. The thrill and emotion of the boat entering a giant rock hole provide a special feeling unattainable from land-based sightseeing. If lucky, you might encounter sea turtles popping their heads above water. The light-hearted guide from the boatman—who knows the area inside out—is also part of the fun. It is an exciting experiential tour representing southern Tokushima, allowing you to fully experience the...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyoshikiku Sake Brewery

Miyoshikiku Sake Brewery

Miyoshikiku Sake Brewery in Awa-Ikeda is a sake brewery known for its very unique and modern approach despite being in a traditional brewing town. Its most prominent features are the artistic, pop label designs you won't forget once seen, and a fruity, wild flavor that overturns common sake knowledge. Brewed using wild yeast or utilizing unique acidity, their sake has a brilliance like white wine, earning immense support from young generations and international fans. The gap between the historic brewery building and the innovative sake made there is also part of the fun. Through tastings, you can realize that Japanese...

Tokushima
Food
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Manabeya MINDE (Miyoshi City)

Manabeya MINDE (Miyoshi City)

Located in the Udatsu Townscape of Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi City, "MINDE" is a multi-purpose exchange facility renovated from the "Old Manabe Residence," a historic merchant house from the Edo period. Utilizing the space's heavy architectural beauty, it houses a kitchen and cafe serving dishes made with plenty of local ingredients, a coworking space, and a shop featuring regional specialties. It's a place like a "town living room" where tourists and locals naturally mingle. While admiring historic designs, you can enjoy tea and obtain the latest information on Miyoshi's rich culture or events. It's an ideal base for town walks where you...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ichigo House (Strawberry Picking)

Ichigo House (Strawberry Picking)

There are many farms in Tokushima Prefecture where strawberry cultivation flourishes utilizing the warm climate and Yoshino River's blessings, and at "Ichigo House," you can enjoy strawberry picking during the season (approx. Jan-May). Many farms use elevated cultivation, allowing you to harvest bright red, ripe, large strawberries in a comfortable posture without bending over. Experiences of eating high-quality, high-sugar Japanese varieties like Tokushima-born "Sachinoka" or sweet "Momo-ichigo" on the spot in an all-you-can-eat style are very popular among international tourists. Spending time in cleanly managed greenhouses enveloped in sweet scents is ideal for families and couples. It's a happy spot...

Tokushima
Food
Activities
Spring

Tsuzuki Shoten (Oku-Iya Experience)

Tsuzuki Shoten (Oku-Iya Experience)

Tsuzuki Shoten in the hidden region of Oku-Iya, Miyoshi City, is the base for "Oku-Iya Menme-juku," where you can experience regional traditional food and culture. Workshops to learn ancestral wisdom from harsh mountain life, such as making local specialty "Soba-neri" or unique preserved foods, are popular. Especially recommended is the cooking experience using ingredients unique to Oku-Iya. Dishes taught by local mothers while surrounding an Irori hearth are soul-warming and flavorful. The owner's warm hospitality and the deep mountain views outside the window create a luxurious time unattainable in cities. For travelers wanting to experience hidden region life through "food"...

Tokushima
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Awa Natural Indigo Dyeing Yamauchi

Awa Natural Indigo Dyeing Yamauchi

Awa Natural Indigo Dyeing Yamauchi Udatsu Workshop in Mima City's Udatsu Townscape is an authentic workshop where you can experience the charm of "JAPAN BLUE," a traditional color Tokushima is proud to show the world. Here, they preserve the traditional technique called "Natural Lye Fermentation Vatting" from the Edo period, using no chemicals. In the indigo dyeing experience, which beginners can easily join, you can dye items like handkerchiefs or T-shirts yourself, and the moment the tie-dye patterns emerge in blue is moving. Within the history-rich Udatsu Townscape, you can feel the mysterious color changes created by a craftsman's passion...

Tokushima
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Saito Kiri-zai (Mini Geta Experience)

Saito Kiri-zai (Mini Geta Experience)

Saito Kiri-zai Kogyo in Miyoshi City is a long-established company that processes "Kiri" (Paulownia) wood, used for traditional Japanese footwear called Geta. The unique experience here is the strap (Hanao) attachment for palm-sized, adorable "Omamori Mame-Geta" (Amulet Mini Geta). Because geta come in "pairs," they have long been cherished as symbols of marital harmony, good matches, and amulets for "strong legs." Selecting colorful straps and crafting your own amulet under a craftsman's guidance is a precious time to feel the meticulousness of Japanese handiwork. Touching the lightness and warmth of Paulownia while enjoyably learning about traditional crafts filled with Japanese...

Tokushima
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ai-no-Yakata (Indigo House)

Ai-no-Yakata (Indigo House)

Ai-no-Yakata (Indigo House) in Aizumi Town is a museum utilizing a vast former indigo merchant's mansion where you can learn the history and culture of Tokushima's traditional industry, "Awa Indigo." Tokushima was once known as Japan's largest indigo producer, and here, tools used for dyeing and the luxurious lifestyle of merchants are exhibited in detail. The main highlight is the "Indigo Dyeing Experience," where you can actually use natural indigo to dye items like handkerchiefs. Creating your own beautiful "JAPAN BLUE" under a craftsman's guidance is extremely popular among international travelers. Within the heavy historic architecture, you can feel the...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Local Stays

Charming inns and stays for your journey.

Inn Largo

Inn Largo, located in a quiet mountain area of Miyoshi City, is a luxurious private inn renovated from a closed kindergarten. While preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of the former school building and playground, the interior has been transformed into a modern, sophisticated space filled with the warmth of wood, tickling the adventurous spirit of both adults and children. From the vast wooden deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Iya mountains and starry skies, allowing for free and private time such as enjoying a BBQ or reading in silence. The experience of "traveling as if living" with...

Tokushima
Accommodation
Food
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sora-no-Yado Isogai

Sora-no-Yado Isogai

Sora-no-Yado Isogai, located on a steep slope in Miyoshi City, is a farmhouse inn limited to one group per day, renovated from a century-old folk house in a high-altitude village. Opening the window, you can overlook the deep mountains of Iya and seas of clouds as if floating in the sky, an overwhelming view for visitors. Here, you can slowly savor regional dishes utilizing mountain blessings like wild plants, river fish, and specialty soba, surrounding an Irori hearth. Touched by the host's warm hospitality, you can also deeply learn about the culture and lifestyle wisdom nurtured in this harsh land....

Tokushima
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Minshuku Awarakuya

Minshuku Awarakuya

Minshuku Awarakuya in Awa City is a warm inn where you can experience traditional Japanese farmhouse life. Beyond just staying, the charm lies in touching "real Japanese life," such as interacting with the host family and making local folk dishes using regional ingredients, like visiting a relative's house. Nearby is the "Awa Earth Pillars," one of the world's three great earth pillars, making it an ideal base for nature walks. At night, you can spend a relaxed time under star-filled skies in a quiet rural area. With a reputation for multilingual support and heartfelt hospitality, it is an irreplaceable stay...

Tokushima
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Local Treasures

Discover hidden gems loved by locals.

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
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nagoro Kakashi Village

Nagoro Kakashi Village

Nagoro Kakashi Village in Higashi-Iya, Miyoshi City, is a mysterious and warm settlement where over 300 "kakashi" (scarecrows) outnumber the human population. A woman started making scarecrows to chase birds from her fields, but now they are placed everywhere—working in fields, waiting at bus stops, or children in classrooms—recreating the village's former vitality. These expressive and realistic figures were featured by international media as a "miracle of the village in the sky." This landscape, which gracefully and artistically sublimates the reality of depopulation, provides deep emotion and a sense of the quiet life force of provincial Japan to all who...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ochiai Village

Ochiai Village in Higashi-Iya, Miyoshi City, is a rural landscape where traditional houses built from the mid-Edo to Meiji periods are scattered along a steep mountain slope. The maximum elevation difference reaches about 390 meters, and the wisdom and effort of ancestors who built stone walls to secure farmland and housing are designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. From the observation point on the opposite shore, you may see a fantastical sight of the village floating in a sea of clouds. In recent years, renovated old houses have become accommodations, allowing visitors to actually...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Awa Earth Pillars

Awa Earth Pillars

The "Awa Earth Pillars" in Awa City are rare natural formations of giant, curtain-like pillars of earth created by rainwater erosion over vast periods. They are geologically precious, ranked as one of the "World's Three Great Earth Pillars" alongside the Rocky Mountains in the USA and the Tyrol region in Italy. Stepping inside, the ruggedly carved earth sculptures tower above, creating a mysterious landscape that feels like wandering into another planet. You can overlook the entire scene from the observatory, and at night, they transform into an even more fantastical appearance with illumination. This dynamic and powerful art created by...

Tokushima
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tairyuji Temple

Tairyuji Temple

Located at the summit of a mountain (approx. 600m altitude) in Anan City, Tairyuji Temple is the 21st temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and a majestic site known as the "Koyasan of the West." It is a sacred place where Kobo Daishi (Kukai) practiced in his youth. The grounds feature giant cedars centuries old, enveloped in divine silence. For access, the Tairyuji Ropeway—the longest in western Japan—is recommended. The 10-minute aerial walk crosses mountains and the Naka River, offering a panorama of Tokushima's mountain range. With historic wooden structures, exquisite carvings, and the Kobo Daishi statue sitting on a cliff,...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yokai House

The "Yokai House" (within Roadside Station Oboke) in Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi City, is a unique facility themed around yokai (monster) legends passed down in this region since ancient times. This area has many sheer cliffs and deep valleys, and it's said many yokai stories were born to warn children against approaching dangerous places. The interior exhibits over 100 humorous yet somewhat eerie yokai figures handmade by locals, providing a fun way to learn about the deep mountain culture of Tokushima. Known as the legendary birthplace of the famous yokai "Konaki-jiji," experiencing this alongside the rugged natural environment allows visitors to feel...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hashikuraji Temple (Bekkaku)

Hashikuraji Temple (Bekkaku)

Hashikuraji Temple, collecting faith since ancient times as the "Inner Sanctuary of Konpira-san," is the 15th temple of the Shikoku Bekkaku 20 Pilgrimage, located at about 600 meters altitude. Its name comes from a legend that Kobo Daishi received a revelation from "Konpira Daigongen" and was granted chopsticks (hashi). Reachable from the foot via the "Hashikurasan Ropeway," you can climb while enjoying the panorama of the Yoshino River and Miyoshi City. The grounds, with heavy wooden structures designated as Important Cultural Properties, are truly a celestial sacred site. Especially the main hall with exquisite carvings and the quiet forest showing...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Todoroki Falls

The "Todoroki Main Fall," the primary waterfall of the "Todoroki Kujyu-kyu Waterfalls" in Kaiyo Town, is Tokushima Prefecture's premier waterfall, dropping 58 meters vertically. Surrounded by sheer giant rock walls, its appearance exudes power and solemnity as if a dragon were ascending to heaven. "Todoroki Shrine" sits right next to the fall, with a sacred air lingering as a site for Shugendo and prayers for rain since ancient times. Reaching the plunge pool, you will be amazed by the overwhelming purification power as you soak in intense spray, the roaring sound, and abundant negative ions. It is one of Shikoku's...

Tokushima
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Explore by City

Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Anan City

Known as the "City of Light," Anan City is located at the easternmost tip of Shikoku, a passionate city where dynamic coastlines and deep mountain faith intersect. From "Cape Kamoda," the easternmost point of Shikoku, a Pacific panorama stretches out where you can feel the Earth's roundness, and the sunrise from the horizon is spectacular. "Tairyuji Temple," reached via western Japan's longest "Tairyuji Ropeway," boasts overwhelming spiritual energy and views as a sacred site where Kukai practiced. River activities like kayaking and SUP on the clear Naka River are also popular. As a world-leading producer of LEDs, light displays decorate...

Tokushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Itano Town

Mugi Town, located on the southeastern coast of Tokushima Prefecture, is a fishing town characterized by powerful Pacific waves and nostalgic remote island scenes with untouched nature. "Tebajima Island" offshore is known as a silent island with no cars, where you can enjoy retro fishing village landscapes designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Furthermore, Mugi's sea, centered around "Oshima," is a mecca for diving and fishing, inhabited by world-class kobohama corals and colorful tropical fish. The mountain side also features clear streams like Yasaka-Yataki Falls, allowing for both sea and mountain natural beauty. Touching the...

Tokushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mugi Town

Mima City, in northwestern Tokushima, is a town of historic atmosphere that once prospered as an indigo distribution center. The "Udatsu Townscape," designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, features heavy merchant houses with "udatsu" firewalls—symbols of wealth former merchants competed over—giving the sensation of a time-slip to the Edo period. Throughout the city, spots showing cultural depth from ancient to modern times are scattered, including Japan's oldest stone-piled tumulus and facilities designed by Tadao Ando. The beauty of the surrounding Tsurugi mountain range and the clear Anabuki River is also exceptional. It is an...

Tokushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mima City

Awa City, located in north-central Tokushima, is a city where agriculture blessed by the rich Yoshino River and mysterious natural sculptural beauty coexist. The biggest highlight is the "Awa Earth Pillars," ranked among the world's three great earth pillars. The sight of giant sand pillars carved by rainwater erosion is truly nature's artwork. It also houses Temples 7 to 10 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, allowing visitors to feel pilgrimage culture firsthand amidst idyllic rural landscapes. Food charms like specialty grapes, strawberries, and famous "Tarai Udon" are also substantial. It's an area for a luxurious local experience satisfying all...

Tokushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Awa City

Itano Town, located in northeastern Tokushima Prefecture, is a town where pilgrimage culture lives deeply, concentrating Temples 3 (Konsenji) to 5 (Jizoji) of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Walking through town, you can touch the sight of pilgrims in white robes and the heart of "Osettai" hospitality from locals. It also features rich historical sights like "Fujiidera Temple" with one of Shikoku's largest wisteria trellises and the "Fukuroi Canal" conveying Edo-period water management technology. Idyllic rural landscapes feature specialty strawberry and carrot fields, allowing for seasonal tastes. It's a town perfect for soul-soothing strolls, comfortably harmonizing city proximity with quiet...

Tokushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ishii Town

Ishii Town, located west of Tokushima City, is an idyllic rural area where agriculture flourishes due to the blessings of the fertile Yoshino River. It is especially famous for "Fujiidera Temple," which features one of Shikoku's largest wisteria trellises. As the 11th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, stunning purple wisterias bloom in late April, enveloping the grounds in a sweet scent. The town also offers many spots related to specialty "Wisteria" and "Strawberries," and direct sales stores where you can taste delicious local produce. While convenient to the city, stepping inside reveals traditional Japanese rural landscapes and a pilgrimage culture,...

Tokushima
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kamiyama Town

Kamikama Town, located west of Tokushima City, is Japan's most creative "Miraculous Countryside" where artists and IT entrepreneurs gather amidst rich nature. Through the "Kamiyama Artist-in-Residence" program, artists from around the world stay here, creating a unique landscape dotted with artworks along forests and rivers. Many stylish spots like offices and cafes renovated from traditional old houses coexist with cutting-edge work styles and rural life. In spring, the town is filled with thousands of weeping cherry blossoms, appearing like a paradise. With delicious spring water and local ingredient-based cuisine, it attracts worldwide attention as a successful example of regional revitalization...

Tokushima
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kamikatsu Town

Kamikatsu Town, located in a mountainous area, is an environmentally advanced town gaining worldwide attention for its "Zero Waste" initiative. The "Zero Waste Center WHY" features astonishing architectural beauty made from recycled materials, attracting eco-conscious travelers. It is also famous for the "Irodori" business, where elderly residents vibrantly work shipping seasonal leaves used to garnish dishes. At high altitudes, the "Kashihara Terraced Rice Fields," selected among Japan's top 100, offer spectacular views like a village in the sky. It is a town that strongly stimulates intellectual curiosity, where sustainable living wisdom coexists with ruggedly beautiful Satoyama landscapes.

Tokushima
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Minami Town

Minami Town, located in southern Tokushima, is a healing town where beautiful seas and deep faith coexist. It features "Ohama Beach," world-famous as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, serving as a symbol of nature conservation. It has also flourished as the temple town for "Yakuoji," the 23rd temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, with a constant stream of worshippers seeking to ward off evil. The old townscape around Hiwasa Port and "Sea Turtle Marine Cruises" touring dynamic cliffs by fishing boat offer charms unique to a seaside town. In recent years, it has gained attention for attracting IT satellite...

Tokushima
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyoshi City

Miyoshi City, at the western tip of Tokushima, is a city representing Shikoku for adventure and healing, housing the "Oboke and Koboke" gorges carved by the Yoshino River's torrents and "Iya," one of Japan's three most hidden regions. It is a world-famous mecca for rafting while simultaneously preserving historical and cultural heritage like "Kazurabashi" and "Ochiai Village." In recent years, branding as a "Yokai Town" and town-making utilizing old sake breweries have flourished, with spots stimulating intellectual curiosity. With observatories overlooking seas of clouds, quiet hot spring villages, and nutritious Iya Soba, you can enjoy mountain blessings with all five...

Tokushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tokushima Prefecture

Tokushima Prefecture

Located in eastern Shikoku, Tokushima Prefecture is a "treasure trove of emotion" where dynamic nature and passionate culture live on. Its overwhelming natural landscapes, such as the world-class Naruto Whirlpools and the steep beauty of the Iya Valley—one of Japan’s three most hidden regions—captivate visitors. The Awa Odori, a vibrant festival with over 400 years of history that envelops the city in excitement, is an energetic symbol of Japanese summer. Furthermore, deep history and traditions like indigo dyeing nurtured by the Yoshino River and the spirituality of the Shikoku Pilgrimage’s starting point are carefully preserved. From adventures in hidden regions...

Tokushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

View Spots in Tokushima