Did you know that Tokushima City hosts one of Japan’s largest dance festivals, where over 100,000 dancers and 1.3 million spectators gather annually? This vibrant celebration, known as the Awa Odori Festival, transforms the streets into a mesmerizing spectacle of synchronized movement and traditional music each August. Yet this remarkable cultural event is just one of many treasures awaiting visitors to this captivating city on Shikoku Island.
Getting to Tokushima City
Tokushima is located on the eastern side of Shikoku, Japan’s smallest main island. While slightly off the typical tourist path, reaching this cultural gem is straightforward with several transportation options available.
By Air
Tokushima Airport offers domestic flights from major Japanese cities including Tokyo and Osaka. The flight from Tokyo takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the airport, buses run to Tokushima Station in about 25 minutes.
Find the best flight deals to Tokushima and start your adventure!
By Train and Bus
From Osaka, take the JR Kuroshio Limited Express to Tokushima Station (approximately 2.5 hours). Alternatively, highway buses connect Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe to Tokushima, with the journey taking about 2-3 hours depending on your departure point.
By Ferry
Ferries operate between Wakayama on Honshu Island and Tokushima, offering a scenic alternative that takes about 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit Tokushima
Spring (March-May)
Spring brings mild temperatures and cherry blossoms, making it an ideal time for sightseeing. The white-water rafting season also begins in spring, perfect for adventure seekers.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is hot and humid but brings the famous Awa Odori Festival (August 12-15). This is the peak tourist season, so book accommodations well in advance if visiting during the festival.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn offers comfortable temperatures and stunning fall foliage, especially in the mountainous areas like Iya Valley. November is particularly beautiful for nature lovers.
Winter (December-February)
Winters are mild compared to other parts of Japan, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. This is the low season, offering fewer crowds and better accommodation rates.
Travel Tip: If you want to experience the Awa Odori Festival, book accommodations at least 3-6 months in advance. For a less crowded experience, visit during spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and tourist numbers are lower.
Getting Around Tokushima City
Public Transportation
Tokushima has a reliable bus network that connects major attractions. The city also offers a tourist loop bus that stops at popular destinations. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited rides.
Bicycle Rental
Tokushima is relatively flat, making cycling an enjoyable way to explore. Several rental shops near Tokushima Station offer bicycles for around 1,000 yen per day.
Rental Cars
For exploring the outskirts of Tokushima and nearby attractions like Iya Valley, renting a car offers the most flexibility. International driving permits are required for foreign visitors.
Explore Tokushima at your own pace with a rental car!
Taxis
Taxis are readily available around Tokushima Station and major hotels. They’re convenient for shorter distances or when public transportation isn’t available.
Where to Stay in Tokushima
Tokushima offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Most visitors choose to stay near Tokushima Station for convenience.
Budget Options
Several business hotels and guesthouses offer affordable stays near Tokushima Station. Prices typically range from 3,000-6,000 yen per night. These provide basic amenities and clean, comfortable rooms.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotels like JR Hotel Clement Tokushima and Daiwa Roynet Hotel offer comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Located near the station, they provide convenient access to transportation and attractions.
Traditional Ryokans
For an authentic Japanese experience, consider staying at a ryokan (traditional inn) with tatami floors, futon bedding, and often hot spring baths. These can be found in the outskirts of the city and in nearby onsen towns.
Find your perfect stay in Tokushima City!
Top Things to Do in Tokushima City
Experience the Awa Odori Dance
Tokushima’s most famous cultural attraction is the Awa Odori dance, a 400-year-old tradition that’s celebrated during the annual festival in August. Even if you can’t visit during the festival, you can experience this unique cultural heritage year-round at the Awa Odori Kaikan. The museum offers daily performances, exhibits on the history of the dance, and even dance lessons where visitors can learn the basic steps.
After watching a performance, take the Bizan Ropeway located next to the Kaikan up to Mt. Bizan for panoramic views of Tokushima City and the Yoshino River.
Don’t miss this cultural experience!
Marvel at the Naruto Whirlpools
One of nature’s most spectacular sights near Tokushima are the Naruto Whirlpools, formed by the rushing tidal currents between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. These massive whirlpools can reach up to 20 meters in diameter during spring tides.
The best way to experience this natural wonder is by taking a sightseeing boat that brings you close to the swirling waters. Alternatively, view them from the Uzunomichi Walkway, a glass-bottomed observation pathway beneath the Onaruto Bridge, approximately 45 meters above the sea.
Note: The whirlpools are most dramatic during spring tides (new and full moons) and at specific times each day. Check the viewing schedule before your visit to catch them at their most impressive.
Experience this natural wonder up close!
Discover Tokushima’s Indigo Tradition
Tokushima has been a center of indigo dyeing (aizome) for centuries, producing the distinctive deep blue textiles that were once highly prized by samurai for their antibacterial properties. Visit the Aizumi Indigo Plant Dye Museum to learn about the traditional dyeing process and the cultural significance of indigo in Japanese history.
For a hands-on experience, head to Buaisou workshop in the Itano district where you can participate in a dyeing workshop and create your own indigo-dyed souvenir. The workshop includes instruction from master dyers and all materials needed to create your own textile piece.
Begin the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Tokushima is the starting point of the famous Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometer circular route that follows in the footsteps of the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi). Ryozen-ji Temple in Tokushima is the first of the 88 temples on this sacred journey.
Even if you don’t plan to complete the entire pilgrimage, visiting Ryozen-ji offers insight into this important spiritual tradition. The temple grounds include beautiful gardens, a treasure hall displaying religious artifacts, and a shop where you can purchase pilgrim supplies like the traditional white jacket (hakui), conical hat (sugegasa), and walking staff (kongōzue).
Explore the Iya Valley
A day trip from Tokushima City to the remote Iya Valley offers a glimpse into rural Japan that few tourists experience. This dramatic river gorge, known as one of Japan’s three hidden valleys, features steep mountain slopes, traditional thatched-roof houses, and the famous vine bridges (kazurabashi).
The most accessible is the Iya Kazurabashi, a 45-meter-long bridge made of mountain vines suspended 14 meters above the river. For the more adventurous, continue deeper into the valley to find the Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi (Double Vine Bridges) and try the thrilling “wild monkey” hand trolley that carries passengers across the river.
Discover this hidden gem of rural Japan!
Tokushima Local Cuisine
Tokushima Ramen
The prefecture’s signature dish is Tokushima ramen, distinguished by its rich, brown soy sauce-based broth made with pork bones and dried sardines. It’s typically topped with sliced pork belly, green onions, and a raw egg that cooks slightly in the hot broth. Try it at Inotani, a local favorite near Tokushima Station.
Sudachi Citrus
Tokushima is Japan’s largest producer of sudachi, a small, green citrus fruit similar to lime but with a distinctive fragrance. It’s used to flavor everything from grilled fish to soba noodles. Don’t miss trying sudachi juice, sherbet, or the local sudachi-infused sake.
Awa Odori Chicken
Named after the famous dance, Awa Odori chicken is a local brand known for its high quality and flavor. It’s often served grilled with salt (shio-yaki) or with a sweet soy sauce glaze (teriyaki). Restaurant Ikko near Tokushima Station specializes in dishes featuring this local delicacy.
Foodie Tip: Visit the Tokushima Central Wholesale Market (open to the public on Sundays) to sample fresh local produce and seafood, including Naruto kintoki sweet potatoes and fresh seafood from the nearby Naruto Strait.
Shopping in Tokushima
Traditional Crafts
Tokushima is known for several traditional crafts that make perfect souvenirs:
- Indigo-dyed textiles (aizome) – handkerchiefs, scarves, and clothing
- Otani pottery – distinctive ceramics with a rustic charm
- Awa washi – handmade Japanese paper
- Woodcrafts from the Iya Valley region
The best places to find these items are at specialty shops near the Awa Odori Kaikan or at the Tokushima Prefectural Products Promotion Center.
Modern Shopping
For contemporary shopping needs, visit:
- AEON Mall Tokushima – the largest shopping center with international and Japanese brands
- Clement Plaza – connected to Tokushima Station with fashion boutiques and restaurants
- Shinmachi Street – a covered shopping arcade with local shops and eateries
Don’t miss trying local food products like sudachi-flavored sweets, Naruto kintoki sweet potato treats, and wasanbon sugar confections that make excellent gifts.
Practical Tips for Visiting Tokushima
Language
While English signage is available at major tourist spots, it’s less common than in Tokyo or Kyoto. Consider downloading a translation app or learning a few basic Japanese phrases. Tourist information centers can provide English assistance.
Money
Japan remains largely cash-based, especially in smaller establishments. Ensure you have enough yen on hand. International ATMs are available at 7-Eleven stores and post offices. Major hotels and department stores accept credit cards.
Internet Access
Free Wi-Fi is available at Tokushima Station, major hotels, and some cafes. Consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchasing a Japanese SIM card for reliable internet access throughout your trip.
Is Tokushima worth visiting?
Absolutely! Tokushima offers unique cultural experiences like the Awa Odori dance, natural wonders such as the Naruto Whirlpools, and access to the stunning Iya Valley. It’s perfect for travelers looking to experience authentic Japanese culture away from the typical tourist routes.
How many days should I spend in Tokushima?
A minimum of 2-3 days is recommended to experience Tokushima City and its surroundings. Add an extra day if you plan to explore the Iya Valley thoroughly or want to take day trips to nearby attractions.
When is the best time to see the Naruto Whirlpools?
The whirlpools are most dramatic during spring tides, which occur during new and full moons. They’re also larger in spring and autumn. Check tide schedules before your visit, as the whirlpools are only visible during certain hours each day.
Experience the Hidden Charm of Tokushima
Tokushima City offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and authentic Japanese traditions that remain untouched by mass tourism. From the rhythmic movements of the Awa Odori dance to the powerful swirls of the Naruto Whirlpools, from indigo-dyeing workshops to the spiritual beginning of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Tokushima rewards visitors with memories that capture Japan’s true essence.
Whether you’re seeking adventure in the remote Iya Valley, cultural immersion in centuries-old traditions, or simply a taste of Japan beyond the usual tourist trail, Tokushima welcomes you with open arms and unforgettable experiences. Pack your bags and discover one of Japan’s best-kept secrets!
Ready to experience Tokushima’s unique charm?
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The above is subject to change.
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