Tokushima Prefecture may not always appear at the top of first-time Japan itineraries, but that is precisely what makes it so rewarding. Without the overwhelming crowds of larger cities, Tokushima offers space—both physically and mentally—to explore Japan in a more personal way.
From vibrant festivals and deep-rooted traditions to dramatic natural landscapes and distinctive local cuisine, Tokushima presents a well-balanced mix of experiences. Whether you are visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay in Shikoku, these ten highlights capture the essence of what makes the region unique.
1. Experience the Energy of Awa Odori
No visit to Tokushima is complete without encountering Awa Odori, the region’s most iconic cultural event.
Held every August, this traditional dance festival transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of rhythm and movement. Dancers fill the streets in coordinated groups, accompanied by live music and chanting that creates an atmosphere both festive and immersive.
Even outside the festival season, you can experience Awa Odori through performances and museums that showcase its history and technique. For many travelers, it becomes more than just a performance—it is a moment of participation and connection.
2. Witness the Power of the Naruto Whirlpools
One of Tokushima’s most famous natural attractions is the Naruto Whirlpools.
Formed by tidal currents between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, these विशाल swirling currents are best viewed during peak tide times. Visitors can either take a sightseeing boat for a close-up experience or view them from above via the Onaruto Bridge.
The constantly changing patterns ensure that no two visits are ever the same.
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3. Explore the Remote Beauty of Iya Valley
For those seeking a more secluded and immersive natural experience, Iya Valley offers a dramatic landscape of mountains, forests, and deep gorges.
The journey into the valley itself is part of the experience, with winding roads that gradually reveal increasingly untouched scenery. It is an ideal destination for travelers looking to step away from urban environments and reconnect with nature.
4. Cross a Traditional Vine Bridge
Within Iya Valley, the vine bridges—known as kazurabashi—provide one of Tokushima’s most memorable experiences.
Walking across these handwoven bridges, suspended above a flowing river, offers a unique combination of history and mild adventure. The slight movement underfoot and the open gaps between wooden slats make each step deliberate and engaging.
5. Taste Authentic Tokushima Ramen
Food lovers should not miss the chance to try Tokushima Ramen, a regional specialty known for its rich, savory broth.
Typically made with pork bones and soy sauce, the soup has a slightly sweet depth, often topped with sliced pork and a raw egg. It is commonly enjoyed with rice, creating a satisfying and distinctly local dining experience.
Each ramen shop offers its own variation, making it worth trying more than once.
6. Follow Part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Tokushima marks the starting point of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a historic spiritual journey connecting 88 temples across the island.
While completing the entire route requires significant time, even visiting a few temples allows travelers to experience the atmosphere of the pilgrimage. The quiet surroundings and slower pace provide a meaningful contrast to more typical sightseeing activities.
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7. Discover the Art of Indigo Dyeing
Tokushima is the heart of Japan’s indigo tradition, known as Aizome.
Visitors can explore workshops and even participate in hands-on dyeing experiences, creating their own textiles while learning about the history and process behind this centuries-old craft.
It is a rare opportunity to engage directly with a living tradition rather than simply observing it.
8. Enjoy the Refreshing Flavor of Sudachi
A visit to Tokushima would not be complete without tasting Sudachi, a local citrus fruit that plays a key role in regional cuisine.
Its bright, tangy flavor is often used to enhance grilled fish, noodles, and drinks. While subtle, it adds a refreshing balance that defines many local dishes.
9. Relax Along the Yoshino River
The Yoshino River, one of Japan’s major rivers, offers a different kind of experience depending on how you choose to engage with it.
For adventure seekers, rafting provides an exciting way to navigate its currents. For others, simply spending time along its banks offers a peaceful setting to slow down and take in the surroundings.
It is a place where both energy and calm coexist.
10. Explore Local Markets and Everyday Life
Beyond major attractions, some of the most memorable experiences in Tokushima come from everyday moments.
Local markets, small restaurants, and neighborhood streets provide insight into daily life in the region. Seasonal ingredients, casual conversations, and unplanned discoveries often leave a stronger impression than scheduled activities.
Taking time to explore without a strict itinerary allows these moments to emerge naturally.
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Finding Your Own Rhythm in Tokushima
What makes Tokushima special is not just the variety of things to do, but the way they come together. Cultural traditions, natural landscapes, and local flavors are not separate experiences—they are interconnected.
You might start your day exploring a quiet temple, spend the afternoon crossing a mountain valley, and end it with a bowl of ramen in a small local shop. Each moment feels distinct, yet part of a larger flow.
Rather than trying to see everything, Tokushima rewards those who take their time. The experiences here are not about rushing from one highlight to another, but about finding a rhythm that feels your own—and following it.
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