Tokushima Travel Recommendations

Tokushima Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku in Japan, and it is famous for its traditional performing art form called Awa Odori, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The prefecture is also known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the Yoshino River, the Oboke Gorge, and the Iya Valley. In this section, we will provide an overview of Tokushima Prefecture, including how to get there, the best season to visit, and must-see places.

Getting to Tokushima from Tokyo

The most convenient way to get to Tokushima from Tokyo is by taking a domestic flight to Tokushima Awaodori Airport, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Okayama Station, and then transfer to the local train to Tokushima, which takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. Another option is to take a highway bus from Tokyo Station to Tokushima, which takes about 12 hours.

Best Season to Visit Tokushima

The best season to visit Tokushima is from late spring to early autumn, from April to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy various outdoor activities and festivals, including the Awa Odori festival in August.

Must-See Places in Tokushima

Awa Odori Kaikan

This is a museum dedicated to the Awa Odori dance, where you can learn about its history and watch live performances.

Tokushima Castle Ruins

The ruins of a castle that was built in the 17th century and destroyed in the 19th century.

Otsuka Museum of Art

This is the world’s largest ceramic art museum, where you can see replicas of famous artworks.

Iya Valley

A beautiful and remote valley with steep cliffs, a clear river, and unique traditional thatched-roof houses.

Naruto Whirlpools

The Naruto Strait has some of the world’s largest whirlpools, which can be viewed from a boat or from the Uzu no Michi observatory.

Yoshino River

A beautiful river that runs through Tokushima and is a popular spot for rafting and fishing.

Ryozen-ji Temple

The first of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, which is a popular pilgrimage route for Buddhists.

Mount Tsurugi

The second-highest mountain in Shikoku, which offers beautiful views and hiking trails.

Tairyuji Temple

A temple that is famous for its five-storied pagoda and its beautiful garden.

Hiwasa Chelonian Museum

A museum dedicated to turtles and tortoises, with various species from around the world.

Cuisines you can enjoy in Tokushima

Naruto Kintoki Sweet Potato

Naruto Kintoki sweet potato is a popular crop in Tokushima, with a bright reddish-orange color and a sweet taste. It is often used in various dishes, such as desserts and tempura, and is particularly famous for its use in imo-kenpi, a traditional snack made by thinly slicing and deep-frying the sweet potato.

Awabi (Abalone)

Tokushima’s coastal location makes it an ideal place for seafood lovers, and awabi (abalone) is a particularly prized delicacy. The local variety is known for its plumpness and rich flavor, and can be enjoyed in various ways, such as sashimi, grilled, or simmered in soy sauce.

Sudachi

Sudachi is a small, sour citrus fruit that is widely used in Tokushima cuisine, adding a refreshing tang to dishes such as sashimi, tempura, and soba noodles. It is also often used to make a sour, refreshing juice or as a garnish for drinks.

Iya Soba

Iya Soba is a type of soba noodle made with 100% buckwheat flour, which gives it a distinctive nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. It is often served cold with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, and topped with scallions and wasabi.

Recommended Accommodations in Tokushima

Naruto Kaigetsu

This elegant Japanese-style ryokan overlooks the Naruto Strait and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The ryokan features traditional Japanese architecture, spacious guest rooms, and a range of amenities including a hot spring bath.

Tokushima Grand Hotel Kairakuen

This stylish hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Tokushima city and features modern guest rooms with stunning city views. The hotel also has several restaurants serving a variety of Japanese and international cuisine, as well as a fitness center and a hot spring bath.

Iya Onsen Hotel

This luxurious hot spring resort is located in the picturesque Iya Valley and features a range of hot spring baths with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel also has several restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine, as well as a spa and wellness center.

Seaside Hotel Taimaru Kaigetsu

This beachfront hotel is located in the coastal town of Naruto and offers stunning views of the Naruto Strait. The hotel features spacious guest rooms with private balconies, several restaurants serving a variety of Japanese and international cuisine, and a hot spring bath.

Villa Itoshima

This stylish hotel is located in the scenic town of Itoshima and offers luxurious guest rooms with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea. The hotel also features a range of amenities including a hot spring bath, a spa, and several restaurants serving Japanese and international cuisine.

Hotel Kazurabashi

This charming hotel is located in the heart of the Iya Valley and offers traditional Japanese-style guest rooms with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel also features a range of amenities including a hot spring bath, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a tea lounge.

Hotel Miyarikyu

This elegant hot spring resort is located in the town of Miyoshi and offers spacious guest rooms with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel features several hot spring baths, a restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine, and a tea lounge.

Hotel Sunriver Oboke

This contemporary hotel is located in the scenic Oboke Gorge and features spacious guest rooms with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and river. The hotel also has several restaurants serving a variety of Japanese and international cuisine, as well as a hot spring bath.

Tokushima Tokyu REI Hotel

This modern hotel is located in the heart of Tokushima city and features comfortable guest rooms with all the modern amenities. The hotel also has several restaurants serving Japanese and international cuisine, as well as a fitness center and a hot spring bath.

Hotel Mielparque Naruto

This beachfront hotel is located in the coastal town of Naruto and offers spacious guest rooms with stunning views of the Naruto Strait. The hotel also features several restaurants serving a variety of Japanese and international cuisine, as well as a fitness center and a hot spring bath.

Conclusion

Tokushima Prefecture is a beautiful and fascinating destination in Japan, with a unique culture and beautiful natural scenery. Whether you are interested in traditional Japanese festivals, outdoor activities, or historical sites, there is something for everyone in Tokushima. We hope this overview and guide has helped you plan your trip to this wonderful destination.