Located in Shikoku, Tokushima Prefecture is brimming with stunning natural scenery, rich cultural traditions, and mouthwatering local cuisine!
Here, you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Awa Odori festival, marvel at the swirling whirlpools, or recharge in a hidden gem. There’s something for everyone! Below, we introduce unforgettable experiences you must check off during your Tokushima trip!
Witness the World’s Largest Naruto Whirlpools
A visit to Tokushima Prefecture isn’t complete without seeing the world’s largest Naruto Whirlpools! This awe-inspiring natural phenomenon is truly breathtaking.
For an up-close experience, hop on a whirlpool sightseeing boat, with the “Uzusio Sightseeing Boat” being a popular choice for getting as close as possible to the action. Alternatively, the “Uzu no Michi” walkway at the Onaruto Bridge features a glass floor, letting you peer down at the swirling tides below for a thrilling view!
The best time to see the whirlpools is during the spring and autumn high tide seasons, particularly from late March to late April and late September to late October, when the whirlpools are at their most dramatic!
- Address: 264-1 Oge, Tosadomariura, Naruto-cho, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 8:00–17:00 (*Operating times may vary by date)
- Access: Approx. 10 minutes from Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway Naruto-Kita IC
- Uzusio Sightseeing Boat Website: https://www.uzusio.com/
Experience Awa Odori
To feel the fiery summer vibes of Tokushima Prefecture, Awa Odori is a must! With the chant, “The dancing fool and the watching fool are both fools, so why not dance?” the entire city comes alive with passion. The energetic dance performances by people of all ages will fill you with vitality!
From August 12 to 15, Tokushima City hosts a grand Awa Odori festival, with dance fervor sweeping the streets from day to night!
If you’re visiting outside of summer, head to the Awa Odori Kaikan, where the history and charm of Awa Odori are showcased year-round. Daily daytime and evening performances let you experience the dance up close!
- Address: Awa Odori Kaikan, 2-20 Shinmachi-bashi, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00–20:00
- Closed: Second Wednesday of February, June, September, and December
- Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station
Savor Tokushima Ramen
No trip to Tokushima is complete without trying the local specialty, Tokushima Ramen! Featuring a rich pork bone and soy sauce broth, sweet-spicy braised pork belly, and a raw egg, its flavor is one-of-a-kind.
Tokushima Ramen is a soul food for locals, and you’ll find countless ramen shops around Tokushima Station. Each shop has its own unique take, so comparing flavors is part of the fun!
The rich taste of Tokushima Ramen pairs perfectly with white rice, a local eating style. Give this carb-heavy combo a try!
Cross the Iya Kazura Bridge for a Thrilling Adventure
The Kazura Bridge in TokCF’s hidden Iya Valley is one of Japan’s three most unique bridges. This 45-meter-long, 14-meter-high suspension bridge, woven from shirakuchi vines, offers a thrilling experience as you glimpse the clear Iya River through gaps underfoot!
Hold the handrails tightly and step carefully as you cross. From the bridge’s center, take in the stunning views of the Iya Valley!
Nearby, you’ll find hot springs and eateries, perfect for unwinding after your bridge adventure.
- Address: 162-2 Zentoku, Nishi-Iyayama-mura, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture
- Operating Hours:
- April–June: 8:00–18:00
- July–August: 7:30–18:30
- September–March: 8:00–17:00
- Access: Approx. 45 minutes from Tokushima Expressway Ikawa-Ikeda IC
Cruise the Oboke Gorge for Stunning Scenery
Want to soak in Tokushima’s majestic nature? The Oboke Gorge sightseeing cruise is the way to go! Enjoy the leisurely view of steep cliffs lining the gorge from the boat.
The scenery from the boat is absolutely breathtaking, with each season offering a unique charm. In autumn, the red and yellow foliage transforms the gorge into a stunning spectacle!
During the cruise, the boatman’s lively commentary highlights legendary rocks and nature’s artistic formations, making the journey unforgettable!
- Address: 1520 Nishiu, Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Last departure at 16:30)
- Access: Approx. 30 minutes from Tokushima Expressway Ikawa-Ikeda IC
Buy Naruto Wakame as a Souvenir
Looking for a souvenir that captures Tokushima’s natural essence? Naruto wakame is a great pick! Grown in the turbulent currents of the Naruto Strait, this wakame is thick, crisp, and bursting with flavor.
Shops in Naruto sell dried wakame, salted wakame, and more. Convenient pre-cut wakame or premium wakame for gifting make excellent souvenirs!
Not only is Naruto wakame delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice.
Take in the Tokushima City Panorama from Mount Bizan
The iconic Mount Bizan in Tokushima City offers a spectacular vantage point to overlook the entire city.
During the day, enjoy sweeping views of the city, the Yoshino River, and even Awaji Island in the distance.
The twilight to nighttime hours are especially recommended, as the twinkling city lights create a romantic atmosphere, perfect for a date!
You can easily reach the summit via ropeway. At just 290 meters with a gentle slope, hiking up and down is also a fun option!
- Address: 2-20 Shinmachi-bashi, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture
- Operating Hours:
- April 1–October 31: 9:00–21:00
- November 1–March 31: 9:00–17:30
- January 1: 6:00–17:30
- August 12–15: 9:00–22:00
- Access:
- Train: Approx. 11-minute walk from JR Tokushima Line Tokushima Station
- Car: Approx. 11 minutes from Shikoku Trans-Island Expressway/Tokushima Expressway Tokushima IC
Indulge in Tokushima Delicacies like Awaodori Chicken and Naruto Tai
Tokushima Prefecture is a treasure trove of ingredients nurtured by its rich nature. Awaodori chicken and Naruto tai (sea bream) are delicacies you can only savor here.
Awaodori chicken is known for its firm texture and rich flavor that intensifies with every bite. Restaurants across the city serve it as yakitori, charcoal-grilled dishes, or in hot pots.
Naruto tai, raised in the fierce currents of the Naruto Strait, boasts firm, delectable flesh. Try it as sashimi or in tai-meshi (sea bream rice) to enjoy its fresh taste!
Stroll Through the Udatsu Townscape
The Udatsu Townscape in Waki-machi, Mima City, is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. This area preserves merchant houses built from the Edo period to the early Showa era, reflecting the prosperity of yesteryear.
“Udatsu” refers to fireproof walls built between neighboring houses, and homes with elaborate udatsu were a sign of wealth. Walking along streets lined with white walls, lattice windows, and earthen storehouses feels like stepping back in time.
Nearby, you can try indigo dyeing or dine at restaurants serving local ingredients, adding to the experience!
- Address: 55 Waki-machi, Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: Waki-machi Theater: 9:00–17:00 / Yoshida House: 9:00–16:30
- Closed: Waki-machi Theater: Tuesdays / Yoshida House: Wednesdays
- Access: Approx. 7 minutes from Tokushima Expressway Waki-machi IC
Try Handa Somen
Tokushima’s hidden gem, Handa somen, is a lesser-known delicacy. Thicker and chewier than regular somen, it boasts a smooth texture and rich wheat aroma.
Enjoy it hot in broth, chilled with dipping sauce, or even as pasta, in salads, or stir-fries—there are endless ways to savor it!
Restaurants serving Handa somen are concentrated in Tsurugi Town, Tokushima Prefecture. Pair your meal with visits to natural attractions like Mount Tsurugi or Dodoro Waterfall for a fulfilling trip!
