Tokushima Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the eastern part of Shikoku island lies the vibrant city of Tokushima, a hidden gem in Japan. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and captivating festivals, Tokushima offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Japan.

Tokushima is renowned for its traditional performing art known as Awa Odori, a mesmerizing dance that takes place during the annual Awa Odori Festival. This lively event, held in August, attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to witness the spirited dancers clad in colorful costumes, moving to the rhythm of traditional music. The streets of Tokushima come alive during this festival, creating an electric atmosphere that is impossible to resist.

For nature enthusiasts, Tokushima boasts an abundance of natural beauty that will leave you in awe. One of the must-visit destinations in the city is the Naruto Whirlpools, formed by the powerful tides of the Naruto Strait. Take a thrilling boat ride and witness the mesmerizing whirlpools as they swirl beneath you, creating a spectacle that is both powerful and beautiful.

If you are seeking tranquility and serenity, a visit to the Oboke and Koboke Gorges is highly recommended. These picturesque gorges, carved by the Yoshino River, offer breathtaking views of lush greenery, towering cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Embark on a peaceful boat ride through the gorges and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature.

For history buffs, Tokushima has a wealth of cultural sites waiting to be explored. The Tokushima Castle Ruins, located in the heart of the city, offer a glimpse into the region's feudal past. Explore the remains of the castle walls and discover the history that unfolded within its walls.

After a day of exploration, indulge in the local cuisine of Tokushima. The city is known for its delicious dishes, such as sudachi, a small citrus fruit that adds a refreshing tang to various dishes. Be sure to try the local specialty, Tokushima ramen, a hearty bowl of noodles served in a flavorful broth.

Local name: 徳島市 Population: 255.2 thous. (2019)Area: 73.9 mi²Elevation: 52 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°4'22"N, 134°33'4"E

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Region: TokushimaJapan

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Tokushima Top Attractions

Tokushima Attractions - What to See and Explore

Tokushima offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Awa Odori Kaikan, Tokushima Castle Museum, Tokushima Prefectural Museum, Aibahama Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Specialty museum • Performing arts
Awa Odori Kaikan
The Awa Odori Hall is a museum in the city of Tokushima where visitors can learn about Awa Odori, watch displays of the dance and sample local products. It is located at the base of the 280m-high Mount Bizan. The hall also acts as a gateway to neighboring Mount Bizan with the location of a ropeway station on Level five.
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Tokushima Castle Museum
Tokushima Castle Museum opened in Tokushima, Japan, in 1992. The museum is located in a garden with the ruins of Tokushima Castle, and features exhibits about the history of the castle.
Stylish natural history and art museum
Tokushima Prefectural Museum
Tokushima Prefectural Museum is a prefectural museum in Tokushima, Japan, dedicated to the nature, archaeology, history, folklore, and art of Tokushima Prefecture. It first opened in 1959 and reopened in new premises in 1990.

Park
Aibahama Park
Aibahama Park is a park in Aiba-cho in Tokushima City in Tokushima Prefecture.
Forts and castles
Tokushima Castle
Tokushima Castle is a 16th-century castle on a hilltop, located in Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
Museum • Art museum
Tokushima Modern Art Museum
Tokushima Modern Art Museum is a prefectural art museum in...
Nature • Mountain
Mount Bizan
Mount Bizan is a mountain in the city of Tokushima in Tokushima Prefecture. The mountain's name is written with the characters for eyebrow and mountain.
Town • Area
Kitajima
Kitajima is a town located in Itano District, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. As of June 1, 2019, the town has an estimated population of 22,645 and a density of 2,591 persons per km², making it the densest town in Shikoku.
Museum • Specialty museum
Moraes Museum
The Moraes Museum is a memorial to the Portuguese diplomat Wenceslau de Moraes, once located in Bizan-cho, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture.
34°3'59"N • 134°33'22"E
Mikawa House
Mikawa House is a historical building in Tokushima, Japan. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2007.
Piers and boardwalks • Trail • Park
Shinmachi Riverside Park
Shinmachi River Waterfront Park is located along the Shinmachi River in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture. Selected as one of the 30 best natural water sources for daily life, one of the 88 MIZUBE places on Shikoku Island, and one of the 88...
34°4'30"N • 134°32'46"E
Tokushima Arts Foundation for Culture
The Tokushima Arts Foundation for Culture（徳島県郷土文化会館） is a multi-purpose cultural facility found in the Aiba-cho district in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture. It sits on the grounds of the Aibahama Park and runs alongside the Shinmachi River.
Bridge
Shikoku Saburo Bridge
Shikoku Saburo Bridge is a bridge in Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku that spans the Yoshino River. It joins Ojin-cho on the north of the river to Fudouhigashi-cho on the south of the river.
Universities and schools
Tokushima Bunri University
Tokushima Bunri University is a private university in Tokushima, Japan.
Universities and schools
University of Tokushima
Tokushima University is a national university in the city of Tokushima, Japan, with seven graduate schools and five undergraduate faculties. The university was founded in 1949, by merging six national education facilities into one. The 2014 Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, Shuji Nakamura graduated from Tokushima University.

Day trips

Tokushima – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Tokushima, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Higashiyama Kaii Seouchi Art Museum (Sakaide), Kotohira-gū (Kotohira), Wakayama Castle (Wakayama).

46 milesNW
Art museum, Museum
Higashiyama Kaii Seouchi Art Museum, Sakaide
Nestled in the picturesque city of Sakaide, Japan, the Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum stands as a serene tribute to the celebrated Japanese painter, Higashiyama Kaii. Renowned for his landscape paintings that beautifully capture the essence of...
43 milesW
Shinto shrine on the side of Mount Zōzu
Kotohira-gū, Kotohira
Nestled in the quaint town of Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, Kotohira-gū, also known as Kompira-san, is a revered Shinto shrine that beckons pilgrims and tourists alike with its blend of spiritual heritage and natural beauty.
37 milesE
Tranquil hilltop castle
Wakayama Castle, Wakayama
Nestled in the heart of the city of Wakayama, Wakayama Castle stands as a proud testament to Japan's rich feudal history. This historic fortress, encircled by stone walls and moats, has been a focal point of the region since its initial construction during the 16th...
34 milesNW
Historic garden with ponds and a teahouse
Ritsurin Garden, Takamatsu
Nestled in the bustling city of Takamatsu, Japan, Ritsurin Garden stands as a serene oasis of traditional Japanese landscape art. This sprawling daimyo garden, known for its exquisite scenic beauty, spans over 75 hectares and provides a tranquil retreat from the urban...
46 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Football, Sport venue
Pikara Stadium, Marugame
Pikara Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Marugame, Kagawa, Japan, formally called Kagawa Marugame Stadium. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium holds 30,099 people. The stadium was built in 1997. It was formerly known as Kagawa Marugame Stadium.