Spots in Tokushima Area

  • Otsuka Museum of Art
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    4.5
    992 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tokushima Pref. Narutoshi Narutochoutosadomariura Fukuike 65-1
    Located in Naruto Town, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, this art museum has the largest permanent exhibition space in Japan. The exhibits consist of more than 1,000 Western paintings reproduced in full scale on ceramic panels. Visitors can appreciate masterpieces from all over the world such as Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, Edvard Munch’s The Scream and Picasso’s Guernica. The viewing route through the museum is about four kilometers long. There is also a museum shop and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals while looking out over the garden.

    Its wonderful that everything is carefully reproduced on a ceramic plate and on the actual sizeら. The works that I have seen in art museums during my travels all over the world are displayed all at...

  • Uzunomichi Promenade (Tokushima Prefecture)
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    4.0
    633 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Prefecture Naruto City Naruto-cho (in Naruto Park)
    Uzunomichi Promenade is located around 60 minutes by bus from JR Tokushima Station. The promenade extends out over the sea, under the Ohnaruto Bridge, for 450 meters. Opened in 2000, this is one of Tokushima’s best known tourist attractions. Glass-floored sections have been installed at four locations along the Promenade, so that visitors can view the strong tides and roaring whirlpools in the sea below. The observation gallery at the far end of the Promenade makes use of the space provided by one of the Bridge girders to enable visitors to walk right round and get a 360-degree view; visitors can experience the impressive whirlpools from a spot 45 meters above the water.

    Naruto Whirlpool from the above on the Onaruto Bridge. Originally it was planned for the Shinkansen railroad to be put. After the plan was canceled, it was turned into a Naruto whirlpool viewing...

  • Awaodorikaikan
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    4.0
    411 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima ken Tokushima-shi Shimomachi Bridge2-20
    "Opened in 1999, the Awa Odori Hall on the second floor features the Awa Odori Kaikan's resident troupe, ""Awa no Kaze,"" who perform on stage. In addition, there is an Awa Odori Museum on the 3rd floor that introduces the history of Awa Odori dance, a corner selling local specialties on the 1st floor, and the foot station of the Mt."

    There are five performances daily. We were able to dance with them after a short explanation. This is a must if you want to see real awa odors dancing.

  • Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Pleasure Cruise
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    4.0
    117 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Pref. Miyoshishi Yamashirochounishiu 1520
    This sightseeing tour boat departs from the “Restaurant Oboke Gorge Mannaka” and the “V”-shaped Oboke Gorge can be seen from the river. Visitors can also see the Natural Monument, Ganrekihengan (pebbly schist) up close and the scenery of the gorge can only be described in one word: stunning.

    You can get the tickets once you arrive at the reception. Ticket for an adult is 1200 yen and the boat ride is around 30mins (round trip). Since the temperature was quite cold, the services staff...

  • Yakuo-ji Temple
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    4.0
    79 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Pref. Kaifugunminamichou Okugawauchi Teramae 285-1
    The Yakuo-ji Temple is a Koya-san Shingon Buddhist temple located in Okugawauchi, Minami-cho, Tokushima Prefecture. It is the 23rd temple visited on the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage; the temple’s formal name is Iozan Muryoju-in. According to legend, the temple was founded in 726 by the Buddhist monk Gyoki on the orders of the Emperor Shomu. The main object of veneration at the Yakuo-ji Temple is a statue of the Yakushi Nyorai Buddha (Medicine Buddha), and praying at the temple is believed to be very effective at warding off evil. The main hall is reached by two flights of stone steps: the Onna-yaku Zaka (33 steps) and the Otoko-yaku Zaka (42 steps). Further on, the Yugi-to pagoda houses an exhibition room and observation platform; downstairs, pilgrims worship by walking round the Yakushiji Sanzon (a triad of three Buddha statues).

    なかなか立派な遍路寺です。開創1300年に及ぶ寺院の縁起だけではなくて、関わっていた人物も聖徳太子の勅願で行基菩薩が建立し、そこへ空海・弘法大師が平城天皇の勅令で本尊、厄除薬師如来像を刻んで厄除の根本祈願寺とした、と云う、仏教界の当初の偉人が総出演で成した寺院です。これだけ役者が揃っている寺院は全国広と云えどもそうは無い、昔から全国区で厄除に人が訪れたのも理解は出来る。堂塔そのものは何度も戦火に遭...

  • Bizan Park
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    4.0
    112 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tokushima Tokushima-shi Bizancho
    This park is located about a 20-minute drive from Tokushima Interchange on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. or about a 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station to the Awa Odori Hall and then a six-minute ride on the Bizan Ropeway. The park was built on the summit of Mt. Bizan, the symbol of Tokushima City. From the summit, visitors can see as far as the Asan Mountains, the Seto Inland Sea, and the mountains of Kishu. Visitors can enjoy seasonal nature such as the park's cascades of seasonal flowers, its famous cherry blossoms, and its 3,900 trees and shrubs. There is also a wild bird observation trail through the park.

    The park is located within the city and has a great view overlooking it. If you are there in time for the sakura blossoming, it is also a good option to do a nice relaxing picnic under the Sakura.

  • Ooasahiko Shrine
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    4.5
    82 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Pref. Narutoshi Oasachoubandou Hiroduka 13
    This shrine is dedicated to two Shinto deities, Osahiko-no-Okami and Sarutahiko no Okami. Although the exact date of its founding is unclear, this ancient shrine had already become one of the representative shrines of Awa Province by about 1,100 years ago. The shrine’s sacred tree, a more than 1,000-year-old camphor tree, has been designated as a Naruto City cultural property.

    大麻比古神社(おおあさひこじんじゃ)は、徳島県鳴門市大麻町板東広塚(とくしまけんなるとしおおあさちょうばんどうひろづか)にある神社だ。 阿波國一の宮で、祭神は大麻比古神(おおあさひこのかみ)、猿田彦大神...

  • Asutamu Land Tokushima
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    4.5
    69 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tokushima Pref. Itanogunitanochou Natou Kiviga Valley 45-22
    Asutamu Land Tokushima is a vast prefectural park located in the nature-rich hills of the Kibiga Valley. There are lots of things for visitors to do such as the Children’s Science Center where children can learn about science through play and hands-on activities, the Experience Studio where parents and children can have a go at some experiments and enjoy making things, and there is the Yoshino River Meguri water ride inspired by the natural scenery of Tokushima, etc. It’s a great day out for the whole family.

    If you are travelling in Tokushima with small children, they may not be as interested in all the cultural things there are to see. So if you need a change of pace to keep the kids happy, this is the...

  • Tokushima City Tokushima Castle Museum
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    3.5
    68 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tokushima Pref. Tokushimashi Tokushimachoujounai 1-8
    This is a museum erected at the site of the Tokushima Castle palace ruins in Tokushima Central Park, Tokushima City. It is only a 10-minute walk from the JR Tokushima Station. The permanent exhibit is divided into five themes showcasing artisan works and historical materials of the Tokushima domain and the Hachisuka clan. Here, the Senzanmaru, a national Important Cultural Property that is a decorative whaling ship from the Tokushima domain is the main attraction amongst many other treasures. The museum annually hosts six special exhibits or themed exhibits. The visitors to the history museum may use the same ticket to enjoy the adjoining former Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden as well.

    Tokushima castle museum is small but has a very nice collection of artifacts and information about the castle history and region. It is surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden with some wildlife.

  • The Naruto German House
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    4.0
    77 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Pref. Narutoshi Oasachouhinoki Higashiyamada 55-2
    This museum features exhibits on the activities of German soldiers imprisoned at the Bando prisoner-of-war camp, their exchanges with locals, and other subjects. Musical activities in particular thrived at the Bando prisoner-of-war camp, which was the site of the first concert performance of the entirety of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in Asia. In addition to exhibits and a museum shop, the museum also has large and small conference rooms available for rent.

    This is the museum that was built to remember the German prisoners who spent the war years in a camp run by the Japanese government. The museum itself is very well done and includes many samples of...

  • Onaruto Bridge Museum Eddy
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    3.5
    64 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Pref. Narutoshi Narutochoutosadomariura Fukuike Naruto park
    This memorial hall is based on the theme of whirlpools and bridges. Inside the building, you’ll find a theater, games, and simulations that teach visitors about the construction of the Onaruto Bridge and the whirlpools that appear in the Naruto Channel. The observation facility on the roof offers a 360-degree view of the Naruto Channel and Onaruto Bridge, as well as the Pacific Ocean side of Wakayama Prefecture and Shodoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea.

    Fantastic walk under the Onaruto Bridge to view the magnificent whirlpool. Need to be mindful of the timing or else you would not be able to witness one. The whirlpool happens during low tide where...

  • Tairyu-ji Temple
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    4.5
    47 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Pref. Ananshi Kamochou Yongsan 2
    The Tairyu-ji Temple is the 21st temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. According to tradition, the Temple was founded towards the end of the 8th century on the orders of Emperor Kammu. Legend has it that, when Kobo Daishi was aged around 19, he engaged in a devotional practice called Kokuzo-gumonji-ho by chanting a mantra one million times on top of a peak called Mt. Shashin, which is located around 600 meters southeast of the Temple precincts. This peak can be viewed while traveling on the ropeway that leads up to the Tairyu-ji Temple; a bronze statue of Kobo Daishi engaged in his religious devotions has been installed there.

    Visited this temple as part of my 88 Temple Pilgrimage. When I visited, the only options were to either walk or take the cable car. The cable car costs ¥2400 for the round trip, but if you take your...

  • Idoji Temple
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    4.0
    45 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Pref. Tokushimashi Kokufuchouido Kitayashiki 80-1
    Idoji Temple, located to the west of Nakaakui Bridge, is the 17th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. It used to be named Myoshoji Temple but it came to be called “Ido (Well) Temple” because of the story that Kobo Daishi dug a well with his staff for the local people who were lacking water. The well itself remains as the “Omokage no Ido.” The seven Buddha Yakushi Nyorai—main temple idols—are located in the main hall and were said to have been made by Shotoku Taishi. Visitors can come and worship directly. The eleven-faced Kannon bodhisattva located in the Kannon hall is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

    アクセスがしやすい寺院でした。何度も参拝・遍路しているお馴染みの寺院です。開創1350年の古寺中の古寺名刹です。ネット上にも寺院の事については詳しく紹介されているので略。小さなお堂ですが、日限大師はいつ来ても面白い、目は相当弱っているものの、不思議に井戸にはちゃんと自分の姿が映っている。余り無駄に長生きはしたくないのですが・・・(不謹慎で申し訳ないが)。健康で好きなように行動出来るならいつまでも長...

  • Tokushima Central Park
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    4.0
    77 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tokushima Pref. Tokushimashi Tokushimachoujounai 1-outside
    This park was built on the former site of the castle of the Hachisuka Clan, the lords of the old Tokushima Domain. The park’s many attractions include the Old Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden, the Tokushima Castle Museum, a rose garden, a stream, a pond, and more. The Old Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden was designed by the national government as a Place of Scenic Beauty in 1941. This famous garden is comprised of two different gardens: a kansho-shiki garden (seated appreciation style garden) and a chisen kaiyu-shiki garden (pond strolling garden), both of which convey the style of the Momoyama period.

    We went to this park just to enjoy a walk, but were delighted to find the local petanque club having a friendly game. My husband was loaned some boules and invited to play. Petanque is the...

  • Unpenji Temple
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    4.0
    39 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Pref. Miyoshishi Ikedachouhakuchi Norochi 763
    This temple belongs to the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism and is located in Ikeda Town in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture near the summit of Mt. Unpenji, and it is the 66th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. It has the highest altitude of all the temples in the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It is said to have been erected by a 16-year-old Kukai in 789 when he visited the area. Afterward, under orders from Emperor Saga, he is said to have sculpted the principal image of Senju Kannon Bosatsu in 818 and performed the seven sacred rites. On the temple grounds, the principal image joins a standing statue of Vaisravana and other National Important Cultural Properties, and you’ll also find a statue of Gohyakurakan, a “wish-granting eggplant,” and other items worth seeing. This temple is known for its beautiful fall foliage, and a ropeway operates from the foot of the mountain.

    堂塔も景観も境内の石の羅漢さんも紅葉も、寺院の縁起と歴史も、全てが揃った素晴らしい遍路寺、霊場です。今回の遍路では少し気になることを耳にはさんだので・・。歩き遍路の方がおられて本堂前で納経時間が重複したので、私が先達を担っているグループは先に大師堂で納経したのだが、歩き遍路のグループの一人が極めて不見識かつ非常識な発言をした。「バス乗って下の駐車場まで来ているのだから、納経位は歩いて廻っている者に...

  • Roadside Station Island Udatsu (Cafe&Souvenirs Aigura)
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    3.5
    45 Reviews
    Transportation
    Tokushima Pref. Mimashi Wakimachi Machinami (station address)
    A roadside station about 10 minutes by car on the Wakimachi Interchange. The facility is a renovated old storehouse, appearing to melt into the surrounding town of Udatsu with its Edo period atmosphere. The retail shop on the first floor sells products made in Tokushima Prefecture. The second floor has a free rest area and a cafe, where you can eat handmade ice cream and meals made with Awaodori chicken. “Mimakara” ice cream has local specialty Ao-togarashi spice that adds some spice to the sweetness. Walking around Yoshida Residence or the Udatsu streets of Wakimachi is recommended.

    休息や食事を摂れる道の駅です。うだつの町並みに隣接しているため、ここに車を置いて巡るのも良いですよ。

  • Hiwasa Sea Turtle Museum Caretta
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    4.0
    54 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tokushima Pref. Kaifugunminamichou Hiwasaura 370-4
    "This museum with its focus on sea turtles is one of only a handful worldwide. ""Caretta"" is another name for loggerhead turtles. The museum explains sea turtle ecology through fossils and panel displays. Recently hatched baby sea turtles are on display in their own special tank, and you can see rare sea turtle varieties in the facility's Large Turtle Pool and the Floating Sea Turtle Hall. On holidays they hold special programs that let you feed the turtles and get close to the hatchlings. "

    This amazing museum is named after the scientific term for loggerhead sea turtles. Every year between May and August, loggerhead turtles come to lay eggs in the sand of Ohama beach, which is just a...

  • Tairyuji Ropeway
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    4.5
    45 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Pref. Nakagunnakachou Wajikigou Tano 76
    The Tairyuji Ropeway connects the Washi-no-Sato roadside station rest area in Naka Town, Naka County, Tokushima Prefecture with the Tairyu-ji Temple, which is the 21st temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. With a total length of 2,775 meters, it is the longest ropeway in Western Japan. The Ropeway crosses the Naka River (a Class A major river) and passes over 600-meter-high hills. In the past, pilgrims could only travel to the Tairyu-ji Temple to worship by ascending a steep mountain path, a serious obstacle that was known colloquially as the “pilgrim slide” because it was so difficult to climb up. Following the construction of the Ropeway, it was possible for larger numbers of pilgrims to visit the Temple.

    One of the longest ropeways I’ve ever been on. The views were amazing and the destination was beautiful. Staff was very friendly and knew their stuff.

  • Temple No. 10, Kirihataji Temple
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    4.0
    39 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Pref. Awashi Ichibachoukirihata Kannon 129
    The Kihata-ji Temple is a Koya-san Shingon Buddhist temple in Awa City. It’s formal name is Tokudo-zan Kanjo-in; it is the 10th temple visited on the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. According to legend, when the monk Kobo Daishi was practicing asceticism in this area, he asked a weaver’s daughter to give him some fabric offcuts to patch his monk’s robe with; in order to give him offcuts, the girl generously cut up the piece of cloth that she had just finished weaving for him to use. In return for her kindness, Kobo Daishi offered to carve a statue of Senju Kannon (Thousand Armed Avalokiteshwara) for the repose of her parents’ souls. When he performed the kanjo ceremony while bestowing the statue on the girl, she instantly attained Buddhahood and took on the likeness of Senju Kannon. The temple’s name and formal name both derive from this legend. Besides the statue of Senju Kannon in the Hon-do (main hall) which is the main object of veneration at the temple, Senju Kannon Bosatsu is also worshipped here in the form of a Bodhisattva.

    なかなか立派な寺院でしたが、それ以前に、ここは最近の楽して訪れることが出来る遍路寺の中にあっては、異色の存在、名にしおう難所寺でした。つまり、参拝するのに高齢者にとってはかなりしんどい寺院です。本堂までだけでも300数十段の石段があり、大塔へ行くには更に数十段が・・・。後期高齢者の私達にとっては・・・本堂下までのチャータータクシーが無いと・・・とても無理!たった650円で往復、ほぼカバーして貰える...

  • Bizan Ropeway
    rating-image
    4.0
    51 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokushima Prefecture Tokushima-shi Shinmachi 2-20 Awaodori-kaikan 5F
    The ropeway leads to the top of Mt. Bizan, the symbol of Tokushima City. 6 minutes from the foot of the mountain to the top station, you will feel as if you are taking a walk in the sky, and if the weather is fine, you can see Tokushima City, Awaji Island and the Kii Peninsula from the top.

    A cable car (Ropeway) leaves from time to time to go up and down the Mountain. At the top is a temple and restaurant and good views even at night with the lights of the city.

Tokushima Areas

around-area-map

The southeastern corner of Shikoku is home to Tokushima prefecture, a region celebrated for its luscious nature and the nation’s favorite Awa Odori, an energetic dance to which an annual summer festival has been dedicated. Keeping the upbeat tempo, whirlpools excite the Naruto sea off Tokushima, while inland, dramatic cliffs line the Iya Valley, promising unrivaled views of vast and vibrant scenery.

Tokushima Photo Album

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