Tokushima
Shikoku
Famous for the Awa Odori dance festival, Iya Valley vine bridges, and whirlpool straits.
Capital
Tokushima
Best Time to Visit
August 12–15 for the Awa Odori festival; spring (April) for Iya Valley cherry blossoms; autumn for Naruto whirlpools and foliage.
Getting There
From Osaka, Limousine Bus to Tokushima (2h 30min, ~¥3,500) or high-speed boat + bus. From Kobe, Jumbo Ferry overnight. Limited rail connections.
Top Highlights
Awa Odori Festival
Japan's most famous dance festival fills Tokushima's streets with 100,000 dancers and a million spectators each August.
Iya Valley
Remote mountain valley with ancient vine bridges (kazura-bashi) and cedar forests — one of Japan's three great hidden villages.
Naruto Whirlpools
Tidal whirlpools up to 20m in diameter form in Naruto Strait, viewable from boats or from the glass-floored Uzu no Michi walkway.
Mt. Tsurugi
Second highest peak in western Japan at 1,955m, sacred to mountain ascetics (yamabushi) with trails through ancient cedar.
Local Cuisine
Tokushima Ramen
Rich pork-bone and soy broth topped with pork belly and a raw egg — a distinct Shikoku style developed by Chinese immigrant communities.
Sudachi
Tokushima's signature citrus — a small green fruit with a fragrance between yuzu and lime, squeezed over grilled fish, noodles, and sake.
Handa Somen
Japan's finest handmade somen noodles, produced in Handa using traditional stretching methods — dramatically thinner than machine-made varieties.
Stay Connected in Tokushima
Yesim eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Japan data plans from $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I experience Awa Odori outside of August?+
Yes! The Awa Odori Kaikan center in Tokushima offers daily performances by professional troupes year-round, and visitors can try dancing themselves.
Things to Do in Tokushima
12 sustainable experiences
Tokushima Private Customizable Full Day Tour
This private and customizable tour for Tokushima is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. Discover Tokushima at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour half d
From US$330.16
Private Transfer Tokushima Airport
Private airport transfer (one-way) and English support included (communication through taxi company's call center). We provide luxurious vehicles and experienced professional drivers for your comfortable transportation experience. We give thorough consideration to safety and privacy. Please contact
From US$23.91
3 Hour Kimono Experience in Tokushima Historic District
Step back in time and stroll through the historical Udatsu District in a traditional kimono, where the charm of the Edo to Meiji eras remains alive. Be transformed with professional kimono dressing and immerse yourself in the ambiance of old Japan. A local guide will explain the town's rich history,
From US$127.93
Wakimachi Indigo Cycling Tour
Explore Wakimachi’s historic “Udatsu” townscape in Mima City, Tokushima, on a guided cycling tour combining history, scenery, and hands-on culture. The tour usually starts and ends at JR Anabuki Station. For guests coming by car, the meeting point can be changed to Ai Land Udatsu parking area. Rid
From US$89.81
Tokushima Private Custom Tour with Local Guide
Tokushima offers a blend of tradition and nature, with central stops within 3km of each other. Begin at Awa Odori Kaikan to watch a live performance of Tokushima's 400-year-old dance festival, then ride the Bizan Ropeway in the same building up Mt. Bizan for 360-degree views of the city, Yoshino Riv
From US$193.83
Iya Valley:Guided Kayaking Tour for All Levels
Enjoy kayaking at Oboke Gorge, a deep canyon crafted by the torrents of the Yoshino River that crosses the Shikoku Mountains. Designated as a national natural monument and a place of scenic beauty, Oboke attracts many rafting and kayaking enthusiasts during the summer season and is also known for th
From US$129.22
Private Tokushima Shore Excursion : Temples and Scenic Views
Proud recipient of the 2026 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award, placing us among the top 10% of experiences worldwide. Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour
From US$521
Full Day Tokushima Tour
Experience the best of Naruto on this full-day tour combining art, scenery, and natural wonders. Begin at the Otsuka Museum of Art, where you’ll walk among stunning life-size ceramic reproductions of masterpieces from around the world. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the seaside AoAwo Resort, offering fr
From US$1,000
Tokushima: Awa Odori Museum Tour & Live Dance Experience
Delve into the vibrant world of Awa Odori, Japan’s iconic dance, with this guided cultural experience in Tokushima. Explore the history and significance of Awa Odori beyond the summer festival as you visit the Awa Odori Museum, where you'll learn about the dance's evolution through engaging exhibits
From US$88.19
Tokushima Motomachi Private Activity Tour by Fine Arts
Few opportunities exist for foreigner visitors or even Japanese people to handle traditional puppets and learn about their structure and manipulation and see behind the scene views. Participants will have access to a range of traditional Japanese puppets with a guide who has more than 30 years exp
From US$75
Tokushima & Mt. Bizan BROMPTON Slow Cycling Tour
In principle, reservations are for two persons or more. A course that runs through the castle town, centering on Mt. Take the ropeway from the Awa Odori Kaikan at the foot of Mt. Meishan, which has become a novel and a movie. From there, take a break downhill and take a break at Western Park on the
From US$142.14
Iya Valley Half-Day: Private Car & Driver, No Guide
For a more efficient way to explore Iya Valley, take a private taxi on a 4-hour tour! To start your day, meet your driver at your hotel, or anywhere at your convenience. Potential stops on a four-hour tour include the Manikin Peeing Boy Statue, with stunning views of the steep surrounding mountain
From US$115.01