Tokushima is the primary place I ever visited in Shikoku, because the visitor of the JTB Journey Company. It was practically a decade in the past as I’m scripting this, although as I descended into the foyer of the JR Lodge Clement, I felt even additional again in time. It was trapped within the 80s in the absolute best approach, like a real-life Haruki Murakami novel.
My subsequent journeys to the town have been extra intentional, the tales I’ve to inform from them extra didactic. Maybe sometime I’ll compile all of them into my very own tome.
In the present day, in fact, shouldn’t be that day. I’m right here to offer you a digestible, actionable checklist of issues to do in Tokushima. I’m caring for the prose, so you possibly can write your individual poetry when you get there.
The place to Keep in Tokushima
Earlier than I get into the weeds of issues to do in Tokushima, let’s speak about the place within the metropolis you may make your property. (Earlier than I try this, I’ll offer you a disclaimer: A lot of the inns on this metropolis aren’t something particular, though there are some newer and newly-renovated properties which can be at the least snug.) On the whole, since a lot of the actions you get pleasure from in Tokushima start and finish on the station, I like to recommend staying as near there as attainable.
As I referenced within the intro to this piece, my first expertise with Tokushima inns was on the handy and 80s-fabulous JR Lodge Clement, which is actually proper throughout from JR Tokushima Station. Different inns that aren’t fairly as handy however barely newer (and with extra trendy ambiance, definitely) embody Lodge Sunroute and Daiwa Roynet Lodge Tokushima Ekimae, which is a part of one among my favourite Japanese resort chains.
What to Do in Tokushima
Absorb an Awa-Odori efficiency
It saddens me that Awa-Odori, the long-lasting Tokushima dance custom, isn’t extra well-known exterior of Japan (and certainly, exterior of Shikoku). Alternatively, you possibly can let different folks’s loss be your achieve. Throughout all however a couple of days of the yr, you’ll merely must set your GPS for the Tokushima Awa-Odori Kaikan to absorb a efficiency.
(Ideally, in the course of the pageant itself)
Alternatively, for those who Tokushima itinerary will happen in mid-August, you possibly can attend the annual Awa-Odori Matsuri pageant. Though getting a resort right here throughout this time could be troublesome—you could ebook six months upfront, at minimal—it’s one among my favourite summer season festivals in all of Japan.
Journey the Bizan Ropeway
Tokushima is a way more enticing metropolis than the low profile it retains would recommend, notably while you see it within the context of its surrounding nature. One of the best ways to do that? Journey the Bizan Ropeway to the highest of the “lovely mountain” of the identical identify, which lets you see the Seto Inland Sea (and, on a transparent day, Naruto—extra on that place in a minute) within the distance.
Discover the Tokushima Fort Ruins
Likewise, the ruins of Tokushima Fort are usually not one of many high issues to do in Tokushima, as those in Takamatsu (which aren’t actually all that ruined) or one of many many Shikoku cities with an “authentic” citadel. Nonetheless, with a location simply behind JR Tokushima Station, and being house to a number of towering timber, they’re fascinating sufficient to justify spending a couple of minutes of your time.
Uncover the remainder of Tokushima-ken
As I’ve written in my information about journey in Tokushima prefecture extra broadly, Tokushima-ken is a day tripper’s paradise. When you are available autumn, for instance, I recommend you journey from Tokushima to Iya Valley to see colourful leaves. Extra evergreen day journeys embody the Udatsu indigo village, and the aforementioned Naruto Whirlpools.
Find out how to Get to Tokushima
The excellent news? You possibly can experience a bus instantly from Osaka to Tokushima, though—be warned—there are a couple of stops between JR Osaka Station and JR Tokushima Station. The higher information? Since this bus is operated by JR, you possibly can experience it at no cost for those who maintain a Japan Rail Cross. (Though the JR Cross is of restricted utility in Shikoku, given the shortage of Shinkansen bullet trains and the widely low value of using the island’s rails.)
Alternatively, you don’t have to start your journey to Shikoku by ticking off issues to do in Tokushima. Though I want to begin my Shikoku adventures in Tokushima and work my approach clockwise, you might as a substitute enter from the north (Takamatsu, by way of Okayama) and journey the opposite approach across the island. In both case, Tokushima is as straightforward to succeed in from Honshu as it’s from locations inside Shikoku.
Different FAQ About Issues to Do in Tokushima
What’s Tokushima recognized for?
Tokushima is understood for the annual Awa-Odori pageant and likewise, for being the closest metropolis in Japan to the otherworldly Naruto Whirlpools. Moreover, it’s the japanese gateway to Shikoku island, and is instantly related to Osaka by bus.
Is Tokushima value visiting?
Tokushima is totally value visiting for those who’re planning to be in Shikoku anyway. From the Naruto Whirlpools to the prospect to see an Awa-Odori efficiency, Tokushima affords a few of the most unusual journey experiences in Japan. Alternatively, for those who don’t plan to go to Shikoku, Tokushima could find yourself being an excessive amount of of a trek for you.
The place ought to I keep in Tokushima?
I usually want staying close to JR Tokushima Station, if just for the comfort. That is straightforward not just for exploring city-center sights such because the Awa-Odori Kaikan, but in addition for getting buses to outlying locations like Naruto Whirlpools, and trains to the Iya Valley and past.
The Backside Line
I feel you’ll be pleasantly shocked, each by the eclecticism of issues to do in Tokushima, in addition to how completely the town pairs with different locations in Japan. Some vacationers will pop over from Osaka, Kobe or Awaji Island for a day or two, whereas others (no matter how they attain the town) will get pleasure from Tokushima as half of a bigger Shikoku journey. Definitely, whether or not you spend the day at Naruto Whirlpools and the night time at Awa Odori Kaikan, or sleep a number of nights in Shikoku to benefit from the metropolis’s treasures extra totally, Tokushima will exceed your expectations, particularly for those who fee a customized Japan itinerary right now.