Explore Tokushima: Nature, culture and cuisine on Japan's untouched coast
Situated on the eastern side of Shikoku Island, Tokushima Prefecture abounds in natural beauty, rich cultural history and plenty of local dishes to savor. From rafting down the Yoshino River to crossing one of the country's most unique vine bridges, Tokushima offers awe-inspiring escapes from city life. If you're looking to take home something memorable from your trip, Naruto City's ceramics' earthy tones and textures are a great place to start. Resting on the coast usually means access to the bounties of the sea and Tokushima is no different with its famed sea bream.
Despite being on less-traveled Shikoku, Tokushima is easy to access. Arrive at Tokushima Awaodori Airport from Tokyo in under 90 minutes or take a JR highway bus from JR Osaka station in under two and a half hours. But, you may want to consider the scenic route on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway that connects Hyogo and Tokushima Prefectures across the Akashi and Naruto Straits.
Outdoor adventures in Tokushima
Traverse one of the Iya Valley's three historic vine bridges.
Image: thanyarat07/iStock
Understandably, the Naruto Straits off of Tokushima are one of the top natural sights in the prefecture with their captivating whirlpools. But, head inland and you'll discover plenty more in the region's valleys and rivers.
Iya Valley
Located in the heart of Shikoku, this remote mountainous valley includes the beautiful Iyakei Gorge, several hot spring areas and vine bridges. The Iya Valley is roughly 60 km long and is bordered by Mount Tsurugi, the second tallest mountain in Western Japan. Flowing down from the mountain is the Iya River which eventually leads to the Iyakei Gorge, with its steep slopes showcasing pristine forests that are especially picturesque during the fall. The valley also features suspension bridges constructed from mountain vines that span across the Iya River. At 45 meters in length, the Kazurabashi bridge, which is the longest and most popular of the bridges, grants spectacular views of the valley.
Yoshino River rafting
Hold on tight as you raft down Japan's wildest river.
Image: emi suga/Pixta
Experience some of Japan's wildest whitewater rafting on the Yoshino River. Flowing from Kochi Prefecture into Tokushima, the Yoshino River is considered to be the longest river in the Shikoku region at 194 km in length. The river is filled with thrilling rapids, arguably the best in Japan and renowned worldwide, and boasts clear water and epic views along its route. There are several tour operators offering half and one-day rafting packages, including those that are family-friendly and English speaking. And for those seeking more adventurous options, try the canyoning experiences, with some featuring a 40-meter waterfall drop.
Cultural experiences unique to Tokushima
Otani-yaki awaits in a kiln.
Image: nagare/Pixta
Tokushima has a rich cultural history stretching back centuries. From pottery and performance to creating dyes from indigenous Japanese plants, the prefecture has more than enough opportunities to steep yourself in local traditions.
Otani-yaki pottery
Head to Naruto City for the chance to take home one of the most coveted souvenirs of Tokushima: pottery. Otani-yaki, or Otani ware, is the representative pottery of the area. It is made of Hagiwara clay, a specialty of the prefecture, that is popular for its simplicity and elegant luster. Dark brown pieces are the most common, although you can also obtain pieces in silver and gray. One unusual feature of this pottery is that the artisans utilize a technique called nerokuro which entails lying beneath the pottery wheel and kicking it. Using this technique, craftsmen make large jugs, as sizable as an adult, which are fired in some of Japan's biggest climbing kilns.
Awa odori dance festival
Join over a million visitors to Tokushima City's annual Awa Odori Festival.
Image: papilio/Pixta
Perhaps Tokushima's most famous cultural treasure is the Awa Odori Dance. Although origin stories of the dance vary, most agree that it began about 400 years ago. Taking place in August as part of the Awa Odori Festival, with exact dates varying from city to city across the prefecture, this dance is now a well-known example of Japanese traditional dance arts.
Every year, more than a million people descend on Tokushima City to watch and join in on the matsuri (festival). From street stalls to cordoned-off major streets, the city is transformed for the festival to a lively center of traditional culture that is absolutely worth a special trip. If you visit outside of the matsuri days, head to the Awa Odori Kaikan in downtown Tokushima where dance troupes perform the Awa Odori all year round.
Indigo dyeing in Udatsu
Take a stroll through the historical Udatsu district and try your hand at indigo dyeing.
Image: Q2Photo/Pixta
Besides its pottery and dance, Tokushima is also known nationwide for being one of the top producers of natural indigo dye. Indigo dyeing, or aizome, has been practiced in Tokushima for over 800 years thanks to the irrigation of the Yoshino River which makes the northern part of the prefecture fertile ground for the Japanese indigo plant. The high quality dye produced here is called awa-ai and is highly regarded as an indigenous ink brand. While in Tokushima, why not try your hand at dyeing? At the Ai no Yakata Historical Museum, only a 40-minute bus ride from JR Tokushima Station, you can choose your fabric and dye and create your own unique piece in a workshop led by museum staff.
Must try Tokushima cuisine
Grilled is the best way to savor Awa odori chicken's rich umami flavor.
Image: tachan/Pixta
Tokushima's diverse culinary landscape will continually whet your appetite whether you favor poultry, noodles or seafood.
Awa odori chicken
One of your first foodie stops in the prefecture should be chicken. In particular, sink your teeth into Tokushima's Awa odori chicken, named after the famous dance. These chickens, a crossbreed of Awa-Jidori and White Plymouth Rock, are known for being low-fat with an almost sweet taste that is also high in umami. Raised for over 75 days, as per premium jidori chicken regulations, the meat is a distinctive reddish color and maintains a pleasing texture. One of the most popular ways to enjoy this dish is grilled since the smokiness complements the meat's flavor. Try it at Tosute, a quick 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima station, which offers mouth-watering grilled Awa odori chicken and can accommodate groups.
Tarai udon in Awa City
Awa City is home to tarai udon.
Image: bluet/Pixta
Tarai udon, a specialty of Awa City, is known for its firm noodles, served in a wooden tub with savory dashi broth. With solid wheat production stretching back centuries, Awa's hand-pulled freshly cooked noodles with dashi (fish-based broth) have long been popular, especially with local forestry workers. In the late Edo period, lumberjacks would cook the udon on makeshift stoves in the woods with a fresh fish broth, gathering around a tarai, a large wooden tub, to enjoy their meal. The broth varies but traditionally includes jinzoku river fish and sardines. Enjoy this dish in restaurants overlooking the Miyagawauchidani River to take in the view alongside the meal.
Naruto-dai sea bream
If you're in Tokushima in the spring, keep an eye out for sakura-tinted sea bream.
Image: プロモリンク/Pixta
If you're feeling like eating seafood while in Tokushima, look no further than the Naruto dai (Naruto sea bream). Caught in the rapid-moving Naruto Strait, these fish have a remarkably firm flesh born of their well-developed muscles. This results in a fresh and firm bite that makes these sea bream known across the country for their exceptional quality. Just before the Naruto Dai spawns in spring, it achieves a particularly pleasing fat balance and delicate taste as well as a vivid pink flesh. These so-called 'Sakura sea bream' are thus considered to be at their peak in March and April. To best enjoy Naruto Dai, try it as sashimi in nearby Naruto City!
More Tokushima highlights
Enjoy the night view from the top of Mount Bizan.
Image: Yama/Pixta
Still looking for ideas? Add these spots to your Tokushima itinerary.
Anan coast
Dive into the beautiful marine vistas and catch some of the best waves in the country.
Dive into the beautiful marine vistas and catch some of the best waves in the country. Mount Bizan
Take in the panoramic night views overlooking Tokushima City.
Take in the panoramic night views overlooking Tokushima City. Tokushima ramen
Enjoy a hearty bowl of the prefectural soul food, with three types of broth and a raw egg topping.
© Japan Today
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