Tokushima Prefecture: Rivers, Culture and Routes

The Yoshino is the largest river in Tokushima Prefecture and crosses most of the region from west to east. It provides a geographical point of reference for a region where river landscapes, gorges, art, historic townscapes, the coast and seasonal activities appeal to a range of travel interests. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first consider which of these themes matter most for your trip.

River Landscapes, Gorges and Viewpoints

At Oboke Gorge, you can take a leisurely boat trip along the river and admire the emerald-green water and steep rocky cliffs. Seasonal and operational availability may vary, so check current tour options in advance if you are planning this excursion.

The Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges lie in the eastern Iya Valley: two unusual bridges made from intertwined vines. Iya Kazurabashi is 45 meters long, 2 meters wide and 14 meters above the water. A walking path runs along the Iya River nearby. As trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check its condition before your visit.

In Iya Gorge, the Peeing Boy statue stands at the edge of a 200-meter-high precipice. The course of the Yoshino provides a regional point of reference; the bridges and riverside path offer further specific aspects of the landscape to consider when planning your stay.

A sightseeing boat trip is one way to see the Naruto Whirlpools; operations and viewing conditions may vary. The Uzu-no-Michi observation hall has glass panels in the floor area through which you can see the Naruto Strait. Uzu-no-Michi does not have its own parking lot. If you arrive by car, use the paid parking lot at Naruto Park.

Art and Historic Townscapes

The Otsuka Museum of Art displays around 1,000 life-size reproductions of Western masterpieces, made using a special ceramic plate technique. The approximately four-kilometer visitor route includes environmental exhibits featuring recreations of ancient ruins and chapels, systematic exhibits tracing the development of art history, and themed exhibits. Spatial recreations are thus presented alongside displays arranged by art-historical period and theme. Exhibition details may change.

The Udatsu Townscape was designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings of Special Importance on December 16, 1988. The prefecture thus offers different ways to experience culture and history: the presentation of artworks in a museum and a designated townscape featuring groups of traditional buildings.

Seasonal Activities and the Coast

The Awa Odori folk dance festival takes place every August; the exact dates vary from year to year. Whitewater rafting is possible in spring, and surfing in summer. Rafting conditions and operators may vary. RiverStation West West is the starting point for the Koboke rafting course. You can also hike part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail in the prefecture; access and trail conditions may vary by section. If a particular experience is a key part of your trip, check the relevant dates and conditions in advance.

Ohama Beach is a sandy beach about 500 meters long. Loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs every year from May to August; sightings are not guaranteed. Access and conservation rules may vary. So check the current guidance before your visit, especially if you are traveling during the nesting season.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Tokushima Prefecture is served by nearby Tokushima Airport and connected to the rest of Japan by a network of train and long-distance bus services. Check current timetables before your trip. Seasonal activities, changing festival dates and conditions for individual offerings may all factor into your choice of travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Tokushima, Obatake, Anan, Toyooka, Naka, Matsushige, Naruto, Mima, Kaiyo, Komatsushima, Miyoshi.

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