Tokushima Prefecture is located in the eastern part of the Shikoku region, facing Awaji Island across the Naruto Strait to the east and bordering the Pacific Ocean to the south. With a population of approximately 700,000 people (as of 2021), the Awa Odori held in Tokushima City is known as one of Japan’s three major traditional dances, celebrated as a summer tradition. Additionally, the large-scale whirlpools observed in the Naruto City area serve as a captivating tourist attraction. Tokushima Prefecture attracts many tourists and culture enthusiasts due to its beautiful natural environment, rich traditional culture, and notable tourist destinations.
１．Naruto Whirlpools
In the Naruto Strait between Naruto City’s Oge Island and Awaji Island, the Naruto Whirlpools are one of the world’s three major tidal currents. During spring and autumn high tides, whirlpools with speeds of about 20 km/h and a maximum diameter of about 20 meters occur. Recommended activities include the sightseeing boat ‘Wonder Naruto’ and the underwater viewing boat ‘Aqua Eddy.’
２．Uzunomichi (The Whirlpool Road)
An observation facility installed in the bridge truss space of the Onaruto Bridge, Uzunomichi offers a 450m sea walkway and a whirlpool observation room. The glass-floored observation room allows you to peer into the Naruto Whirlpools from a height of about 45 meters.
３．Awa Odori Kaikan
This facility allows you to enjoy the 400-year-old Awa Odori dance throughout the year. Inside, the exclusive dance group ‘Awa no Kaze’ and renowned groups perform Awa Odori daily. Visitors can also join the dance. The facility includes the Awa Odori Museum and ‘Arudeyo Tokushima,’ where you can buy local souvenirs. The 5th floor serves as the boarding station ‘Sanroku Station’ for the ropeway to Mount Bizan.
４．Mt. Bizan Ropeway
Mount Bizan, mentioned in the Manyoshu as ‘Mount Awa, like an eyebrow floating in the sky,’ offers a ropeway from the 5th floor of the Awa Odori Kaikan to the summit at an altitude of about 290 meters, providing a six-minute aerial stroll. The summit offers panoramic views of Tokushima City, the flow of the Yoshino River, and the Kii Channel.
５．Oohama Beach
Oohama Beach in Mima Town is one of Japan’s selected 100 beautiful beaches and is a famous nesting site for loggerhead turtles. It is designated as a national natural monument under the name ‘Oohama Beach Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Site.’ The adjacent ‘Hiyoriyama Umi Game Museum Caretta’ is also worth a visit.
６．Iya no Kazura-bashi
The suspension bridge ‘Iya no Kazura-bashi,’ said to be woven with shirakuchi kudzu, spans about 45 meters in length and stands about 14 meters above the water’s surface. It is designated as an important tangible folk cultural property.
７．Oboke and Koboke
Formed over approximately 200 million years, the Oboke and Koboke valleys are part of the Shikoku Mountains’ crystalline schists. In spring, cherry blossoms, and in autumn, vibrant foliage add color to the clear stream. Particularly in Oboke, you can enjoy activities such as rafting and sightseeing boat trips down the river.
８．Shoutenzan
The ‘Shoutenzan’ (literally meaning ‘Mountain of the Deity’) stands about 200 meters high on a cliff in the Iya Valley and is the symbol of the Iya Valley. Sculpted by the artist Yoshimichi Kawai in 1968, the ‘Shouben Kozo’ is a statue projecting from the cliff.
９．Yoshino River
Known as Shikoku Saburo, the Yoshino River is a large river occupying about 20% of the entire Shikoku region. Rafting can be enjoyed in the upper reaches, while clam digging and marine sports are popular near the estuary.
１０．Ryozen-ji Temple
The starting point of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Ryozen-ji Temple is the first of the 88 temples. Founded by the Buddhist monk Gyoki Bosatsu, it was later named ‘Ryozen-ji’ by Kobo Daishi. The main deity is Shaka Nyorai, and it belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect.”