Japan is a cultural paradise for all travelers. From the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the shrines and temples of Kyoto, every city has its own charm. For travelers looking to explore off-beaten paths and lesser-known cities, Tokushima awaits.
Tokushima Prefecture is located in eastern Shikoku. If you’re someone who likes connecting with nature and being around luscious greeneries, you will love this place. Instagram-worthy natural landscapes, green neighborhoods, beautiful coastlines, and rich cultural sites will greet you in this beautiful prefecture. If you need advice for your future travels here, read on for the best things to do in Tokushima, Japan.
1. Visit Awaodori Kaikan
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Awa Odori Hall, or Awaodori Kaikan, is one of the main attraction points of Tokushima. It is where visitors can get to know Awa Odori, one of the most famous dance festivals in Japan. This event is usually held from August 12 to 15 every year, part of the Buddhist Obon festival for commemorating ancestors. During the festival, groups of dancers flock and parade along the streets while dancing.
If you can’t visit Tokushima during the festival’s dates, don’t be dismayed. Awaodori Kaikan is a museum that was built for tourists to witness the joy of the festival year-round. In the museum, you can learn all about the history and meaning of the famous dance festival, watch a performance, and even participate in Awa Odori workshops.
Awaodori Kaikan
Address: Japan, 770-0904 Tokushima, Shinmachibashi, 2 Chome-20 Awaodori Kaikan 2nd floor
Website: Awaodori Kaikan
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm daily
Price: From 2.62 USD (300 JPY)
2. Enjoy a fun family day in Tokushima Zoo
Fun for the entire family is guaranteed during a visit to Tokushima Zoo. The grounds at the zoo feature different zones for different natural surroundings, as well as a children’s petting zoo. From roaring lions and charming polar bears to entertaining shows at various times, there is a lot to explore here. The zoo also boasts a restaurant where you can grab a bite or two, as well as shops for some souvenirs.
Tokushima Zoo
Address: 22-1,Nyudo, Shibuno-machi, Tokushima City
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Price: 4.46 USD (510 JPY)
3. Take a nice stroll along Shimmachi Boardwalk
An evening stroll along Shimmachi Boardwalk is the perfect way to cap a day in Tokushima. Watch the place come to life as you enjoy a walk along the water’s edge, watch the sunset by the river, and discover evening street performers. At night, you can see the bridges light up and offer you a scenic view while you dine at the quaint coffee shops or restaurants nearby.
Shimmachi Boardwalk
Address: 1 Chome Higashisenbacho, Tokushima, 770-0911, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
4. Learn about the castle ruins in Tokushima Central Park
Apart from cherry blossom trees and nature, something historic stands in Tokushima Central Park. Tokushima Castle, built by Hachisuka Iemasa in 1585, was destroyed in 1875 during the Meiji period. The castle’s stone walls, a garden, and restored gate are what remain today as the Tokushima Castle Ruins.
The land around the remains of Tokushima Castle has been developed into a park where guests can come and bask in the beauty of the cherry blossoms and beautifully landscaped gardens. A few steps into the park, you’ll also find a museum where many artifacts from the castle and an authentic model of the castle grounds can be found.
Tokushima Central Park
Address: 1-Extra Tokushimacho Jonai, Tokushima, 770-0851, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Climb up to the ruins of Ichinomiya Castle
Ichinomiya Castle was built in 1338 on a strategic site, in front of a river and on top of a mountain, giving the rulers a natural defense from invaders. It is one of the largest castles in Tokushima with a 30-minute trail to the peak where breathtaking views await you.
Ichinomiya Castle
Address: Nishicho Ichinomiyacho, Tokushima, 779-3132, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Pay respects at Kasuga Shrine
Minutes away from Bizan Ropeway and Awaodori Kaikan stands Kasuga Shrine. While Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara seems to attract all the attention, this one located in Tokushima has an antique charm of its own, making it well-visited by tourists. Its traditional architecture is surrounded by old cherry blossom trees which have been maintained for years. During the spring season, the flowers from the cherry blossom trees blanket the shrine beautifully.
Kasuga Shrine
Address: Otakiyama-1 Bizancho, Tokushima, 770-0908, Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Enjoy the scenery around Bizan Park
Mount Bizan is the symbol of Tokushima City, and Bizan Park, built on top of the mountain, overlooks the whole area. It is accessible through a ropeway which starts from the 5th floor of Awaodori Kaikan. On clear days, visitors can see as far as the Asan and Kishu Mountains.
The park also serves as an excellent picnic spot during the cherry blossom festival. With over 3,900 trees and shrubs planted around, it is a great destination for when you want to get away from the city and enjoy your day in nature. You can also go birdwatching here, as a wild bird observation trail runs through the property.
Bizan Park
Address: Bizancho, Tokushima, 770-0908, Japan
Opening hours: Open 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Immerse yourself in art at the Tokushima Prefectural Museum
The Tokushima Prefectural Museum is dedicated to showcasing a variety of exhibits about the different aspects of Tokushima Prefecture. Here, you can find fossils, dinosaur bones, and artworks from the historic times of Tokushima. Just adjacent to this museum, you’ll also find the Tokushima Modern Art Museum where there are plenty of paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the modern age.
Tokushima Prefectural Museum
Address: Mukoterayama, Hachimancho, Tokushima-shi, Tokushima Prefecture 770-8070
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30 am - 5:00pm (closed on Mondays)
Price: From 1.75 USD (200 JPY) for adults
Visit the cultural haven of Tokushima
Tokushima is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to know more about Japan’s rich history and culture. From old castles to shrines and museums, there is so much to discover and explore. While here, go through our recommended list of the best things to do in Tokushima, Japan, for a full experience of this off-beaten destination.
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