2026 Awa Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Here are three must-visit gourmet spots in Tokushima! 『Top 3 Recommended Gourmet Spots in Tokushima』 1️⃣ Japanese Cuisine Natsumi · Highlights: Enjoy refined Japanese cuisine made with seasonal ingredients in a serene, traditional-style house setting. Perfect for special occasions or anniversaries✨ · Location: 189-8 Kawauchicho Hiraishi Wakamiya, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture · Access: About 15 minutes by car from Tokushima Station. Get off at "Aiai Onsen-mae" bus stop via Tokushima Bus. · Note: Reservations are required, so don’t forget to book in advance! 2️⃣ cafe SK · Highlights: A retro-style café within walking distance of Tokushima Station. Relax with nostalgic morning sets and coffee☕️ · Location: 2-32 Terashimahoncho Higashi, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture · Access: About a 3-minute walk from Tokushima Station. · Note: The calm atmosphere makes it easy to visit even if you’re alone. 3️⃣ Italian Gelato Dolce · Highlights: Indulge in smooth and rich handmade gelato crafted with fresh milk and local ingredients🍦. The beautiful garden offers a photogenic, overseas-like ambiance📸 · Location: 190-1 Odo Kita, Awa Town, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture · Access: About 5 minutes by car from JR Awa-Yamakawa Station. About 10 minutes by car from "Wakimachi IC" on the Tokushima Expressway. · Note: There’s an open terrace where you can enjoy the scenery on sunny days! When you visit Tokushima, be sure to check out these amazing spots!💖

#Japan Attractions #Japan Travel #Overseas Travel In Tokushima Prefecture🇯🇵 you can visit the tenth station, also known as Kirihataji Temple, the mountain name is Deto Mountain, serving the Thousand-Armed Kansei Bodhisattva🙏 Go up to the main hall to walk 333 stairs, come to the four countries all the way really less leg strength can not 😆 but after going up the mountain temple is come to the mountains and forests 🌳 surrounded, the scenery is very beautiful! The Kirimanji Pagoda inside is also one of the national important cultural properties✨ worth visiting! The 10th chapter obtained Dushan Initiation Initiation Kirimanji Temple 📍771-1623 Kiriwaji Kanyin 129, Market-cho, Awa-shi, Tokushima Prefecture

#Japan Attractions #Overseas Travel #Japan Travel #Shikoku The ninth chapter of the Four Kingdoms Path is Falun Temple, which belongs to the Koyasan Shingon Sect and is waiting for Nirvana Shakyamuni Tathagata. It is also the only temple on the pilgrimage path of 88 temples that enshrines a lying Buddha statue✨, to promote the Buddha nature of all living beings🎐 The statue of the lying Buddha placed in the temple is carved by the great master himself ☝🏻, it is said that it will have the ability to heal, so many people will come here 🚶‍♀️ The sacred place of Dharma, the temple also planted a unique tree 🌳, special form 🌟 No. 9, Falun Temple, Bodhi Courtyard, Zhengyu Mountain 📍771-1506 198-2 Doseiji Tanaka, Dosei-cho, Awa-shi, Tokushima Prefecture

#Japan Attractions #Japan Travel #Overseas Travel #Shikoku The 7th place in the Shikoku Path is Tokuji Temple, which is located in Awa City, Tokushima, and is worshiped by Amitabha Tathagata. It belongs to the Koyasan Mantra Sect✨ You have to walk a lot of stairs before heading to the main hall. Climbing up the stairs is what you want to do with sincerity. Shi Lek Temple estimated that the land needed to be large, but a fire destroyed many of the monuments, leaving only part of them. Tokukuji Temple has always prayed for improved eyesight👀, so many visitors with eye problems will visit this seventh temple🙏 Chapter 7: Guangming Mountain, Lotus-in, Shiji Temple 📍771-1509 Takaoji Fa Jiao Field 58, Tosei-cho, Awa, Tokushima Prefecture

【Freshly Handmade Daily✨ "Italian Gelato Dolce"🍦】 If you're traveling to Awa City in Tokushima, you definitely can't miss this super popular artisanal gelato shop, "Italian Gelato Dolce"!🍨✨ The gelato here is made fresh every morning, using fresh milk, seasonal fruits, and local Tokushima ingredients, giving it a rich yet refreshing taste💚 Besides classic milk and chocolate, they offer limited-edition flavors featuring Tokushima specialties like Sudachi🍋, Yuzu, and Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes🍠, packed with local vibes!🌿 They also introduce different seasonal gelatos, so there's always a chance to try a new flavor every time you visit🍓🍑🌰 Surrounded by nature, the shop features an outdoor terrace where you can savor your gelato and take in the relaxing atmosphere—it feels absolutely amazing✨ Whether you're on a road trip or just need a break from sightseeing around Tokushima, it's totally worth stopping by for a scoop!🚗💚 👉 Italian Gelato Dolce 👈 ⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (May vary by season) 🚗 Access: ① About a 10-minute drive from Wakimachi IC on the Tokushima Expressway ② About a 20-minute drive from Donari IC

📝﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏Spot Details 📍Jinguji Temple (Iouzan Jinguji) 📌Address: 9 Ichinosaka, Yoshida, Donari-cho, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture, 771-1623, Japan 📞TEL: 088-695-2215 🕛Visiting Hours: No specific hours (open for general visits) 💰Admission Fee: Free 🚗Parking: Available (Free) ✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏One-Point Information 🌿 During spring, the temple grounds are adorned with vibrant peony flowers, warmly welcoming visitors. ✨ The deep crimson and pink blooms create a stunning display, harmonizing beautifully with the serene atmosphere of this historic temple. 📸 The peonies, set against a backdrop of stone statues and temple halls, offer picturesque views that will make you want to stop and capture the moment. 🚶♀️ Known as an ancient temple associated with Kobo Daishi, it is a soothing spot where you can enjoy cultural heritage and seasonal flowers all at once. 🚉 Access: ・Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Tokushima Line "Kamojima Station" ・About 500 meters from Tokushima Expressway "Donari IC"

[Awa Dochu (Earthen Pillars) | Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture "It's like another world! Miraculous art created by nature"] · [Awa Dochu (Earthen Pillars)] is a hidden gem in Japan, ranked alongside the Rocky Mountains in the United States as one of the "Three Great Earth Pillars in the World." 🗻 Formed by volcanic ash and gravel from approximately 1.3 million years ago, eroded by wind and rain over the course of many years, these are truly sculptures of the earth! ️ Their imposing and mysterious landscape is so incredible that it's hard to convey in photographs. 📍 [Access & Basic Information] ・Address: 165 Sakuranooka, Awa-cho, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture ・Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Awa-Yamagawa Station / Approximately 1 hour by car from Tokushima City ・Parking: Available (Free) ・Open admission (open 24 hours) *Night lighting available ⸻ 🌋 [Highlights & Recommended Points] · 10-18m-tall earth pillars → A spectacular sight of giant earth pillars standing tall · Walking trails → Enjoy the view from above · Illuminated at night → A mystical, otherworldly space 🌙✨ · The surrounding area is quiet and rich in nature → Perfect for a hike ◎ ⸻ 🎒 [Tips & Advice] · The ground may be slightly muddy → Sneakers or trekking shoes recommended 👟 · The night illumination is beautiful, but there's little lighting, so a flashlight is a good idea. 🔦 · Morning slanting light is best for taking photos. 📸 · Don't forget to protect yourself from insects in the summer. 🦟 ⸻ #AwaDopillars #TokushimaHidingPlace #JapaneseScenery #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

Temple No. 9, Horinji Temple | Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture "A small, quiet temple filled with gentle prayers" · Though not flashy, Horinji Temple's charm lies in its ability to calm the pilgrim's soul. ✨ The principal image of the temple is the "Nirvana Shaka Nyorai" (Nehanshakanyorai) 🙏 This reclining Buddha symbolizes peace, tranquility, and enlightenment. 📍 [Basic Information] ・Address: 51, Donari Samukata, Donari-cho, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture ・Access: Approximately 20 minutes by foot or 10 minutes by car from the 8th temple, Kumagaya-ji Temple ・Parking: Available (free parking in front of the temple grounds) 🕰 [Visiting/Sutra Offering Hours] ・7:00 AM - 5:00 PM ・Open Year-Round ⸻ 🙏 [Highlights/Recommended Points] · The principal image is the "Nirvana Shaka Nyorai" → Feel the tranquility of the reclining Buddha🙏 · The grounds are compact, perfect for pacing your pilgrimage · The temple gate and main hall are neatly arranged, creating a tranquil atmosphere · Carefully maintained by locals, creating a pure atmosphere✨ ⸻ 🎒 [Tips and Advice] · Although small in size, this temple is a great place to refresh your mind · Before praying, take a deep breath and calmly say "thank you." ◎ · The photo shows a beautiful straight line from the main gate to the main hall. 📸 · It's a place where time seems to flow quietly, so make sure you have plenty of time to visit. 🍃 ⸻ #Horinji #9thTemple #88Temples of Shikoku #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

[Temple No. 8: Kumagaya-ji Temple | Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture] "A magnificent temple with a striking Niomon Gate and tranquil grounds that will move you to the core."] · Temple No. 8, Kumagaya-ji Temple, boasts a majestic Niomon Gate (romon gate) towering over the stone steps. 👀✨ It's one of the most photogenic spots on the pilgrimage. 📸 In addition to the main hall and Daishido Hall, the temple grounds are dotted with historic stone Buddha statues and lanterns, making this temple packed with the joys of a pilgrimage. 📍 [Basic Information] ・Address: 185 Tonari Maeda, Tonari-cho, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture ・Access: Approximately 40 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by car from Temple No. 7, Jorakuji ・Parking: Available (free, right in front of the gate) 🕰 [Visiting Hours/Sutra Offering Hours] ・7:00 AM - 5:00 PM ・Open Year-Round ⸻ 🙏 [Highlights/Recommended Points] · The impressive Niomon Gate is a must-see! → A magnificent three-bay, two-story tower gate, approximately 13 meters high. · The main hall is built on the slope of a mountain, surrounded by greenery, creating a sacred atmosphere. · The numerous stone steps and stone Buddha statues create a pilgrimage-like "praying while walking" feel. · The grounds are spacious and shady, allowing for a relaxing stroll. 🍃 ⸻ 🎒 [Tips and Tricks] · If you're taking photos of the Niomon Gate, we recommend using a wide-angle lens from the front. 📸 · The grounds are slightly uneven, so wear comfortable shoes. 👍 · The main hall is at the top of the stairs. → Take a break here and pray carefully. 🙏 · There are many stone Buddha statues and stone monuments, so taking your time to look around is one of the joys of the temple. ⸻ #KumagayaTemple #8thTemple #88Temples of Shikoku #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

[Seventh Temple: Jurakuji (Juraku-ji) | Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture "A temple of prayer and healing where you can receive 'ten joys'"] · The "ten joys" in Jurakuji refer to the ten joys obtained through the teachings of Buddhism. ✨ The principal image of the temple is Amida Buddha, and many people visit the temple to pray for recovery from illness and good health. 🙏 The temple grounds are surrounded by greenery, creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere. It's the perfect place to clear your mind. 🌿 📍 [Basic Information] ・Address: 58 Takao Hokyoden, Tonari-cho, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture ・Access: Approximately 30 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car from Temple No. 6, Anraku-ji Temple ・Parking: Available (free) 🕰 [Visiting/Sutra Offering Hours] ・7:00 AM - 5:00 PM ・Open Year-Round ⸻ 🙏 [Highlights/Recommended Points] · The principal image, Amida Nyorai, is a Buddha dedicated to healing and longevity. · The stone-paved path leading from the temple gate is a place to clear your mind. · The compact yet well-organized grounds include the Daishi Hall and Bell Tower. · There is also an adjacent temple lodging (reservations required), offering a relaxing overnight stay. ⸻ 🎒 [Tips and Advice] · Many repeat visitors visit this place as a place of healing, perfect for stopping off mid- to late in the pilgrimage. · You can also try out sutra copying, so it's a good idea to check in advance. · We also recommend taking a short break on the benches in the shade of the trees in front of the main hall.🍃 · When conveying your wishes to Amida Buddha, it's important to convey them "honestly."🙏 ⸻ #Jorakuji #7thTemple #88Temples of Shikoku #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Located in Tokushima City, Wada Noya has been insisting on using natural materials for 400 years to make Apot-produced "Saki no-yaki cake". The smoky glutinous rice crust is served with red bean filling, and a cup of pure and rich tea is served. Although there are other branches in the city, the reason I recommend going to the Wada Noya main store is that the store’s four seasons are full of character and only this store is not located in the mall. Visiting in the spring we were able to view the cherry blossoms and the White Silk Falls and the staff were very warm and hospitable, which was a very enjoyable experience. 🕰️Opening hours: Closed on Thursdays, 10:00-17:00, no appointment required 📍Address: , as shown in the picture recommended to go together after visiting the Apo Ball Hall 🏖️ Environment/Facilities: Indoor, there is also a souvenir area 💰Average consumption per person: about 1000yen 💞Reason for recommendation: You can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea

📍Peonies at Jinguji Temple Jinguji Temple in Tonari-cho, Awa City is famous as the "Peony Temple". Colorful peonies bloom in the garden, some of which are over 70 years old. Approximately 130 kinds of colorful peonies are planted in the garden. The best time to see them is around the end of April every year, and a nice fragrance fills the grounds. The colorful peonies bloomed beautifully, and many people enjoyed the gorgeous peonies. Jinguji Temple is also the family temple of former Prime Minister Takeo Miki. Take this opportunity to visit! #0yentravelFebruary2025

📍Treehouse Forest The "Machizukuri Future Conference" was established with the aim of revitalizing the area around Shopping Plaza Hours, the commercial core of Awa-cho, Awa City. After drawing up a grand design for the business they would be working on, the first thing they did was to create a children's playground that makes use of nature. To date, they have completed two tree houses, two small houses, a forest library with a slope, a wheelchair-accessible kitchen garden and paths, and a swing with handrails and backrests. Based on diversity, it was created with the desire to create a park that everyone can enjoy, whether they have disabilities or not, foreigners, the elderly, or children. This fairy bookcase was so cute that it became a hot topic on social media. #0yentravelFebruary2025

#tourism Kirihataji Temple is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect located in Awa City, Japan. The temple enshrines the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal image. Its name comes from the fact that a statue of Kannon Bodhisattva, also known as Kirihata Kannon, is enshrined there. Kirihataji Temple is located in Ichiba Town, Awa City, and is important to locals and tourists alike. The temple has been an object of worship since ancient times, and is visited by many people. Its beautiful buildings and gardens are also a tourist attraction. As a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect, Kirihataji Temple also plays an important role as a place of Buddhist teachings and training. For the local people, it is a place of spiritual support, and various events and ceremonies are held there. When you visit, you can not only experience the history and culture of the temple, but also enjoy the atmosphere of Kirihataji Temple, surrounded by beautiful nature and tranquil space.

#fallishere Akizuki Castle Ruins is a famous tourist spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves and known as Little Kyoto. The cityscape and scenery are very stunning during fall. The maple leaves were in brilliant colours. Everything looks so beautiful. We enjoyed our little stroll around the town, soaking ourselves into the beauty of nature. Highly recommended for nature lovers and those who want to engulf themselves in a little bit of “historical” Japan.

Address: 104 Miyagawauchi Ochikubo, Terudonaricho, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture Atmosphere/Facilities: ★★★ Recommended points: You can eat their specialty udon in a tub. Besides the udon, the grilled local chicken served with their original sauce is very delicious! Average price: ¥1500 Budget per person: Around ¥1500 Rating: ★★★★

#Japan Attractions #Tokushima #Shikoku #Japan Travel #Overseas Travel This time we went to Kumagai Temple in Tokushima Prefecture, which is the eighth temple and belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect. This mountain gate is ranked first among the 88 temples pilgrimage in 🇯🇵 Shikoku Journey ☝🏻, the reason is that its view is the most beautiful, if you come in spring, this will also be the famous cherry blossom blooming place 🌸! Although this time is autumn, but I feel that Kumagai Temple is really macro✨ Especially the red design of the Topo Pagoda, the architectural design is very characteristic. He is waiting to be the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. He needs to walk up the steep stairs before going up to the Grand Hall, but I believe that shows more sincerity 👍🏻 Chapter 8: Pumingshan Zhenguangin Kumagai Temple 📍771-1506 Maeda 185, Toseiji, Tosei-cho, Awa-shi, Tokushima Prefecture

I went to a roadside station in Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture It was newly built, so the inside was very beautiful! In the spiral building, there was a dining area, a photo exhibition, local products, and even a shrine☺︎ And this shrine, Koinari Shrine, is said to make your love come true if you pray in the correct order! ? When I climbed to the top of the spiral, there was an observation deck with a great view☺︎ It was a fun roadside station, so I recommend you go and check it out☺︎ "Roadside Station Donari" 28-2 Miyagawauchi Hirama, Donari-cho, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture 771-1508 #gw2022jp #Tokushima #Shikoku Trip