Don't miss Tokushima! This super detailed travel guide will help you avoid the pitfalls.
👍Recommended reasons:
Tokushima will break your stereotypes. Here you can find stunning natural landscapes, a charming cat shrine, unique Awa Odori performances, and abundant cuisine. Whether you're a nature lover or a culture seeker, you'll find something to enjoy.
📍Location of attractions: The Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat and Iya Valley Vine Bridge are located near Miyoshi City; Oji Shrine, Otsuka Museum of Art, Naruto Bridge, Awa Odori Kaikan, Mount Bizan, and Tokushima Central Park are in Tokushima City; Naruto whirlpools are in the Naruto area.
🚗Transportation:
1️⃣ Driving is recommended for attractions in Miyoshi City, as the roads are narrow and winding.
2️⃣ Public transportation, mainly buses, is the primary mode of transport within Tokushima City. Check routes in advance on Google Maps, as the bus platforms and routes at Tokushima Station can be complex.
3️⃣ To reach the Naruto whirlpools, transfer to a bus at JR Naruto Station and get off at Kameuraguchi or Naruto Park; Yoshino River cruise is a 5-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station; Awa Odori Kaikan and Mount Bizan are a 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station, and the cable car to Mount Bizan is on the 5th floor of Awa Odori Kaikan; Tokushima Central Park is behind JR Tokushima Station.
👣Itinerary:
1️⃣ On the first day, visit the Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat in the morning, go to the Iya Valley Vine Bridge in the afternoon, and check in to Kazuraya, a Japanese-style hotel, in the evening to experience the open-air hot springs.
2️⃣ On the second day, visit Oji Shrine to pet cats, then go to the Otsuka Museum of Art to see the exhibitions, and then go to Naruto Bridge for sightseeing. In the evening, enjoy the food at Wagamamaya Izakaya.
🍗Food recommendations:
1️⃣ Tokushima ramen, tastes good but is a bit salty;
2️⃣ Ice cream and chips made from Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes.
👍Must-see attractions:
Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat, Iya Valley Vine Bridge, Oji Shrine, Naruto whirlpools, Awa Odori Kaikan.
🎫Tickets:
1️⃣ Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat: JPY 1,500/person, credit cards and cash accepted.
2️⃣ Iya Valley Vine Bridge: JPY 550, cash or Japanese PayPay only.
3️⃣ Otsuka Museum of Art: JPY 3,300.
4️⃣ Naruto whirlpools sightseeing boat and Uzunomichi: Combination tickets available, prices for sightseeing boats vary.
5️⃣ Yoshino River cruise: JPY 400.
6️⃣ Awa Odori Kaikan: JPY 800 during the day, JPY 1,000 at night.
7️⃣ Mount Bizan cable car: JPY 1,030 round trip.
8️⃣ Tokushima Castle Museum: JPY 500, old garden: JPY 50.
💖Other tips:
1️⃣ There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so remember to bring mosquito repellent if you are staying in the mountains.
2️⃣ The high tide time for the Naruto whirlpools varies daily, check the official website in advance; for sightseeing boats, the 80-person small boat from Kameuraguchi is recommended, no reservation required.
3️⃣ The staff of the Yoshino River cruise are very enthusiastic, so feel free to ask about the departure times. Night cruises are recommended.
4️⃣ There are introductions in Chinese for the Awa Odori Kaikan performances, but the experience is better if you understand Japanese.