With Mt Bitzan hovering majestically within the west, and the Shinmachi-gawa snaking its means by means of the bustling capital, Tokushima is a kind of Japanese prefectures you simply have to go to as soon as in your lifetime.
It’s decidedly a kind of “off the crushed observe” locations, however in case you enterprise to this undiscovered space you may be rewarded with all kinds of issues to do and locations to see – from fairly an unimaginable gastronomic expertise, conventional festivals, breathtaking temples, nature, and loads of cultural experiences.
Guests come to Torkushima each August for the famend Awa Odori dance pageant, however the pageant isn’t the one factor you are able to do there! For many who are looking for a real Japanese expertise, listed here are a number of the prime issues you are able to do in Tokushima!
Tokushima Japan Bucket Checklist: Greatest Issues To Do & Points of interest within the Prefecture
1. See an Awa Odori Dance
There is no such thing as a doubt that this is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Tokushimi. Participate in Japan’s largest road celebration the place tens of millions of individuals take to the streets to have a good time this extremely vibrant conventional pageant.
The Awa Odori is, each, the identify of the favored Tokushima pageant and the normal dance, the motto of the pageant instantly interprets to “We’re fools for dancing, and you’re a idiot for watching, so that you may as effectively dance!”. Let’s be trustworthy right here, who wouldn’t need to take part on a pageant like that?
Courting again over 400 years, the pageant simply rivals Brazil’s Carnival on the subject of the pulsating energetic vibe, the extravagant costumes and make-up, and the passion of all contributors. Every August, there are official dance phases the place there are “organized” dances, after which there are the streets the place random teams of individuals can simply enterprise off and dance at any time. Younger, previous, shy, outgoing – everybody joins in and everybody has a novel function within the dance routine.
The place & When: Most occasions occur throughout the morning, whereas the principle spectacle is between 18:00 and 22:30 from the 12th to the 15th of August.
In case you are not fortunate sufficient to really come throughout the pageant, then you may at all times go to the museum positioned within the Awa Odori Kaikan the place a dance corridor is positioned and demonstrations of the dance happen all 12 months lengthy.
The present on the museum had vigorous music that had me transferring my really feel in my chair. They requested the viewers to come back on stage and study the gejaraku dance and naturally I needed to give it a strive. It was straightforward and enjoyable! Plus, they awarded me with the perfect dancer certificates with a Japanese fan because the prize.
2. Go to a Sweets Manufacturing facility
Hallelujah Sweets Kitchen takes you behind the scenes of their scrumptious manufacturing facility to study concerning the historical past and see how a few of their hottest merchandise are made (there are even samples!). However, the perfect half was the fingers on expertise of constructing my very own tanuki character. My chocolate lined raccoon was a bit lopsided however I used to be nonetheless awarded a certificates of completion.
3. Cross the Vine Bridges of Iya Valley
West Iya Valley embodies the definition of mystical. This Japanese “hidden” valley is surrounded by misty gorges with clear rivers that run their means by means of the famend thatch-roofed homes. The factor concerning the valley is that it’s fairly distant, and particularly again then it was used as a hideout spot for refugees and warriors, so they stunning a lot wanted a method to cross the river. That’s why they created the vine bridges.
It was the one method to hyperlink the components of Tokushima with the hidden Iya Valley, and people swinging vine bridges stood the check of time. Day by day journey and so much of vines have been used to construct these magnificent (albeit fairly unsteady) bridges.
You’ll be able to cross two of the maintained bridges and be rewarded with unimaginable views as you’re nestled between lush greenery and suspended above the dashing river beneath.
Picture by Taku Mori
4. Create a Masterpiece at Ai-No-Yakata Indigo Dying
Whereas a whole lot of locations in Japan boast their gastronomical delights, Tokushima boasts fairly a novel factor – a coloration. Particularly, the colour indigo. It was the primary time for me to really hear a couple of coloration turning into an intangible cultural asset, however indigo dyeing is one among Tokushima’s most famous and revered conventional practices that has been saved alive for a whole bunch of years.
First, you may go to the museum to study how the craft began, the method, and the final historical past of the craft, after which you may really create a bit your self! I most popular this method over simply shopping for an indigo-colored memento from one of many retailers because it felt much more private to me to really make it. You’ll participate in creating the dye from chopped up indigo leaves, studying methods to create patterns and methods to dry it.
On the Aizumicho Historic Museum I used to be capable of make my very own indigo blue handkerchief. We have been capable of choose from a number of completely different patterns, I selected a fairly starburst. They then assisted me in tying rubberbands across the fabric in simply the fitting means so after it was dunked within the dye it could have the sample I desired. The completed product was an ideal memento!
5. Watch Puppetry at Awa Jurobe Yashiki
Nestled above the Yoshino River is a famend mansion that secures one among Tokushimi’s most well-known traditions and retains it alive…The Awa Jurobe Yashiki is a Puppet Theater and Museum that will provide you with a glimpse into the town’s tradition and historical past and entertain you on the similar time.
They specialize within the ningyo joruri sort of drama which is, to place it merely, an easy combination of puppetry, music performed by an historic Japanese instrument and narration on prime of that to inform tales and classical tales that date again to the Golden Age and inform fascinating historic tales.
The artwork has now develop into a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage and for good cause! Don’t count on your common puppet present there – I’m speaking life-sized puppets managed by three folks without delay, cultural tales, ballads and rather more.
6. See the Hiwasa Hachiman Shrine Competition
The Hiwasa Hachiman Shrine pageant was a vigorous occasion the place eight transportable shrines have been represented. We listened to the beating of the drums and adopted the parade of shrines down into the water. It was enlightening to have the ability to take part in such a standard a part of the cities tradition! We additionally received to strive a number of the road meals, like Takoyaki that are ball formed snacks full of octopus.
7. Temple Hop in Tokushima
The 88-Temple Pilgrimage that takes place across the island of Shikoku is a 1400-km route that entails dozens of beautiful temples. Fortunately for you, the primary 23 temples are positioned proper in Tokushima.
My favourite of all of the temples are the Ryozenji (the proper place to fulfill pilgrims of their white robes and strolling sticks), Tairyūji and Yakuōji. All three are equally beautiful, however I’d advocate visiting Tairyūji in case you solely have time for one.
Ryōzen-ji was an exquisite temple the place we have been capable of feed the fish, ring the temple bell and in addition choose a want from the field. Mine was a “lessor luck”, which I left on the temple tied to a tree in hopes that the lessor fortune wouldn’t come true.
The Tairyuji ropeway gave us spectcular 360 diploma views of Anan metropolis in Tokushima as we rode it excessive up within the sky! Plus, on the prime we have been capable of discover the beautiful Tairyuji temple. The temple is #21 on the 88 temple pilgrimage. There have been 117 stairs to climb to get to the principle temple, however price each one. It was beautiful!
Yakuouji is temple quantity 23 on the pilgrimage of 88, the final of the temples within the Tokushima prefecture. Strolling up the stone stairs led us to essentially the most stunning view of the town and water beneath, plus we might see the beautiful Hiwasa fort from there. The grounds of the temple have been so inexperienced, with moss was rising in all places, and there have been even a number of crabs operating round!
8. Go to Hiwasa Citadel
This small fort is positioned proper within the city of Hiwasa which is initially inside Tokushima Prefecture. The Hiwasa Citadel is perched proper into the mountain and is surrounded by thick vegetation, so it acts as an unimaginable backdrop to all of your photos!
Little of the fort’s earlier stays are there, and there’s some battle over the precise historical past of the fort, however crucial factor is so that you can try the Citadel and study what little is left to be learnt concerning the Hachisuka clan.
9. See the Naruto Whirlpools
Prior to really going to see the Naruto Whirlpools make a cease on the Naruto Ohashi Museum. This interactive museum makes it enjoyable to study whirlpools. One of the best half was with the ability to “play the eddy”. On this room you create the phantasm of a whirlpool simply by touching the wall. With every contact a small spherical eddy seems, making the room come alive!
The Naruto Whirlpools occur underneath the beautiful Onaruto Bridge, so one of the best ways to see it’s by sightseeing boat which you can catch at a close-by pier. We took the half hour round-trip journey and anxiously waited for a whirlpool to look. As a result of this pure phenomenon could be a hit and miss, be affected person and in case you don’t see it the primary time, strive once more!
10. Spot a Sea Turtle at Ohama Seaside.
To date, there’s not one individual I’ve met that doesn’t love turtles! The Ohama Seaside is without doubt one of the prime 100 seashores in Japan due to its powdery seashore sands, however the principle attraction there’s the plethora of turtles that lay their eggs throughout the summer season month. You’ll have the ability to se hundreds of turtles laying their eggs on the seashore.
In the event you don’t have time to try this, go on the mistaken time, or need to know extra – go to the Sea Turtle Museum so you will get visible photographs of how the turtles lay their eggs together with enjoyable info and extra.
11. Take the Bizan Ropeway for a Journey
If there’s one factor that symbolizes the capital metropolis of Tokushima, it could be Mt. Bizan. This iconic mountain overlooks all the space and holds nice significance in Japanese Tradition.
You’ll be able to discover the complete mystical allure of this mountain by taking the Bizan ropeway for a journey. It departs from the fifth ground of the Awa Odori Kaikan and can take you thru sweeping panoramic vistas and lovely views. On prime of all of that, the Bizan space may be very particularly romantic and has at all times been a well-liked spots amongst {couples} – so in order for you somewhat little bit of romance and beautiful after-dark-sights of Japan, then you definately’ve come to the fitting place!
12. Go to the Omatsugongen Shrine
The Omatsugongen Shrine, also referred to as the “cat shrine”, is that this wood space that’s brimming with Maneki-neko (cat statues) with some buried deep within the mountains, and a few perched between lush greenery and winter flowers. The shrines every have a specialty to them – that means that every of the shrines you’ll move by focuses on a want or prayer that sure completely different Gods are good at granting.
This shrine, for instance, is ideal in case you’re searching for good well being or good outcomes on exams! You should purchase some charms from there which can be used for well being, cash, security, and rather more – however the one factor I realized that I had no concept about was the truth that we needed to renew them yearly by shopping for a brand new one and returning the previous one!
The place to Eat/Tokushima Eating places
Tokushima Sampa Ramen is a quick meals place the place you will notice dozens of employees lining the seats aat midday. And there’s a cause that they’re all there—the ramen is scrumptious! A measurement small (which was really fairly giant) prices about $6.00 and was one of many bests one I ever had. We additionally ordered a plate of gyoza which have been crunchy on the skin, simply how I like them!
Dinner was on the 14th ground of the Grand V Rio Resort, overlooking the boats within the harbor beneath. It was a flowery dinner with white tableclothes and an exquisite view! We have been served hen with a trio of sauces for dipping. We have been capable of prepare dinner the meat ourselves on a tabletop burner, which added to the expertise.
Lunch at Awa Kappo Isuzu might have been essentially the most stunning meal I’ve ever seen with a number of selections. There was eggplant tempure, pumpkin, sea bream fish, sardines and a lot extra. The setting of lunch was aspretty as meals. We sat on tatami mat flooring in our personal non-public room!
Dinner at Ichigo was held in a fairly non-public room with sliding shōji doorways for further seclusion. There was fairly a number of meals; seared tuna, recent shashimi and a young steak that we received to prepare dinner on our personal private tabletop burner. Plus, I ordered a glass of wine that they served within the cutest little jar with a pop-top lid!
Odori was a farm to desk restaurant that makes a speciality of native hen dishes. Contained in the restaurant even had somewhat retailer part that offered some handmade items. I ordered the normal Oyakodon dish whose identify means “parent-and-child” as a result of it’s made with hen and egg. It was scrumptious and I can see why it’s a highly regarded dish in Japan!
The place to Sleep/Tokushima Accommodations
Resort Solar Ocean
My room at Resort Solar Ocean was so cozy room and had a small toilet that had every little thing I wanted. For breakfast there was a alternative of Japanese or European. I selected the latter of the 2 and received to prepare dinner my very own eggs on a tabletop burner, so I might make them identical to I like them!
Tokushima Grandvrio Resort
The room at GrandVRio Resort was good, however not too formal so you can really really feel snug. The breakfast buffet had a really giant number of each western and Japanese meals. There was one thing for everybody! And the view from the breakfast buffet was overlooking the harbor.
Spend your time having fun with the leafy suburbs of Tokushima, its temples, surroundings, cultural heritages and naturally – its loopy dance custom! Your journey is assured to be completely different than something you’ve skilled
As a result of language barrier, Tokushima could be difficult to get round, so it’s best to rent a information or e book a tour. Yow will discover some right here.
Important Suggestions for Visiting Tokushima
Getting There: Tokushima airport has every day providers to Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo. You’ll be able to simply examine for the perfect fare offers at Skyscanner, which additionally has the choice to decide on ‘most cost-effective month’ because the departure to search out the bottom priced dates to fly to your vacation spot. From the airport, you may take a taxi or board a bus to JR Tokushima Station, which places you within the metropolis heart. The bus journey takes 25 minutes and prices ¥430. Bus schedules are synchronized to flight departures and arrivals.
The place to Keep in Tokushima: It’s greatest to remain close to the town heart, public transportation or the realm that you may be spending essentially the most time in. Resort Sunroute Tokushima and Daiwa Roynet Resort (average) are nice selections positioned near JR Tokushima Station. For one thing on the cheaper aspect, strive Visitor Home 017 Reina positioned within the metropolis heart. For somewhat extra luxurious, keep at Resort Iya Onsen, a Japanese-style scorching spring resort within the Iya Valley. Or search some nice offers on resorts of your alternative at Reserving.com. In the event you’re searching for extra of a house environment (or are touring with a bunch of individuals), head over to VRBO that has homes, residences and even only a room for lease in each value vary.
Getting Round: Renting a automobile is one of the best ways to actually expertise Tokushima Prefecture, and RentalCars.com has some nice offers. Though Uber is accessible, it isn’t very well-known and never essentially the most handy on the subject of touring in Tokushima. Taxis could be an effective way of getting across the metropolis, and you may obtain the JapanTaxi app previous to your arrival. You can too get round Tokushima on foot, lease an electrical bike for ¥1,000 a day, or entry their municipal and native bus providers. There may be additionally a free sightseeing bus referred to as GuruGuruBus that runs from Awa Odori Kaikan on weekends and nationwide holidays.
Greatest Excursions in Tokushima: Yow will discover a number of the prime excursions at Get Your Information or Viator, and listed here are a number of the prime ones:
Insurance coverage: It’s at all times a good suggestion to journey totally insured so you might be protected in case of journey cancellations or medical emergencies. You’ll be able to try pricing at Travelex Insurance coverage.
Common Adapter: Your American plugged gear will want an adapter. I take advantage of the Celtic Common Adapter, which has introduced me all over the world with no issues.
This put up was supplied in a partnership with Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities. All opinions my very own. This put up might include affiliate hyperlinks. In the event you make a purchase order by means of my hyperlinks, I earn a fee that helps to maintain this weblog operating—at no further value to you. You’ll be able to learn my full disclosure right here.
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