Japan · Region
Tokushima
Tokushima, on the eastern coast of Shikoku, is best known for two dramatically different spectacles: the thunderous Naruto Strait whirlpools — among the largest tidal whirlpools in the world — and the exuberant summer street dancing of Awa Odori, a 400-year-old tradition that turns the prefectural capital into an all-night party each mid-August. Beyond these headline draws, the prefecture's interior hides the remote, vine-bridged Iya Valley and deep mountain scenery, since roughly 80% of Tokushima is covered by mountains.
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Frequently asked questions about Tokushima
How do I get to Tokushima?
Tokushima Awa Odori Airport (TKS) has regular domestic flights from Tokyo Haneda and Fukuoka, with bus services connecting the airport to Tokushima Station; travellers from the Kansai region typically arrive by highway bus from Osaka or Kobe, or by JR Shikoku's limited express "Uzushio" train from Okayama.
How many days should I spend in Tokushima?
Plan on ~2-3 days to cover the essentials — a day in Tokushima City for Awa Odori culture and Mt. Bizan, plus a side trip to the Naruto whirlpools — or extend to 4-5 days if venturing further into the mountainous Iya Valley.
What is Tokushima known for?
Tokushima, on the eastern coast of Shikoku, is best known for two dramatically different spectacles: the thunderous Naruto Strait whirlpools — among the largest tidal whirlpools in the world — and the exuberant summer street dancing of Awa Odori, a 400-year-old tradition that turns the prefectural capital into an all-night party each mid-August. Beyond these headline draws, the prefecture's interior hides the remote, vine-bridged Iya Valley and deep mountain scenery, since roughly 80% of Tokushima is covered by mountains.