Tokushima Travel Guide

1. Naruto Whirlpools: As one of the world’s three largest whirlpools, the Naruto Whirlpools form due to the tidal clash between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, reaching diameters up to 20 meters. The spectacle is breathtaking. Visitors can board sightseeing boats to experience nature’s power up close, with the most dramatic views during spring and autumn high tides (March-April and September-October).

2. Iya Valley: The deepest gorge in Shikoku, renowned for its steep cliffs and crystal-clear streams. The iconic "Kazurabashi" vine bridge, woven from vines and suspended over the valley, offers a thrilling walk. Nearby, the traditional "Iya Bijin Onsen" lets you soak in hot springs while enjoying stunning valley views.

3. Otsuka Museum of Art: This unique museum houses over 1,000 full-scale replicas of world-famous paintings, including Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, allowing art lovers to enjoy global masterpieces without traveling abroad.

4. Awa Odori Kaikan: Tokushima is the birthplace of Awa Odori, one of Japan’s three major Bon dances. The museum offers daily vibrant performances. Visitors can watch the passionate dances, try on yukata, and join in, immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere.

5. Oboke and Koboke: Canyons carved by the Yoshino River, featuring towering rock formations. Cruising through on a sightseeing boat feels like stepping into a landscape painting. In autumn, vibrant red leaves contrast with the emerald river, creating a poetic scene.

6. Ryozenji Temple: The first of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Ryozenji is the starting point of Japan’s Buddhist pilgrimage route. Its serene environment and spiritual ambiance draw many devotees and hiking enthusiasts for worship.

7. Mount Bizan: Take a cable car to the summit for panoramic views of Tokushima city and the Seto Inland Sea, especially dazzling at night with twinkling lights. At the base, the "Awa Odori Museum" dives into the history and culture of this traditional dance.

8. Mount Tsurugi: Shikoku’s second-highest peak (1,955 meters), offering trails through pristine forests and alpine plants. From the summit, you can gaze at the Pacific Ocean and sea of clouds, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

9. Naruto Park: Beyond the whirlpool spectacle, the park features the "Sengaku-ji" sea-eroded platform and a monument commemorating Japan-Germany exchanges. Walking trails offer stunning views of the Naruto Strait’s majestic scenery.

10. Udatsu Street: Located in Mima City’s Wakimachi, this well-preserved cluster of traditional buildings from the Edo period showcases historic merchant houses. The distinctive "udatsu" firewalls add rustic charm, making it a perfect spot for photographers and a step back in time.

1. Tokushima Ramen (徳島ラーメン): Alongside Sapporo and Hakata, it’s one of Japan’s "three major local ramens." The broth is a rich pork bone-soy sauce base mixed with sweet-salty braised pork belly juice. The noodles are thin and curly, typically served with a raw egg and heaps of green onions. It comes in three styles: "brown" (dark soy sauce), "yellow" (light), and "white" (salt-based). (Recommended: Ramen Todai)

2. Awaodori Chicken (阿波尾鶏): A premium local chicken from Tokushima, known for its firm, juicy meat and evenly distributed fat. Popular dishes include charcoal-grilled with salt, oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), or Japanese-style fried chicken. (Recommended: 阿波尾鶏料理 わらい（Warai）)

3. Naruto Sea Bream (鳴門鯛): High-quality sea bream strengthened by the swift currents of the Naruto Strait, offering sweet and firm flesh. Common preparations include sashimi, sea bream chazuke (rice with tea), or salt-grilled to preserve its natural flavor. (Recommended: 鯛料理 玄)

4. Sudachi Citrus (すだち): Tokushima’s signature seasoning, a small citrus fruit more aromatic than lemon, featured in nearly every local dish, such as "sudachi shabu-shabu pork hotpot" or "sudachi ice cream." (Recommended: すだちや)

5. Iya Soba (祖谷そば): Made from wild buckwheat grown in the Shikoku mountains, these noodles are thick, chewy, and uniquely textured. Typically served cold on a bamboo sieve, dipped in sauce with green onions and wasabi. (Recommended:祖谷のかずら橋 そば処 平家)

6. Tokushima Sushi (徳島ずし): A rustic pressed sushi where vinegared rice is shaped into squares and topped with mackerel, sea bream, or pickled vegetables, offering a hearty texture. Similar to Osaka’s box sushi but emphasizes local seafood. (Recommended: 寿司政)

7. Naruto Kintoki (鳴門金時): Tokushima’s iconic sweet potato from the Naruto region, known for its high sweetness and creamy texture. When roasted, it releases a rich caramel aroma. Derivatives include sweet potato ice cream and sweet potato yokan (jelly). (Recommended: 旬菜ダイニング 金時)

8.  Awa Wasanbon Sugar (阿波和三盆糖): A premium sugar from the Edo period, handcrafted from Tokushima sugarcane with a fine, sand-like texture. Often used in Japanese sweets like rakugan or monaka. Visitors can tour traditional sugar-making workshops and sample it. (Recommended: 三盆糖の里 大野)

9. Kamadon (釜めし): Evolved from fishermen’s cuisine, this dish involves rice, seafood (like Naruto sea bream or clams), and vegetables steamed in a clay pot, finished with a splash of sudachi juice, resembling Japanese claypot rice. (Recommended: 海陽亭)

10. Tokushima Local Beer (徳島地ビール): Brewed with water from the Yoshino River and local ingredients, such as "Awaodori Beer" or limited-edition sudachi-flavored varieties. Perfect for pairing with seafood or barbecue. (Recommended: 阿波踊りビール)