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Quick facts
- Region: Shikoku
- Capital: Tokushima
- Population: 0.69 million
- Climate: Pacific side
- Cherry blossom (average): 28 March
- No. 1 in Japan: Almost 100% of Japan's sudachi citrus — Awa Odori, the Naruto whirlpools, LED pioneer Nichia
⭐ Top sights
Rafting at Oboke Gorge
Japan's wildest whitewater, host to world rafting championships, plus the vine bridges of the Iya Valley nearby.
Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage
A 1,200 km, 1,200-year-old pilgrimage walked in white robes and sedge hats. About 40 days on foot, met by the local culture of 'osettai' hospitality.
Awa Odori Dance Festival
For four days in mid-August the city of Tokushima dances in a 400-year-old Bon festival. 'Fools who dance, fools who watch.' Visitors can join the 'niwaka-ren' and dance too.
🍲 Local food
Tokushima ramen, soba-gome zosui, Naruto sea bream
Tokushima ramen has sweet-savoury simmered pork belly and a raw egg. Soba-gome is buckwheat groats cooked like rice
🏮 Festivals & events
- Awa Odori (Tokushima) — August 12–15. 400 years of history. Japan's largest Bon dance, with around 100,000 dancers and 1.3 million visitors
🏨 Where to stay in Tokushima
The area around Tokushima, the capital, has the best transport links and the widest choice of hotels; a night at a hot-spring town is also worth it.
Other prefectures in the region
Kagawa · Ehime · Kochi · 47 prefectures
Frequently asked questions
What is Tokushima famous for food-wise?
Tokushima's best-known local dishes are Tokushima ramen, soba-gome zosui, Naruto sea bream. Tokushima ramen has sweet-savoury simmered pork belly and a raw egg. Soba-gome is buckwheat groats cooked like rice
What are the top sights in Tokushima?
Top picks in Tokushima include Rafting at Oboke Gorge, Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage, Awa Odori Dance Festival.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Tokushima?
In Tokushima (Tokushima), Somei-yoshino cherry trees usually start blooming around 28 March, reaching full bloom about a week later.
