If you’ve so far come up empty-handed in your search for a Tokushima itinerary, I’m not surprised. It’s a small city on an island rarely visited, even less often by non-Japanese speakers.
Indeed, as is the case with Shikoku attractions more broadly, I think the lack of expectations you surely have will make your trip to Tokushima all the more enjoyable.
Whether you’re looking to plan specific activities, or have a more sweeping question (“is Tokushima worth visiting?”) in mind, you’ve arrived at the right place: Your trip to Tokushima starts here.
Where to Stay in Tokushima
Before I get into the weeds of things to do in Tokushima, let’s talk about where in the city you can make your home. (Before I do that, I’ll give you a disclaimer: Most of the hotels in this city aren’t anything special, although there are some newer and newly-renovated properties that are at least comfortable.) In general, since most of the activities you enjoy in Tokushima begin and end at the station, I recommend staying as close to there as possible.
My first experience with Tokushima hotels was at the convenient and 80s-fabulous JR Hotel Clement, which is literally right across from JR Tokushima Station. Other hotels that aren’t quite as convenient but slightly newer (and with more modern ambiance, certainly) include Hotel Sunroute and Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokushima Ekimae, which is part of one of my favorite Japanese hotel chains.
What to Do in Tokushima
Take in an Awa-Odori performance
It saddens me that Awa-Odori, the iconic Tokushima dance tradition, isn’t more famous outside of Japan (and indeed, outside of Shikoku). On the other hand, you can let other people’s loss be your gain. During all but a few days of the year, you’ll simply need to head to Tokushima Awa-Odori Kaikan to take in a performance.
(Ideally, during the festival itself)
Alternatively, if you Tokushima itinerary will take place in mid-August, you can attend the annual Awa-Odori Matsuri festival. Although getting a hotel here during this time can be difficult—you need to book six months in advance, at minimum—it’s one of my favorite summer festivals in all of Japan.
Ride the Bizan Ropeway
Tokushima is a much more attractive city than the low profile it keeps would suggest, particularly when you see it in the context of its surrounding nature. The best way to do this? Ride the Bizan Ropeway to the top of the “beautiful mountain” of the same name, which allows you to see the Seto Inland Sea (and, on a clear day, Naruto—more on that place in a minute) in the distance.
Explore the Tokushima Castle Ruins
Likewise, the ruins of Tokushima Castle are not one of the top things to do in Tokushima, as the ones in Takamatsu (which aren’t really all that ruined) or one of the many Shikoku cities with an “original” castle. Still, with a location just behind JR Tokushima Station, and being home to several towering trees, they’re interesting enough to justify spending a few minutes of your time.
Discover the rest of Tokushima-ken
As I’ve written in my guide about travel in Tokushima prefecture more broadly, Tokushima-ken is a day tripper’s paradise. If you come in autumn, for example, I suggest you travel from Tokushima to Iya Valley to see colorful leaves. More evergreen day trips include the Udatsu indigo village, and the aforementioned Naruto Whirlpools.
How to Get to Tokushima
The good news? You can ride a bus directly from Osaka to Tokushima, although—be warned—there are a few stops between JR Osaka Station and JR Tokushima Station. The better news? Since this bus is operated by JR, you can ride it for free if you hold a Japan Rail Pass. (Although the JR Pass is of limited utility in Shikoku, given the lack of Shinkansen bullet trains and the generally low cost of riding the island’s rails.)
On the other hand, you don’t have to begin your trip to Shikoku by ticking off things to do in Tokushima. Although I prefer to start my Shikoku adventures in Tokushima and work my way clockwise, you could instead enter from the north (Takamatsu, via Okayama) and travel the other way around the island. In either case, Tokushima is as easy to reach from Honshu as it is from destinations within Shikoku.
Other FAQ About Things to Do in Tokushima
What is Tokushima known for?
Tokushima is known for the annual Awa-Odori festival and also, for being the closest city in Japan to the otherworldly Naruto Whirlpools. Furthermore, it is the eastern gateway to Shikoku island, and is directly connected to Osaka by bus.
Is Tokushima worth visiting?
Tokushima is absolutely worth visiting if you’re planning to be in Shikoku anyway. From the Naruto Whirlpools to the chance to see an Awa-Odori performance, Tokushima offers some of the most unique travel experiences in Japan. On the other hand, if you don’t plan to visit Shikoku, Tokushima may end up being too much of a trek for you.
Where should I stay in Tokushima?
I generally prefer staying near JR Tokushima Station, if only for the convenience. This is easy not only for exploring city-center attractions such as the Awa-Odori Kaikan, but also for getting buses to outlying destinations like Naruto Whirlpools, and trains to the Iya Valley and beyond.
The Bottom Line
I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, both by the eclecticism of this Tokushima itinerary, and with how well the city pairs with other destinations in Japan. Some travelers will pop over from Osaka, Kobe or Awaji Island for a day or two, while others (irrespective of how they reach the city) will enjoy Tokushima as part of a larger Shikoku trip. Certainly, whether you spend the day at Naruto Whirlpools and the night at Awa Odori Kaikan, or sleep multiple nights in Shikoku to enjoy the city’s treasures more fully, Tokushima will exceed your expectations, especially if you commission a custom Japan itinerary today.
