I’ll never forget the first time I visited Tokushima—which, not for nothing, was my first destination on Shikoku island. I was jet-lagged for most of my time there, having arrived directly from the US, but I was also engaged and inspired.
After an amazing welcome dinner (I’d been invited by the JTB corporation), we spent the next day at Naruto Whirlpools before making our way inland to the Iya Valley. En route, however, we stopped at several places along the Yoshino River, including the town of Udatsu.
Whether you’re interested primarily in Udatsu indigo dyeing, or want to visit one of the pilgrimage temples nearby, I think you’ll agree me with. Udatsu, while easy to miss, is impossible to forget.
How Udatsu Became an Indigo Hub
The Udatsu indigo town (which is also sometimes known as Wakimachi) is a modern tourism phenomenon, but it’s been making indigo for centuries. Specifically, this is a trade local artisans have practiced since the Edo period during the 18th century. Nature also made an assist in this region: The fertile soils along the Yoshino River, as well as the climate of eastern Shikoku island, just happen to provide perfect conditions for the cultivation of indigo plants.
To put it another way, Tokushima-ken hit the jackpot for this particular industry. Similarly, whether you’re enjoying the mobile slots option while you explore Udatsu, or wait until you get back to the hotel to play on your computer, you can win big during your trip to Shikoku island. Branch out to innovative games like The Tipsy Tourist and Arizona Heist, or instead choose traditional table favorites like blackjack and poker.
How to Structure Your Udatsu Day Trip
Travel in from Tokushima
The Udatsu townscape is located slightly west of central Tokushima along the Yoshino River valley. As a result, unless you leave very early (and, likely, have your own set of wheels), you will need to have spent the night before or to be spending the next night in Tokushima City if you wish to come here.
(Or points northward and westward)
Well, perhaps that’s not accurate—after all, not everyone is plotting a prospective visit from Kobe or Osaka. A more realistic “third way” to partake in things to do in Udatsu, to be sure, is to come from other nearby destinations in Shikoku. For example, you could theoretically stop here en route from Takamatsu or the Iya Valley to Tokushima.
Book a hands-on experience
Seeing the process of indigo dyeing with your own eyes is definitely the highlight of a trip to Udatsu. A couple notes on this. First, you’ll need to book your experience (which will take place at the Yamauchi Workshop) here. Secondly, unless you want to end up with blue nails and hands, please plan on using the gloves the provide you with.
Admire the Udatsu Townscape
Whether you travel from Tokushima to Udatsu or come from Takamatsu or elsewhere, indigo isn’t the only game in Wakimachi town. Rather, the Udatsu Townscape itself is something of a work of all. There are a surprising number of Japanese tourists here, due to its having been featured in various TV and movies.
Peer in on the Shikoku Pilgrimage
If you’re coming from Tokushima City and either have a decent amount of time (i.e. to figure out local transport networks) or your own rental car, I highly recommend stopping at Ryozen-ji temple on your way to or back from Udatsu. The first temple of Shihoku’s 88-temple pilgrimage, it’s arguably one of the most important places on the entire island.
Other Things to Do in Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima, in spite of being barely known among most foreign travelers, punches way above its weight as a destination. Here are just a few of my favorite activities there:
- Ascend the Bizan Ropeway to get an amazing panorama of Tokushima City—and, on a clear day, of the Seto Inland Sea in the distance.
- Explore the ruins of Tokushima Castle, which are located just behind JR Tokushima Station, and are easy to miss if you aren’t look.
- Attend the annual Awa Odori dance festival, one of Japan’s most beloved matsuri, if you happen to be in town during early August.
- Alternatively, enjoy a more evergreen (but nonetheless impressive) phenomenon by visiting the Naruto Whirlpools just east of the city.
As you can see, an Udatsu day trip really only scratches the surface of all there is to see in this part of Japan, especially if you have some time to spare.
Other FAQ About Visiting Japan’s Indigo Town
Where is Japan’s indigo town?
The Udatsu townscape, which is part of Wakimachi town in Mima City, is located in Tokushima prefecture in the eastern part of Japan’s Shikoku island. Realistically, it’s a day trip from Tokushima City, though very intrepid travelers can come here from Osaka or Kobe.
Where can I buy denim in Japan?
Although Udatsu, Tokushima is a center of indigo cultivating and dyeing, it’s actually not the best place in Japan to buy denim. For that, rather, you’ll want to head to the Bikan historical district in Kurashiki, located just over the Seto Inland Sea in Okayama prefecture.
Where to go after Tokushima?
If you haven’t yet explored the other three prefectures of Shikoku island (Kochi, Ehime and Kagawa), then I recommend heading to one or all of those after Tokushima. Alternatively, head across the Seto Inland Sea (ideally with a stop on Awaji Island) en route back to Hyogo and Osaka prefectures.
The Bottom Line
Udatsu indigo dyeing is a one-of-a-kind experience, but that’s not the only reason to stop in this town. Its townscape is one of the most charming (and, among Japanese people, iconic) on the entire island of Shikoku, to say nothing of how beautifukl the Yoshino River valley is in general. There’s also the fact that several temples belonging to the 88-temple pilgrimage temple are nearby—including, at least if you are coming from Tokushima City, the one designated as being first. That’s the good new. The better news? Whether in Udatsu, or anywhere else off Japan’s beaten path, I’ll help you find unique attractions and excursions when you hire me to plan your Japan itinerary.
