TOKUSHIMA PREFECTURE

TOKUSHIMA MAIN CITIES and TOWNS

Naruto is a city on the coastline of Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Naruto City is the landing point of Naruto Bridge which joins Awaji Island to Shikoku Island. Naruto is famous for the Naruto Whirlpools, which are large whirlpools in the Naruto Straits caused by large tidal flows. Naruto also features Ryozen-ji and Gokuraku-ji temples which are the first and second temples on the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Tokushima is the capital of Tokushima Prefecture, located on the eastern side of Shikoku Island. Tokushima is famous for its Awa-odori Dance Festival, which is held every year from 12th to 15th of August, and features shamisens (traditional Japanese guitar), drums and gongs playing music to go with the tradtional dance. Tokushima is a former castle town. Today Tokushima Castle Museum is located on the site of the former Tokushima Castle, along with the beautiful Omotegoten Garden.

TOKUSHIMA CASTLES

Ichinomiya Castle was a hilltop castle located only a few kilometres to the west of Tokushima City Tokushima Prefecture, where Tokushima Castle once stood. Ichinomiya Castle was used by the Ichinomiya family between the 14th and 16th centuries when they ruled the area. Today only a few stone walls remain of Ichinomiya Castle.

Tokushima Castle was a hilltop style Japanese Castle located in Tokushima Tokushima Prefecture. Tokushima Castle was constructed in 1585, with a donjon added in three years later. Around 1615 the donjon was demolished and replaced by the three story Higashininomaru turret. In 1874 all the main structures with the exception of the Washino Gate were demolished as part of the Meiji Restoration. In 1945 a fire destroyed the Washino Gate and the remaining wooden buildings. Today only ruins remain of Tokushima Castle with only a section of wall and moat in what was the south eastern corner of the castle compound. In 1989 the Tokushima Castle Museum was opened on the site along with a reconstructed Washino Gate.

TOKUSHIMA MUSEUMS and ART GALLERIES

Tokushima Castle Museum is located on the site of the former Tokushima Castle in Tokushima Tokushima Prefecture. Tokushima Castle Museum exhibits art works and historic materials from the history of Tokushima. Tokushima Castle Museum is built in the style of the main hall of Tokushima Castle.

TOKUSHIMA GARDENS and PARKS

Omotegoten Garden of Old Tokushima Castle is a traditional Japanese garden located next to Tokushima Castle Museum in Tokushima Tokushima Prefecture. Omotegoten Garden makes extensive use of Awa-no-Ao-shi, a local green stone, of particular note is the broken stone bridge within the dry landscape part of the garden. The garden pond water level varies with the tides as it is connected to seawater of the inner moat.

Seibu Park, located in Tokushima on the island of Shikoku is famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

TOKUSHIMA THEATRES and CONCERT HALLS

Awa-odori Hall (Awa-odori Kaikan) is theatre where displays of Awa-odori Dance can be seen throughout the year. Tokushima is famous for its Awa-odori Dance Festival, which is held from 12th to 15th of August every year, and features shamisens (traditional Japanese guitar), drums and gongs playing music to go with the tradtional dance. Awa-odori Hall also features museum on its third floor and on the the fifth floor is the station for the ropeway to Mt Bizan.

TOKUSHIMA BRIDGES

Naruto Bridge spans the Naruto Straits to join Awaji Island to Shikoku Island at Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture. Naruto Bridge features an observation deck to view the famous Naruto Whirlpools, which are large whirlpools in the Naruto Straits caused by large tidal flows.

TOKUSHIMA MOUNTAINS

Mt Bizan is the symbol of Tokushima City. From the lookout point on the top of Mt Bizan the whole of Tokushima City and beyond. On a clear day the Kii Peninsula to the east and Awaji Island to the north can be seen. Access to Mt. Bizan is provided by a ropeway, with the ground level station located on the fifth floor of the Awa-odori Hall.

TOKUSHIMA LAKES and BAYS

Naruto Straits are a narrow section of water located between Awaiji Island and Shikoku Island at Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture. The Naruto Straits are famous for their Naruto Whirlpools, which are large whirlpools caused by large tidal flows going through the narrow Naruto Straits.

Naruto Whirlpools are large whirlpools created in the Naruto Straits by large flows of sea water moving back and forth with the tides between Naruto Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island. The Naruto Whirlpools can be observed from the Uzu-no-Michi walkway, an observation deck built below the Naruto Bridge, which is approximately 45m above the water or one of the sightseeing boats.

TOKUSHIMA TRAIN STATIONS

Sancho Ropeway Station is the terminal on Mt Bizan Tokushima Prefecture, where the main lookout point on Mt Bizan. From this point you can view the whole of Tokushima City and beyond. On a clear day the Kii Peninsula to the east and Awaji Island to the north can be seen. Access to Mt. Bizan is provided by a ropeway, with the ground level station located on the fifth floor of the Awa-odori Hall.