Discover Tokushima Tours in Japan | Awa Adventure Tourism

The raging river, Yoshino River, flows east to west through Tokushima Prefecture. The fertile soil brought by the flooding of the Yoshino River gave birth to Japan Blue, "Awa Indigo" bringing great prosperity to Tokushima.
"Awa Indigo," born in Awa, Tokushima, spread widely in Europe during the 19th century through ukiyo-e prints of the Edo period, coloring the hearts of people around the world with Japonism.
Even now, after 100 years, "Awa Indigo" remains a proud brand of Tokushima, continuing to attract travelers from across borders and generations to Tokushima.

Indigo Dyeing Experience

Throughout Tokushima Prefecture, you can experience the charm of Awa Indigo through "Indigo dyeing experiences." The indigo patterns dyed on white fabric vary depending on the person handling the indigo dye. Like reflecting one's heart at that moment, these unique indigo patterns create one-of-a-kind "indigo dyeing."
Your own original souvenir is sure to be a wonderful memory of your trip to Tokushima that will remain in your heart for a long time.

Awa Ningyo Joruri (Tokushima-based Japanese puppet show)

The brand of Awa Indigo, which Tokushima proudly boasts, has been distributed throughout Japan, bringing great prosperity to Tokushima's economy. This has led to the flourishing of a unique Awa culture in this region.
In particular, "Ningyo Joruri," a combination of Joruri storytelling accompanied by the sounds of the shamisen and puppetry, became popular in Tokushima in the 16th century against the backdrop of Awa's economic prosperity. This traditional technique is still deeply rooted in various regions of Tokushima and is a traditional culture that Tokushima takes pride in and wants to preserve for the next generation.
The diverse expressions and refined movements of the puppets that bring the story to life, accompanied by the resonating sound of the shamisen, can be fully enjoyed even without understanding the language. At "Awa Jurobe Yashiki (Puppet Theater and Museum)," this Ningyo Joruri is performed daily. So when you visit Tokushima, be sure to stop by and experience the world of Ningyo Joruri performed by the puppets.

"Naruto," the eastern gateway connecting the Kansai area with Tokushima. It boasts a variety of tourist spots, including the natural wonder of the "Naruto Whirlpools", the starting temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage "Ryozenji Temple," and a roadside station offering a variety of Tokushima gourmet.
Introducing the enchantment of traveling to Naruto, where the joyous songs of travelers and locals mingle.

Naruto Whirlpools

The Naruto Whirlpools, one of the three great whirlpools in the world, are a natural phenomenon created by the ebb and flow of the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, resulting from the complex terrain. It is a mysterious spectacle that allows one to feel the Earth's heartbeat.
On sightseeing boat cruises, you can get very close to the whirlpools. The thrilling experience of being so close to the roaring whirlpools that you feel like you might fall in is a unique charm of traveling in Tokushima. In addition to the dynamic whirlpools and the stunning view of the Onaruto Bridge, we also recommend taking a cruise to enjoy the pleasant sea breeze while gazing at the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea.

Shikoku Henro (Shikoku Pilgrimage)

The Shikoku Pilgrimage, known as Shikoku Henro in Japanese, is a 1,400-kilometer route around the island of Shikoku, visiting temples associated with Kobo Daishi. It is one of Japan's most grandiose pilgrimage routes, with 88 temples scattered throughout Shikoku. These pilgrimages have been undertaken for over 1,200 years and remain popular both domestically and internationally. The sight of pilgrims, known as "Ohenro-san," traversing Shikoku's rugged mountain paths, long stone steps, and tranquil coastlines is a unique and iconic scene of the region.
In Naruto, the first of the 88 pilgrimage sites, Ryozenji, marks the beginning of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The journey from Ryozenji to Gokurakuji spans 1 km and serves as the starting point for pilgrims. At Ryozenji, pilgrim supplies can be rented, allowing even travelers to easily begin their pilgrimage journey.
Through the Shikoku Pilgrimage, we invite you to enjoy a "spiritual journey" that allows you to face yourself..

Roadside Station Kurukuru Naruto

Located just a 10-minute drive from the Naruto Whirlpools is a roadside station that gathers Tokushima's local specialties and sells a wide variety of original products, making it an ideal rest stop for shopping for Tokushima souvenirs. It also features a seafood bowl made with fresh Seto Inland Sea seafood, Tokushima's famous ramen, and a specialty sweet potato sweets shop, allowing you to fully enjoy Tokushima's gourmet delights.
After enjoying the Naruto Whirlpools, be sure to stop by "Kurukuru Naruto" to enjoy Tokushima's gourmet food and shopping.

Heading further west from Tokushima and Naruto, Nishi-Tokushima is a hidden gem surrounded by scenic mountains. Visiting the valleys adorned with numerous legends, one can truly feel the ruggedness of the mountains and be amazed by the villages nestled there.
In this area of Nishi-Tokushima, adventure tourism around remote areas is popular, including the world-famous rafting spots of Oboke and Koboke.
While you can visit for a day trip, why not stay at a hot spring resort and leisurely heal on your journey?

Oboke & Koboke

The Grand Canyon along the Yoshino River flows through steep valleys with raging rapids. The breathtaking scenery, created by the sculptural rock formations formed over 200 million years and the seasonal beauty of the gorge, is truly a geoart.

Adventure Tourism

At Oboke and Koboke, which still retain their ancient appearance, you can enjoy water sports such as rafting and canoeing. Experience the adventure tourism unique to Tokushima, where you can play with the earth!

Iya Kazurabashi Bridge

One of Japan's three famous suspension bridges. Legend has it that it was once built with plants to escape pursuit. Directly below, a roaring rapid flows, and crossing this bridge, which sways with every step, is thrilling!