Tokushima

Tokushima is the capital of Tokushima Prefecture, one of the four prefectures on Shikoku Island, and the largest city on the island; an attractive city, surrounded by 1,000 metre mountains on three sides and the Inland Sea on the fourth.

“Watching the Awa Odori dance was so much fun, we couldn't resist getting up and joining in the dancing! ”

Famous for its local arts and culture, August sees the city taken over by the Awa Odori festival with its distinctive dancing style. Locals say that when Tokushima Castle was opened in the late 16th century, the daimyo (feudal lord) hosted a wild celebration. The sake flowed freely and the locals began to drunkenly weave and stumble back and forth.
Music was played to accompany this strange dance and lyrics were invented to go with the tune. Thus, the Awa Odori was invented.

Performances of this unique dance can be seen all year round, and you may find yourself joining in on the fun!
Tokushima is also a great place to see bunraku, Japanese puppetry, and to try your hand at indigo-dyeing.

Tokushima makes a great base for trips to the stunning Iya Valley to see the famous vine bridges. You can also visit the giant Naruto whirlpools, just outside of town.
It is also the starting place for Shikoku's 88 Temple Pilgrimage; you may see henro (pilgrims) in their distinctive white garb, large hats and walking sticks preparing for their long walk.

It can take up to 2 months on foot to reach the 88th temple, so feel free to offer them o-settai; a small gift of money or food to assist them on their pilgrimage. This will bring you luck as well.

Recommended Accommodation in Tokushima

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Tokushima.

Tokushima

JR Clement Hotel

Superior
Tokushima

Hotel Sunroute Tokushima

Moderate

Experiences in Tokushima

Tokushima offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites

Weather in Tokushima

The Climate Guide for Tokushima, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	9	10	13	18	22	25	29	30	27	22	17	12
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	2	2	5	10	14	19	23	24	20	14	10	5
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	5	5	6	6	6	5	6	7	5	5	5	5
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	14	14	13	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	Low	High	High	Moderate	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	15	15	17	15	15	18	19	17	17	14	13	14
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	53	53	72	105	206	306	264	239	305	179	83	49
UV Index (Maximum)	3	4	6	8	9	10	11	10	8	6	4	3

Tour Gallery

View our Gallery >

Featured trips including Tokushima

Small Group Tour

Hidden Japan (IJT Classic)
- Kyoto
- Mount Koya
- Tokushima
- Takamatsu
- Kotohira
- Matsuyama
- Hiroshima
- Kyoto
Discover the road less travelled

12 nights: US$6965 Read more >

View more Small Group Tours