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.

Tokushima Map

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

Tyler Palma, Group Tours Ground Manager

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.

Make an Enquiry

For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379

Recommended Accommodation in Tokushima

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

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
Make an Enquiry

For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379

Featured trips including Tokushima