Kansai Collection

Spas
Spa MAP
Spas with at least five neighboring inns/hotels
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Name Prefecture Comment
Oboke/Iya Spa Land TOKUSHIMA
Enjoy unique springs here, including the open-air baths at the bottom of the valley. Oboke/Iya Spa Land

Other spas
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Name Prefecture Comment
Shishikui Spa TOKUSHIMA
An ocean-viewing spa facing the Pacific Ocean, and equipped with a variety of facilities that meet different needs of visitors. You can refresh yourself from a stay at a resort hotel or a national inn, or also enjoy a one-day trip. Shishikui Spa

Cuisines

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Name Prefecture Comment
Iya Soba Noodles TOKUSHIMA
Soba noodles made with very little starch have good plain flavor.  
Uzushio Kabuto Nabe TOKUSHIMA
A dynamic nabe dish, boiling all kinds of specialty food from Awa area. Uzushio Kabuto Nabe
Pirate Seafood Dish TOKUSHIMA
An exciting dish of grilled living seafood. Pirate Seafood Dish
Buckwheat Risotto TOKUSHIMA
A risotto is made with ungrounded buckwheat grain.  
Zomeki Dishes TOKUSHIMA
Fresh foods from local mountains and the sea seem to be dancing. Zomeki Dishes
Spicy Sea Bream Risotto TOKUSHIMA
A tom yam kun-style risotto using sea bream, sudachi citrus, and Japanese pepper. Spicy Sea Bream Risotto
Grilled Yuzu-Miso Sea Bream TOKUSHIMA
A simple dish made by grilling sea bream spread with miso and wrapped in aluminum foil. Grilled Yuzu-Miso Sea Bream
Tarai Udon Noodles TOKUSHIMA
The eat hand-made udon together from a large rice bowl. Tarai Udon Noodles
Deko Mawashi TOKUSHIMA
A kind of dengaku. Foods on skewers look like traditional Deko dolls of Awa.  
Tokushima Ramen Chinese Noodle) TOKUSHIMA
Sophisticated tastes realized by the high density of ramen restaurants in Tokushima.  
Handa Somen Noodles TOKUSHIMA
The thick and firm noodles are a specialty food of Handa area.  

Castle
Castle MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Tokushima Castle TOKUSHIMA
The castle that gave birth to the Awa-odori Tokushima Castle

Shopping

General
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Name Prefecture Comment
Higashi-Shinmachi Area TOKUSHIMA
This largest shopping town in Tokushima features a treasure-trove of shops and department stores stretching over 800 meters. Higashi-Shinmachi Area

Characteristic
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Name Prefecture Comment
Tokushima Kogei-Mura TOKUSHIMA
This place sells traditional craftworks, and provides practical demonstrations of skill. Performances of Ningyo Jorurui and Awa Odori can be seen free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays, respectively.  
Shin-Tokushima Exchange Terminal (Opened in spring of 2003) TOKUSHIMA
This terminal station for the express bus system is designed to connect Tokushima and central Kansai areas, providing access to tourism information, local products and souvenirs.  

Traditional Craft

Food
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Name Prefecture Comment
Soba Noodle School TOKUSHIMA
Experience making soba noodles exclusively from local materials. Soba Noodle School
Roadside Udon Center "Donari" TOKUSHIMA
Experience making "tarai udon," a local specialty dish featuring udon noodles in tarai, a Japanese wide bowl. Roadside Udon Center "Donari"

Arts
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Name Prefecture Comment
Tokushima Art Village TOKUSHIMA
Five different craft experiences are available, including indigo dyeing, Japanese paper and "deko " doll making. Tokushima Art Village
Otani Pottery Village TOKUSHIMA
Experience making cups or vases of Otani pottery, which is the most famous for large bottles and pots. Otani Pottery Village
Indigo Museum TOKUSHIMA
Tokushima prospered by indigo. Study indigo houses and document exhibits, and experience indigo dyeing for yourself. Indigo Museum
Awa Traditional Paper Center TOKUSHIMA
Experience making Japanese paper, the tradition of which is designated as a traditional art by the national government. Awa Traditional Paper Center
Vine Craft School TOKUSHIMA
Experience traditional vine craftwork. The local bridge made of vine is very famous. Vine Craft School
Traditional Art Center TOKUSHIMA
The area is famous for traditional Wasanbon sugar. Experience making sugar from local sugar canes, and dyeing cloths with indigo. Traditional Art Center

Culture
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Name Prefecture Comment
Awaodori Center TOKUSHIMA
See and join Awaodori, one of the most famous folk dances in Japan. Awaodori Center

Beautiful Seashores
Beautiful Seashores MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Naruto Whirlpools TOKUSHIMA
Naruto Park is known for the eddies of Naruto. It has scenes of wonder in all seasons. Naruto Whirlpools
Mitoko Bay TOKUSHIMA
There are green islands of various size in the bay at the town of Shishikui in Kaifu-gun. It resembles a nice subtropical location. Here you can feel the presence of Black Stream. Visitors can enjoy cruises on Blue Marine, a glass-bottom boat that tours Takegashima Marine Park. Mitoko Bay
Minami-Awa Sunline TOKUSHIMA
It's an 18km drive from Hiwasaura of Hiwasa-cho in Kaifu-gun to Mugi-cho Nada. Beaches lined with cliffs make for good viewing. There are several observation decks, including those at Senbakaigai and Hiwasaura. At Senbakaigai, the sheer cliff rises 2km high. Minami-Awa Sunline

Street Scenery
Street Scenery MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Historic"Udatsu"Street in Sadamitsu Town TOKUSHIMA
Merchants' houses with decorative dual fire prevention features line the town. Historic"Udatsu"Street in Sadamitsu Town
Historic "Udatsu"Street in Waki Town TOKUSHIMA
This historic townscape features beautiful white walls and fire prevention features on the houses of rich merchants prosperous in the Edo and Meiji eras (1603-1912). Historic "Udatsu"Street in Waki Town

Come experience the glory of nature
Come experience the glory of nature MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Uzunomichi TOKUSHIMA
Watch the "Naruto-no-Uzushio" whirlpool, one of the world's three largest whirlpools, through the glass floor, from 45 meters above. Uzunomichi
Ojikiami Fishing Experience "Niji Manbo" TOKUSHIMA
Experience the traditional fishing method "Ojikiami." Fish caught are cooked on the boat and served to the passengers. Ojikiami Fishing Experience "Niji Manbo"
Dragnet Fishing Experience TOKUSHIMA
The dragnet set in the offing is drawn onto the sand beach, providing a variety of fish that are cooked and served to tourists on the spot. Dragnet Fishing Experience
Whirlpool-Watching Boat (Naruto Sightseeing Steamer, Uzushio Steamer) TOKUSHIMA
The boat goes near the very center of the whirlpool. Experience the dynamism of strong and absorbing whirlpool in the splashing distance. Whirlpool-Watching Boat (Naruto Sightseeing Steamer, Uzushio Steamer)
Shishikui Undersea Pleasure Boat "Blue Marine" TOKUSHIMA
A rare type of undersea pleasure boat in Japan, aboard which tourists can observe underwater coral and tropical fish. Shishikui Undersea Pleasure Boat "Blue Marine"
Tairyuji Ropeway TOKUSHIMA
One of the major ropeways in Japan, with the largest pillars worldwide and a passenger capacity of up to 101. Tairyuji Ropeway
Mt. Takamaru and environs TOKUSHIMA
This area, known for its primeval forests of beech, offers scenic beauty of the seasons. Mt. Takamaru and environs
Todoroki-no-taki Falls (Todoroki Kujuku Taki) TOKUSHIMA
This is the largest waterfall in the Shikoku region, and one of the 100 most beautiful falls in Japan. The main fall is accompanied by many smaller falls, all collectively referred to as "Todoroki Kujuku Taki (i.e. many falls)." Todoroki-no-taki Falls (Todoroki Kujuku Taki)
Oboke Ravine Pleasure Boat TOKUSHIMA
Enjoy riding the pleasure boat amidst nature's seasonal beauty through a ravine lined with crystalline schist resembling marble sculptures. Oboke Ravine Pleasure Boat
Mt. Tsurugi, Super Forest Road TOKUSHIMA
The longest forest road in Japan is visited by offroad lovers from all over the country, who are attracted by the road's natural beauty. Mt. Tsurugi, Super Forest Road
Dejima Wild Bird Park TOKUSHIMA
This is the only wild bird park in the Shikoku region visited by raptorial short-toed eagles. Bird-watching expeditions are organized in the park by the Wild Bird Society of Japan. Dejima Wild Bird Park
Minoda-no-fuchi Pleasure Boat TOKUSHIMA
Minoda-no-fuchi is a deep pool designated a prefectural place of scenic beauty and a natural monument. Ride the pleasure boat, designed after a traditional kandori boat. Minoda-no-fuchi Pleasure Boat

The great outdoors, sports and adventure
The great outdoors, sports and adventure MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Canoeing TOKUSHIMA
Wajiki Line is one of the permanent venues for canoeing competitions sponsored by the Japan Canoe Association, and also the venue for the National Canoe Slalom/Wild Water Junior Cup Competition. Canoeing
Kitanowaki Beach TOKUSHIMA
Kitanowaki Beach has been recognized as the gmost beautiful beach in Japanh by the Environment Agency. Moreover, the beach was also selected by the Agency as one of the g100 Best Beaches in Japan.h Kitanowaki Beach
Grass Ski Area (Mt. Nakao Grass Ski Area) TOKUSHIMA
Mt. Nakao Grass Ski Area is a grass ski course authorized by the Japan Grass Ski Association (JSGA). Many national ski competitions are held here. Grass Ski Area (Mt. Nakao Grass Ski Area)
Surfing/Body-boarding TOKUSHIMA
Many nice surfing points including Kaifu Point, a world famous surfing spot, are scattered throughout Tokushima. Surfing/Body-boarding
Sea Kayaking TOKUSHIMA
You can experience sea kayaking at coves along the indented coastline of Naruto City, Shishikui-cho, and other areas. Sea Kayaking
Scuba Diving TOKUSHIMA
With untouched natural beauty, the sea off Tokushima's southern area between Mugi-cho and Shishikui-cho is recognized as one of the best diving sites in Japan. Scuba Diving
Zorbing (Ikawa X Park) TOKUSHIMA
At Ikawa X Park, you can experience a still very uncommon sport in Japan?zorbing (where a person rolls down a slope inside an inflatable sphere.) Zorbing (Ikawa X Park)
Paragliding TOKUSHIMA
Tokushima has many nice flight points for paragliding in western Japan. The National League Tournament is sponsored by the Japan Paraglider Association. Paragliding
Downhill mountain biking TOKUSHIMA
This downhill course is renowned as a high-level course. A mountain bike competition is held here annually with the participation of many mountain bike lovers throughout Japan. Downhill mountain biking
Rafting (Oboke and Koboke valleys) TOKUSHIMA
The upstream reaches of the Yoshino River is one of the most raging currents in Japan. Many rafting-lovers gather here from the Kansai and Chugoku regions to enjoy the sweeping stream. Rafting (Oboke and Koboke valleys)

Cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
Shiroyama TOKUSHIMA
One of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokushima City. The cherry blossoms are illuminated at night, creating a fascinating atmosphere. Shiroyama
Mt. Bizan TOKUSHIMA
Mt. Bizan is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot where about 1,500 someiyoshino cherry trees bloom gorgeously. The magnificent view from the top of the mountain and a wonderful night view attract many people. Mt. Bizan
Tokushima Prefectural College of Agriculture TOKUSHIMA
When some 160 someiyoshino cherry trees are in full bloom, they create a magnificent cherry blossom tunnel. Tokushima Prefectural College of Agriculture
Matsushima Senbonzakura TOKUSHIMA
There are about 1,000 cherry trees here. Many people come here to take a leisurely stroll, enjoying beautiful scenery with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Livestock including dairy cattle are seen in the pastures. Matsushima Senbonzakura
Miyagochi Dam Park TOKUSHIMA
You can take a walk around the Miyagochi Dam. There are many attractions nearby that make your visit more enjoyable, including hot springs and tarai udon noodle restaurants.  
Egawa/Kamojima Park TOKUSHIMA
About 200 someiyoshino cherry trees can be seen in the park along the river. This is a great cherry blossom viewing spot for those with children, due to its various play facilities, including Kappa Street and the Folktale Street.  
Tsunomine Park TOKUSHIMA
In spring, Mr. Tsunomine is beautifully covered with approximately 2,000 cherry trees of various varieties, including yoshino-zakura, botan-zakura and yama-zakura (mountain cherry).  
Suwa Park TOKUSHIMA
About 400 to 500 someiyoshino cherry trees are planted in the Suwa Park, located east of Ikeda High School. Cherry trees are illuminated during the blossom season and the scenery is worth seeing.  
Yakuoji Temple TOKUSHIMA
There are about 300 cherry trees, including yaezakura (double-bloomed cherry), someiyoshino and yamazakura (mountain cherry).  

Popular Filming Locations
Popular Filming Locations MAP
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Name Prefecture Comment
"Bart no Gakuen" BANDO Location Village - Town of Joy - TOKUSHIMA
An open set built for filming the movie Bart no Gakuen (Paradise of Bart) (2006, Toei) "Bart no Gakuen" BANDO Location Village - Town of Joy -
Ryozenji Temple TOKUSHIMA
The Awa-dancing scene was filmed for the movie Bart no Gakuen (Paradise of Bart) (2006, Toei). The first temple of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Ryozenji Temple
Street with Udatsu TOKUSHIMA
Streets with historic buildings have been used for many films and TV dramas, including the movie Bart no Gakuen (Paradise of Bart) and TV drama series Mito Komon. Street with Udatsu
Former Oori Post Office TOKUSHIMA
A post office used as a photo studio in the movie Mura no Shashinshu (The Village Album) (2004) Former Oori Post Office
JR Tainohama Station TOKUSHIMA
A railway station near the coast. In the movie Road 88 (2004), the leading character sleeps in this station. JR Tainohama Station