Tokushima Prefecture

A prefecture in eastern Shikoku where you can see the Naruto whirlpools, explore the hidden Iya Valley, and enjoy the lively Awa Odori in summer.

Tokushima Prefecture lies in eastern Shikoku, facing Awaji Island across the Naruto Strait to the east. The whirlpools of the Naruto Strait can be seen up close from a sightseeing boat or the walkway on the Onaruto Bridge, and the Otsuka Museum of Art is nearby. In the western mountains, the Iya Valley and the steep, deep Oboke and Koboke gorges are rugged, and the Iya Vine Bridge is a famous suspension bridge made of vines. The Awa Odori each August is one of Japan's signature summer festivals. Spring and autumn are good for outdoor sightseeing, and the whirlpools are most spectacular at spring tides. You can get there via Tokushima Awaodori Airport, or by bus from the Kansai region over the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

Destinations

• Tokushima & Naruto
• Iya Valley & Oboke

Itineraries

• Shikoku Grand Loop Self-Drive – Embark on a grand loop from Naruto through Iya, Kochi, Shimanto, Ashizuri, Uwajima, and Dogo, ending in Kotohira and Ta…
• Classic Shikoku Rail Loop – Enter via Okayama to Takamatsu, connecting Naoshima, Kotohira, Oboke, Kochi, Matsuyama, and Uchiko by rail, with no dri…
• Shikoku Henro Highlights & Mount Koya – Follow the traditional pilgrimage route to representative temples from Tokushima to Kagawa, complete the journey at Oku…