The Awa Odori festival, the Naruto whirlpools and the vine bridges of the Iya Valley.
Tokushima is reached by highway bus from Osaka and Kobe over the Akashi and Naruto bridges. The Iya Valley needs a full day or a night.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesThe Awa Odori festival takes over the city every 12–15 August. At other times, the Awa Odori Kaikan hall holds daily performances you can join, and a ropeway goes up Mount Bizan.
Festival rooms sell out far ahead; many visitors stay in nearby cities.
Read this area guide →At spring tides, whirlpools up to about 20 metres across form in the Naruto Strait. See them from tour boats or the Uzu-no-Michi walkway under the bridge. The Otsuka Museum of Art shows ceramic replicas of world masterpieces.
Whirlpools are biggest around high and low tide; check the tide timetable first.
Read this area guide →The Iya Valley is one of Japan’s three hidden regions. Cross the Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge, see the Peeing Boy statue above the gorge and take a boat through the Oboke gorge.
Buses from Oboke Station are infrequent; a rental car or tour bus makes the day easier.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Naruto whirlpools by tour boat at the right tide.
Naruto udon or seafood lunch.
Otsuka Museum of Art.
Awa Odori performance in Tokushima City.
Try Tokushima ramen, Naruto sweet potatoes, sudachi citrus and Awa-odori chicken.
Stay in Tokushima City for transport; Iya has valley hot-spring inns and restored farmhouses.
Highway buses run from Osaka and Kobe. JR Nanpu limited expresses serve Oboke from Okayama.
