Awa

Day Trips

Start your morning with a visit to the Awa Odori Kaikan to learn about the famous Awa Odori dance and watch live performances. Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local café nearby. Take a stroll through the Tokushima Castle ruins and its surrounding park to soak in some history and nature.

Have lunch at a local restaurant serving fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. Spend your afternoon exploring the Tokushima Modern Art Museum and wandering the streets for unique shops and cafes. Visit the Bizan Park for panoramic views over the city and the Naruto Strait beyond.

Dine at a traditional izakaya to sample regional specialties including sudachi citrus dishes. Experience the vibrant nightlife centered around the Awa Odori dance tunes. End the evening with a peaceful walk along the Yoshino River illuminated at night.

Take an early ferry to Naruto to witness the spectacular Naruto Whirlpools formed by tidal currents in the Naruto Strait. Visit the Naruto Uzushio Museum to deepen your understanding of this natural phenomenon. Enjoy a morning snack featuring local snacks at the nearby markets.

Have lunch at a seaside restaurant specializing in fresh Naruto seafood. Explore the Otsuka Museum of Art, famous for its full-scale replicas of Western masterpieces. Spend some time relaxing on the nearby coast, enjoying the ocean breeze and scenic views.

Return to Tokushima city and seek out a restaurant known for its Tokushima ramen, a local specialty. Reflect on the day’s experiences with a quiet walk through the city’s illuminated streets. Optionally, discover a local sake brewery for a tasting session.

Set out early for a hike on Mount Tsurugi, one of the tallest peaks in Shikoku with lush forests and panoramic vistas. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint during your ascent. Take in the serene atmosphere and spot local wildlife along the trail.

Descend and visit the nearby Ōasahiko Shrine, an important spiritual site surrounded by cedar trees. Have a hearty lunch at a rustic mountain lodge serving traditional Japanese dishes. Spend some quiet moments walking through the forest paths near the shrine.

Head back to Tokushima city and indulge in a comforting hot bath at a local onsen to relax your muscles. Dine in a cozy restaurant featuring farm-fresh local vegetables and meats. Enjoy a peaceful evening reflecting on the day’s natural beauty.

Travel to Awaji Island via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge early in the morning. Visit the Awaji Hanasajiki flower park to see seasonal blooms spread over the hills. Enjoy a fresh breakfast picnic amidst the colorful gardens.

Lunch at a seaside café known for its ocean views and fresh local produce. Explore the Awaji Yumebutai, a complex of gardens, architecture, and museums designed to harmonize with nature. Take a gentle walk through the nearby forest trails or along the coast.

Return to Tokushima and enjoy dinner at a restaurant specializing in Awaji Island’s famous onions and souvenirs. Try a locally brewed beverage while chatting with locals. End the day with a quiet stroll through a nearby illuminated park.

Visit the historic town of Kamiyama early to experience its traditional rural atmosphere. Stop by a local workshop to watch artisans crafting pottery and handmade paper. Enjoy a simple countryside breakfast at a local café featuring organic ingredients.

Lunch in Kamiyama featuring traditional set meals showcasing local produce. Explore the Kamiyama Art Village, where community projects blend modern art with heritage. Take a short walk along the scenic rural paths to nearby shrines and temples.

Return to Tokushima and dine at a restaurant offering seasonal kaiseki cuisine. Experience a cultural show or local live music performance if available. Relax with a cup of locally grown tea while reflecting on the rich cultural heritage of the day.

Start your day early with a walk along the Uzunomichi waterfront path in Tokushima. Enjoy a light breakfast at a café overlooking the river. Observe fishermen and local life along the water’s edge in the peaceful morning light.

Have lunch at a riverside restaurant serving dishes crafted with fresh river fish. Spend the afternoon renting a bike or taking a boat tour along the Yoshino River. Visit small museums or gardens nearby showcasing Tokushima’s ecosystem and traditions.

Return your bike or boat and find a cozy spot for dinner, sampling local soba noodles or tempura. Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll through the nearby market streets buzzing with night vendors. Finish the day with a dessert or tea in a warm, welcoming establishment.

Head to a local indigo dye workshop to learn the traditional Awa Ai (indigo) dyeing techniques. Try your hand at creating your own small indigo piece as a memorable souvenir. Enjoy a light breakfast at the workshop café or nearby bakery specializing in local breads.

Lunch at a café serving modern Japanese dishes paired with seasonal ingredients. Visit nearby artisan shops and galleries selling hand-dyed textiles and crafts. Take time to explore local markets and pick unique Japanese souvenirs.

Return to your accommodation and freshen up before dining at a restaurant offering innovative takes on traditional flavors. Reflect on the day’s artistic discoveries while sipping on a favorite local beverage. Possibly attend a cultural event or tea ceremony in the evening.

Rent a bicycle in Tokushima and start cycling towards Naruto along designated scenic routes. Have breakfast on the go with freshly made onigiri from a local shop. Stop at viewpoints to admire the Naruto Strait and the surrounding landscapes.

Pause for lunch at a popular roadside eatery serving local favorites. Continue cycling to explore smaller villages and coastal viewpoints. Visit the Naruto Park and take the elevator down to the whirlpool observation deck for extraordinary views.

Return bicycles and freshen up in town before enjoying dinner at a bustling restaurant with fresh seafood specials. Relax with a walk along the port area under soft lighting. End the day savoring a local dessert or refreshing beverage.

Spend the morning visiting Tokushima’s central fish and agricultural markets to witness the lively local trade. Sample fresh fruits, pickled vegetables, and street snacks for breakfast. Chat with vendors to learn about seasonal produce and specialties.

Enjoy a lunch composed of market-fresh sashimi or tempura at a nearby eatery. Take a cooking class or demonstration to learn how to prepare famous Tokushima dishes. Explore the market’s surroundings to find unique kitchenware and specialty food shops.

Dine at a restaurant featuring dishes inspired by your market discoveries. Share your cooking experiences with fellow travelers or locals in a friendly atmosphere. Wind down with a walk along the riverbank or visit a small local bar.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby café. Travel to a renowned onsen town around Awa for a day of relaxation. Try different hot spring baths known for their therapeutic properties.

Have a traditional Japanese lunch in the onsen town featuring regional dishes. Enjoy spa treatments such as massages or facials offered by local wellness centers. Take a gentle walk around the town’s scenic spots and souvenir shops.

Return to your hotel or ryokan for a kaiseki dinner showcasing local ingredients. Soak in the hot spring baths again for a soothing end to your day. Reflect on the tranquil experience with a cup of herbal tea before bedtime.