No Need to Begin from the First Temple! Start Your Tokushima Pilgrimage Journey with Ease.

2025.3.21

A journey that takes about 45 days on foot, covering a distance of approximately 1,400 kilometers. This is the full pilgrimage route of the "Ohenro" (pilgrimage). When we think of a pilgrimage, it may seem difficult, but actually, today the "Ohenro" (Pilgrimage) is not just for dedicated pilgrims. People from all walks of life are participating in the pilgrimage for various purposes, such as experiencing the nature and history of Shikoku, or for health reasons. Through the Ohenro, you can discover the charm of Tokushima and the rest of Shikoku. It’s easy to feel like you want to try the pilgrimage now, right? Let’s introduce the appeal of Ohenro that even beginners can easily enjoy.

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Sweet And Yet a Refreshing, Light and Gentle Flavor: A Complete Guide to Awa Wasanbon Sweets

2025.3.20

Wasanbon, a traditional Japanese sugar made from the Taketo (thin sugarcane plants grown locally in Shikoku), is produced using a traditional method. It has been enjoyed in Tokushima Prefecture for over 220 years. Due to its exceptional quality, Awa Wasanbon has been cherished as a luxury sweet in high-end confectionery shops. Now, across Tokushima Prefecture, many new-age sweets are being created using Awa Wasanbon, blending traditional flavors with modern twists. Here, we introduce some recommended sweets that make use of traditional flavors in new forms.

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A Must Drink When You Visit Tokushima! A Complete Guide to Tokushima Craft Beers

2025.3.20

When you travel, you definitely want to taste the seasonal specialties of the region, right? Do you know which beer pairs perfectly with seasonal dishes? That would be craft beer. Made at small, independent breweries, craft beer often reflects the unique characteristics of the region, making it a great match for local ingredients. In this article, we will introduce four craft breweries in the eastern part of Tokushima, where you can enjoy craft beer made with local ingredients.

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Not Just the Whirlpools and Awa Odori What Else is No.1 in Tokushima?

2025.3.18

What comes to your mind when thinking about Tokushima? The Whirlpools? The Awa Odori Dance? Of course, both are important symbols of Tokushima, but beyond these iconic sights, Tokushima is home to many things that are "No.1 in Japan". Today, let’s dive into some lesser-known but equally remarkable "No.1" things in Tokushima!

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“Ponpokopon” Everywhere! A Complete Guide to Komatsushima's Tanuki Spots! (“Ponpokopon” is the sound said to be used by raccoons in fairy tales when they hit their own belly!)

2025.3.14

Komatsushima is a town that steeped in the Legend of the Awa-Tanuki Gassen a Japanese legend that takes place in the Awa Province (now Tokushima Prefecture). P.S. Tanuki a Japanese raccoon dog, formerly believed in Japan to be a mischievous animal capable of shapeshifting. Komatsushima is a city where the folklore of the Awa-Tanuki Gassen still lives on. And you’ll find countless tanuki figures throughout the town, including Kinchō, the tanuki protagonist of the legend folktale. Now, let’s set off on a journey to discover these charming tanuki!

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A 3-Minute Short Trip A Nostalgic Journey on Naruto's Ferry

2025.3.13

When people think of Naruto City, the famous Naruto Strait often comes to mind. However, did you know that there is also a smaller strait called the "Konaruto Strait"? Unlike the powerful and turbulent whirlpools of the Naruto Strait, the calm inner waters of the Konaruto Strait are home to a local ferry service that has been a part of daily life for many years. In this article, we take a closer look at one of Tokushima’s treasured landscapes—the local ferry.

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Enjoy Nature with Misato Autumn Custom : the Umeshu Matsuri

2025.3.8

Surrounded by mountains, the beautiful Japanese countryside of the Misato area in Yoshinogawa City hosts the "Misato Umeshu Matsuri" every November. This region is designated as a rare "Plum Wine Special Zone" in Japan, and through the event, visitors can experience the blessings of nature and the arrival of autumn. For those planning to drink, taking the bus is recommended! It’s a safe and comfortable way to travel, allowing you to fully enjoy the event without worry. In this article, we’ll bring you highlights from the two exciting days of the Plum Wine Special Zone festivities.

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Ａ Journey Exploring “tonaru“, A New Tourism Hub In Tokushima Prefecture

2025.3.8

”tonaru”, which made its great opening on June 1, 2024 is a touristic spot overflowing with nature and cultural experiences. You can enjoy a wide range of activities in a former elementary school and kindergarden renovated into a retro building. In this article, we will delve into the charm of this now-reborn ancient haven of learning.

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Go with Matsushige Chief! Closely covering the charms of Tokushima Airport

2025.1.8

"Tokushima Airport", which moved to its current terminal in 2010, serves as a gateway to the skies, planes come and go from Japan and abroad. It would be a waste to use such an airport simply as a means of transportation! In fact, the charms of Tokushima Prefecture, including the “Awa Odori” dance, are scattered throughout the city. This time, we will introduce you to the charm of "Tokushima Airport", along with a guide from "Matsushige Chief", the mascot character of Matsushige Town, where the airport is located.

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Discover the Magic of Indigo: A Special Course in Tokushima

2024.12.18

Have you ever heard the term “Japan Blue”? During the Meiji era, British visitors to Japan used this phrase to describe the deep indigo color of traditional dyed garments worn by people across the country. The primary material for indigo dyeing, called “sukumo”, is predominantly produced in Tokushima. The fertile soil brought by the Yoshino River’s flooding made Tokushima an ideal region for growing indigo plants. Ningyo Joruri puppet theater flourished thanks to the economic power of indigo merchants. It’s also believed that Awa Odori, Tokushima’s famous dance, originated from dances brought back by these merchants as they traveled across Japan for business. In this feature, we’ll introduce a model travel plan that lets you explore Tokushima through the theme of “indigo,” an indispensable part of the region’s cultural heritage.

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