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Tokushima・Naruto・Kamikatsu
Kamikatsu: Learn About Sustainability
Kamikatsu is a small town on the island of Shikoku, having a population of roughly 1,300. It is situated in the mountainous area of the southeast Shikoku Island with over 80% of its area covered by mountains and forests. In 2003, the town of Kamikatsu became the first municipality in Japan to declare for Zero Waste with the aim to reduce incineration and landfill waste to zero. (Photo Credit: INOW Kamikatsu)
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Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto
Half-day/1 Day Tours
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Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto
Shikoku Pilgrimage Tours
At Air Travel Tokushima, we offer a variety of one-day and one-week tours related to the renowned Shikoku Pilgrimage (also known as Shikoku Henro). Please contact us for details and/or to book a tour. (Click “Inquiry” under "Trip Planner" below)
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Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto
Awa Odori 2 Day 1 Night Model Course!
This 2 day 1 night model course centers around Tokushima City's famous Awa Odori dance festival. This tour includes a hotel in Tokushima City during a time when it can be difficult to secure a room, and it not only provides participants with the chance to learn how to dance Awa Odori directly from a famous dance group, but give them a chance to join in on the fun and dance on the actual stage! In addition, participants will be able to explore the other unique cultural elements that Tokushima has to offer, along with its delectable cuisine. Tours can be customized to meet your needs, so please do not hesitate to contact us. ♪
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Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto
Multi-day Tours
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Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto
tonaru SETO: Naruto City’s New Tourism Hub
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Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto
tonaru SHIMADA: Naruto City’s New Tourism Hub
An area surrounded by mountains with a view of the magnificently grand sky. Once an athletic field, this area has been transformed into a facility where guests can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities in the midst of abundant nature. We promise you a grand time where you will be in harmony with nature – where you can stare up at the beautiful star-filled sky and enjoy the pleasant breeze. Enjoy a truly unforgettable camping trip with your family or friends. 【tonaru】https://tonaru.jp/
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Tokushima・Naruto・Kamikatsu
Bar Hopping
Although not well known, Tokushima Prefecture has the highest number of bars per capita in Japan. It is home to a myriad of authentic bars, with experienced bartenders clad in suits and ties standing behind the counters, waiting to serve you. Visit one of these bars and enjoy a cocktail made with fresh Tokushima fruit, a refreshing highball with a hint of sudachi citrus, or even a vintage whiskey that can't be easily found anywhere else. Of course, you can visit after already eating, but we recommend asking the bartender, who knows the local area well, what their recommendation is - you will be in for a treat!
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Tokushima・Naruto・Kamikatsu
Tokushima City
The culture and performing arts of Tokushima that flourished hundreds of years ago still continues today. During this tour you will watch a performance of the annual dance festival called Awa Odori; go to a popular market that offers a wide variety of Tokushima seafood, brand-name meats, and fresh vegetables; and then see a traditional puppet theater performance called Ningyo Joruri. The main attractions are close together and can be reached by water cab.
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Anan・Minami・Kaiyo
Southern Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture is the only prefecture in Japan that does not have trains that operate by electricity. All trains are diesel-powered via fuel, but there is a very unique mode of transportation here. This is the world`s first Dual-mode vehicle (DMV), which can be used on both roads and railway tracks. Here is a model course in southern Tokushima Prefecture where you can experience a ride in a DMV, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and perhaps stay at an inn.
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Iya・Oboke・Mt.Tsurugi
Iya Valley
In the western part of Tokushima, there is an area called Iya, where the old agricultural and mountain village life is still preserved and the scenery conveys the harshness of living on steep slopes. One charm of the Iya Valley is observing the daily lives of the people who have lived here for generations.
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Iya・Oboke・Mt.Tsurugi
Indigo Merchants in Wakimachi
Indigo is often referred to as “Japan Blue” by those from overseas. During the Edo period when indigo dyed clothing was abundant, Awa Ai Indigo flourished to the point where it is said to have “dyed the whole of Japan”. In Tokushima Prefecture, there are still indigo merchants who ship sukumo, necessary for indigo dye, all across Japan. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets of indigo’s hometown.
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Tokushima・Naruto・Kamikatsu
Naruto City
Naruto City serves as the gateway to the island of Shikoku from the Kansai region. Here many start their pilgrimage around Shikoku at Ryozenji temple, which is no. 1 of the 88 sacred sites part of this route. Naruto is home to a wide array of amazing tourism spots, including activities near the city’s magnificent whirlpools, an art museum that allows visitors to view masterpieces from around the world, and a form of pottery that is continued even today and is essential for indigo dyeing jars, one of Tokushima’s important industries. Visitors can also look forward to the wide array of delicious foods that Naruto has to offer, such as Naruto sea bream, Naruto kintoki sweet potatoes, and Naruto wakame seaweed. Here are three spots we have chosen that we highly recommend you visit.
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Anan・Minami・Kaiyo
Tairyuji Temple
This temple with its massive grounds is located at the top of a mountain in the southern part of Tokushima Pilgrimage. It can be reached by foot or by cable car. It is said that Kukai/Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and the Shikoku pilgrimage spent 100 days training here on his journey around the island.
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Kamikatsu・Kamiyama・Awa・Yoshinoga
We Made Kamikatsu Awa Bancha Tea!
Air Travel Tokushima is a Tokushima travel agency that was founded in 1974. Under our company motto of, "A company that walks hand-in-hand with Tokushima", we aim to be a company that contributes to and is an essential part of the community. With this in mind, we decided we wanted to know more about the nature, history and culture of the community, and that we wanted to find some way to contribute to the preservation of traditional culture and techniques that have been passed down within the community for many years. Kamikatsu Awa Bancha is a type of tea that has been made using a unique method in Tokushima's town of Kamikatsu since long ago. It has even been designated as a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. We want to know more about Kamikatsu Awa Bancha... We want to know more about what Kamikatsu has to offer and share it with more people... With these feelings in mind, we applied to the Kamikatsu Awa Bancha Association's "Barrel Owner Program" in the 2023 fiscal year and began making our own Awa Bancha.
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Tokushima・Naruto・Kamikatsu
aiTripper English-speaking Staff!
On April 2024, Air Travel Tokushima added two new English-speaking staff members – David Moreton from Canada and Sydney Bartig from the United States. Tokushima is home to a myriad of sights and activities that you just can’t find in the big cities. Crossing a swaying vine bridge in the midst of nature, walking a portion of the famous Shikoku Pilgrimage, getting up close with massive whirlpools... all of this can be done in Tokushima! For those who are worried about the lack of readily-available English information, the aiTripper website is perfect for you! Reservations can be made easily through the aiTripper website in English, so there is no need to worry if you can’t read Japanese. Want to try indigo dyeing or perhaps take the ropeway up to Tairyuji Temple? You can easily book online through aiTripper! We will be updating the English aiTripper page with plenty of information and tours that those from around the world can enjoy! The official aiTripper SNS accounts (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) also includes English, so you can always get information about the newest plans and seasonal tours. Make sure to give us a like! If you have any questions, or are thinking about travelling in Tokushima, do not hesitate to get in touch with us!
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Tokushima (City Center)・Naruto
How-to: Accommodation Reservations on aiTripper
Make a reservation with aiTripper! You can search and make reservations in three categories: "Accommodation," "Activities," and "Food". Here we will explain how to make a reservation for "Accommodation."
Search by Destination
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Tokushima・Naruto・Kamikatsu
Tokushima City has 138 rivers of various sizes flowing through it, and the fertile land around these rivers provides a rich harvest of agricultural and fishery products. In the past, this land also helped to promote the culture of indigo dyeing, the famous Awa Odori dance festival, and Awa Ningyo Joruri Puppet Theater. The city also offers delicious cuisine, such as Tokushima ramen, Naruto sea bream, Naruto kintoki sweet potatoes, and wakame seaweed.
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Iya・Oboke・Mt.Tsurugi
The deep mountainous area of the western part of Tokushima Prefecture includes Mt. Tsurugi, the second highest mountain in western Japan; the beautiful gorges of Oboke and Koboke; and the Iya Valley. Visitors can experience the rural lifestyle of people living in this area, and at the traditional townscape of Udatsu, they can see the houses of prosperous indigo merchants who used the Yoshinogawa River to transport indigo around Japan. Visitors can also enjoy the unique cuisine of this area, such as Iya soba noodles, Handa somen noodles, and gibier game meat.
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Anan・Minami・Kaiyo
One of the best parts of southern Tokushima is the coastline. There are winding inlets and bays, a flat line where the Pacific Ocean stretches out, and beaches where sea turtles comes to lay their eggs. The undulating terrain of the ocean, mountains, and rivers is a mecca for outdoor sports such as surfing, SUP (stand up paddle boarding), kayaking, diving, fishing, trekking, and cycling. South Tokushima is also known for its fresh seafood such as lobsters, abalone, and blue-ringed squid, as well as its locally raised chicken.
Search by Purpose
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Accommodation
We offer a variety of accommodation plans, including hotels where you can spend a special moment or convenient hotels that are perfect for business trip. Start your own wonderful trip from here.
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Activities
A journey into the history and culture of Tokushima, Shikoku. An experience that blends you into the wilderness. Here are various plans that will give you an experience you have never had before. Make your trip an unforgettable one.
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Food
From fish to meat, vegetables, fruits, and even local sake, Tokushima boasts a wide variety and high quality. We offer foods and drinks that can only be enjoyed here. Go on a delicious trip!
Featured & Campaigns
Outdoor Autumn Activities
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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Dragons and Wagons – Hike to Temple 21 and 22 (9 hours)
Learn about various historical objects on the temple grounds of the first two temples along the Shikoku pilgrimage route - Temple 21, Tairyūji and Temple 22, Byōdōji. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 21, Tairyūji ◆Temple 22, Byōdōji Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 90,000 Yen Group of 2: 45,000 Yen Group of 3: 30,000 Yen Group of 4: 22,500 Yen (For more than four people, please contact us. Max: 7 people) Age: 15 & Older Walking Distance: Approx. 12 km Time Needed: Approx. 9 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.
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【Shikoku Pilgrimage Guided Tours】Spiritual Checkpoint Temple Tour (6 hours)
Learn about the tales, blessings, and history of Shikoku pilgrimage temple 19, Tatsueji; and walk a mini Shikoku pilgrimage. Places to Visit: ◆Temple 19, Tatsueji ◆Place where a woman called Okyo lived in the 1800s ◆Mini 88-temple Shikoku pilgrimage route Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 40,000 Yen Group of 2: 20,000 Yen Group of 3: 13,000 Yen Group of 4: 10,000 Yen (For more than four people, please contact us) Age: 10 & Older Walking Distance: Approx. 8 km Time Needed: Approx. 6 Hours *The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.
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Explore the Unique Shrines & Temples of South Tokushima! 【Guided Tour】
Explore the unique shrines and temples that southern Tokushima has to offer alongside a guide! 【Tairyuji Temple】 Take western Japan's longest cable car up to the mountain, enjoying the beautiful view of nature along the way. Once you reach the top, explore the mountain temple of Tairyuji. Its many historical buildings, ceiling painting of a dragon, and surrounding grand nature are amazing! 【Omatsu Daigongen Shrine】 This shrine is affectionately known as "nekogami-san" (lit. "cat god") in Japanese. It is home to over 10,000 beckoning cat statues, a myriad of other cute cat statues, shrine guardian cats, and even some real felines. There is also an interesting legend about a monster cat attached to this shrine... 【Jizoji Temple】 On the shrine grounds is a local water beloved by the locals. Anyone is free to enjoy this incredibly high-quality water! 【Kincho Shrine】 This shrine is full of tanuki (racoon dogs)! Having appeared in the Ghibli film "Pom Poko", it has attracted many fans from across the country. Price (Per Person) 30,000 Yen Minimum Number of Participants 3
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Exhilarating Ziplining in the Midst of Nature!
Glide through the air while surrounded by grand nature! Try out ziplining, which is an incredibly popular athletic activity. ♢Tsubadani Shizen Taikenmura♢ We want to offer our guests nature-related experiences that they will never forget! With this in mind, we offer a variety of hands-on activities such as ziplining, camping, BBQ, pizza baking, wood-chopping, river fun, and more. We welcome families, friends, couples, and various other groups. Enjoy a unique time in the midst of grand nature, something you can't experience in the big city! ♢Ziplining Activity♢ ・Starting Time: You can choose from 10:30/13:00/14:30. ・Operating Days Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays *The activity may also be offered on weekdays during long holidays, such as the summer vacation. ・Age: Those Age 6 & Older *Please note there is a weight limit of 25 kg - 100 kg. ・Fees: Those 12 & Above: 4,000 yen Those Age 6 - 11: 2,000 yen ・Number of Participants Reservations can be made starting from 4 people. *Depending on the booking situation, groups of 2 may be accepted on certain days. Please contact us directly for details.
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Ride a Cable Car to Tairyuji Temple (Round-trip Tickets)
The Tairyuji Cable Car connects the Washi no Sato Station in Naka Town to the Tairyuji Station in Anan City. With a total length of 2,775 meters, it is the longest ropeway in western Japan. In the past, Tairyuji Temple was only accessible on foot and was one of the most difficult spots on the pilgrimage. However, the opening of this cable car has allowed many visitors to easily visit the temple and the huge temple grounds. A variety of alpine plants grow on the temple grounds throughout the seasons, including rhododendron in spring, hydrangea in the summer, maples in the autumn, and camellia in winter. 【How to Make a Reservation 】 ① Please select the date of your visit. ② Please select "8:00" for the time. ※Tickets can be used for any time of your choice on the valid day. ③ Please select the number of tickets you would like for the number of participants. ④ On the day of your visit, please tell the name of the person who made the reservation at the ticket counter. You will then receive your ticket. 【About the Cable Car】 ・Operating Hours: 8:00-16:40 (Last Service to the Temple) ・The cable car runs every 20 minutes. ・Operation times may change during heavy traffic. 【Location】 76, Tano, Naga-cho, Naga-gun, Tokushima 771-5203, Japan Tairyuji Ropeway
Authentic Aizome Indigo Dyeing Activities
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【Ai Take no Uchi Kobo】Aizome Indigo Dyeing
【About Ai Take no Uchi Kobo】 The owner, Yoshiko Takeuchi, is in her 80s and still pouring her heart into indigo dyeing. Come and visit, and enjoy indigo dyeing with a warm-hearted grandmother who knows a lot about history! Yoshiko's mother-in-law, Akiko Takeuchi, was born in 1919 and was designated by the prefecture as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage (Art Techniques) on March 3rd, 1982. In her youth, she worked as a roketsu dyer, and in 1973 she studied under Shokichi Watanabe, a dyer in Gifu Prefecture, and learned techniques for indigo dyeing and researched indigo dyeing methods. The indigo dyed by Akiko Takeuchi was truly fitting for the prefecture of indigo - Tokushima. Continuing on the dream of her mother-in-law, Yoshiko Takeuchi reopened the workshop "Ai Take no Uchi Kobo" in 2017. 【About the Aizome Indigo Dyeing Activity】 Guests will dye either a cotton handkerchief, gauze towel, or cotton bandana. Prices per Person: Handkerchief (Cotton): 2,100 Yen Towel (Gauze): 2,600 Yen Bandana (Cotton): 2,700 Yen Necessary Time: Approximately 2 Hours Number of People: 1 ~ 5 【About the Company】 Ai Take no Uchi Kobo Address: Eguchi 38-5, Nakamura, Kitajima Town, Itano District, Tokushima Prefecture HP: https://aitakenouti.jimdofree.com/
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Special Shikoku Pilgrimage and Indigo Dyeing Tour
This two-day tour contains a myriad of unique experiences, such as visiting a portion of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, staying at a temple and experiencing religious services, learning about Tokushima's indigo industry, and seeing Tokushima's famous Awa Odori dance. ◎On Day 1 you will walk a portion of the Shikoku Pilgrimage by foot. Together with a knowledgeable guide, you will walk from Temple No.1 Ryozenji to Temple No.4. Dainichiji. That evening you will stay at Temple No.6 Anrakuji, where there is a hot spring, and take part in the evening service. You will also have the rare opportunity to view beautiful Buddhist statues and paintings located in the small pagoda on the temple grounds. ◎On Day 2 you will experience indigo dyeing at an old merchant's house and enjoy a private performance of Tokushima's famous dance, Awa Odori, by one of Tokushima's most famous dance groups. 【Details】 Price Per Person: For 1 Participant: ￥225,000～ For 2 Participants: ￥200,000～ For 3 to 4 Participants: ￥125,000～ For 5 to 9 Participants: ￥100,000～ For 10 Participants or More: ￥75,000～ ・Meals: Breakfast (1), Lunch (2), Dinner (1) ・English Interpreter/Guide ・Pilgrimage Attire (Stole, Sedge Hat, White Cotton Jacket with Sleeves) ・A support bus (small or medium sized bus) is provided during the walking pilgrimage. It is possible to change to a jumbo taxi or sedan taxi. ・In case of a large number of guests, the night service experience at Anrakuji Temple cannot be held privately. ・Rooms at Anrakuji are typically Western-style rooms with a bath and toilet. Japanese-style rooms (bathroom and toilet outside of the room) are optional. ・The price does not include the overnight stay before the event. We can make arrangements for you upon request. Please feel free to contact us for details. 【Contact】 Air Travel Tokushima Inc. Tel:088-600-8560 E-mail:aitripper@air-travel.jp
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Indigo Dyeing at a Traditional Weaving Company! [T-shirt Dyeing + Factory Tour]
Try your hand at "Aizome Indigo Dyeing", a traditional craft of Tokushima! ♢♢♢About Nagao Orifu ♢♢♢ A long-established weaver since 1897, Nagao Orifu handles the entire process, from dyeing, to weaving, and finally to the finishing touches. In addition to manufacturing fabrics known as "Awa Shijira-ori," which is our primary product line, we also deal in indigo-dyed products. Among them, shijiraori dyed with natural Awa Indigo Dye is called "Awa sho-an shijira-ori," and is designated as a traditional handicraft. Nagao Orifu's "Awa Shijira-ori" and "Aizome Indigo" products are created by combining the beautiful water and indigo of Tokushima and the skills of our craftsmen. Here you can dye your own original T-shirt with real indigo. Please visit us for a hands-on experience. - - - - - - - - - - - Plan Details- - - - - - - - - - - - - - ♢ Indigo Dyeing Activity: T-shirt (1) Dye a T-shirt with real indigo. Our staff will help you achieve the desired pattern and color intensity. You can take home your dyed T-shirt after the activity ♢Awa Shijira-ori Factory Tour Tour the historic wooden architecture and experience hand weaving, which is a rarity in modern times. 【NAGAO ORIFU】 189 Kokufu-cyo Wada, Tokushima City, Tokushima, 779-3121
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Indigo Dyeing (Stole)
The town of Kamiita is the number one producer of "sukumo", a raw material needed for indigo dye, in Japan. At the Waza no Yakata, visitors can try indigo dyeing via a natural lye fermentation method. The size of the stole is 190 cm x 50 cm. The soft and shiny fabric is elegant and can be worn for both formal occasions and daily use! It can also be used fashionably throughout the year. This unisex stole is actually our most popular activity, so we hope you try it for yourself! When you have finished applying the pattern, you are ready to dye with indigo. ♪ Through this activity, please experience the beauty of colors and the joy of indigo dyeing. First-time indigo dyers are welcome! The instructor will carefully teach you how to apply the pattern and dye the fabric. Make a one-of-a-kind stole at the Waza no Yakata! *The maximum number of spots per reservation is 5 people. 【Location】 Waza no Yakata 32-4, Harahigashi, Izumidani, Kamiita-cho, Itano-gun, Tokushima, Japan (15 minutes drive from Itano IC, 10 minutes drive from Donari IC)
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Indigo Dyeing (Handkerchief)
The town of Kamiita is the number one producer of "sukumo", a raw material needed for indigo dye, in Japan. At the Waza no Yakata, visitors can try indigo dyeing via a natural lye fermentation method. The size of the handkerchief is 45 cm x 45 cm. Rubber bands or clothespins are used to apply various patterns to the plain handkerchief. When you have finished applying the pattern, you are ready to dye with indigo. ♪ Through this activity, please experience the beauty of colors and the joy of indigo dyeing. This activity is perfect for beginners and young children! The instructor will carefully teach you how to apply the pattern and dye the fabric. Make a one-of-a-kind handkerchief at the Waza no Yakata! *The maximum number of spots per reservation is 5 people. 【Location】 Waza no Yakata 32-4, Harahigashi, Izumidani, Kamiita-cho, Itano-gun, Tokushima, Japan (15 minutes drive from Itano IC, 10 minutes drive from Donari IC)
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3 Big Attractions of Tokushima – Puppet Theater, Indigo Dye, and the Shikoku Pilgrimage (9 hours)
Experience three of Tokushima's top attractions! Places to Visit: ◆Jūrōbe Yashiki (“House of Jūrōbe”): Where performances of Ningyo Jōruri (puppet theater) are held. ◆Ai no Yakata (“House of Indigo”): Where you can experience indigo dyeing and see the house and various buildings of an indigo merchant from the early 19th century. ◆Tanaka-ke Jūtaku (“House of the Tanaka Family”): An indigo dye merchant`s house from the 19th century that is one of the largest in Tokushima prefecture. ◆Temple no. 17, Idoji (“Temple of the Well”): Part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route. Price (Per Person) Group of 1: 90,000 Yen Group of 2: 45,000 Yen Group of 3: 30,000 Yen Group of 4: 22,500 Yen Age: 10 & Older Time Needed: Approx. 9 Hours ＊The schedule is only an estimate and may change depending on the day, weather, etc.
Recommended Tourist Information
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Awa Dance Festival (Awa Odori)
Awa Odori (Awa Dance) is a world-class traditional performing art with a history of over 400 years. In Tokushima City, the eve of the festival is held on August 11 every year. Then, from the 12th to the 15th, a wild dance is performed at stages and other locations throughout the city. Awa Odori is one of the most popular festivals in Japan, attracting many tourists from not only within Japan, but also from abroad. The synchronized dancing to the sounds of shamisen, gongs, drums, and other musical instruments is truly breathtaking.
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Iya Vine Bridges
In the secluded area of the Iya Valley lies a vine bridge made from hardy kiwi, which is 45 meters long and 2 meters wide and is 14 meters above the water. The beautiful shape of the bridge is reflected in the clear water of the Iya River that lies below, creating a scene that is in harmony with nature and shows different colors throughout the four seasons. Designated as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property, it is now a popular sightseeing area.
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Yamainudake
This mountain is located 997 meters above sea level in the center of Kamikatsu Town. It is one of the best places to see moss in Tokushima Prefecture from July to October. It is a natural sanctuary where deep green moss grows in clusters on the rocks, creating an almost mysterious atmosphere. It takes about an hour's walk from the nearest parking lot, and you should make sure to wear comfortable walking clothes as the paths are steep because they used to be training paths for mountain priests in the past.
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Yakuoji Temple
This is the last temple in Tokushima Prefecture that is a part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage route, and it is famous as a temple to ward off bad luck or misfortune. There are three sets of stairs - one with 33 stairs, one with 42 stairs, and one with 61 stairs. These are the years of misfortune for women, men, and those who turn 60 (61 in the old calendar) respectively . By climbing and leaving a coin on each step, it's said that one can prevent misfortune from occurring during that year.
Trip Planner
We can prepare a personalized trip based on where you would like to go and what you would like to do.
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*A fee may be charged depending on the inquiry content.