ArtThings to do in All areas
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.