Discover Tokushima's Traditional Culture & Sweets Together with an English Speaking Guide! 【Walking Tour】
Enjoy some of Tokushima's most representative sightseeing spots alongside some hidden gems in this walking tour.
This half-day tour allows participants to experience Tokushima's shrines, traditional performing arts, an old town area, and historical sweets together with an English speaking guide. ♪
【Bizan Tenjin Shrine】
After a short walk up a flight of stairs, one is greeted with brilliant red color that adorns the buildings of Tenjin Shrine. Dedicated to the God of Learning, Sugawara no Michizane, this shrine attracts many students hoping for some luck to pass their entrance exams. On the shrine grounds lies a cow statue known as the “Cow of Wisdom”. It’s said that the more you rub it, the more wisdom you will gain!
In addition to being a shrine for learning, Tenjin Shrine is also known as a power spot for matchmaking! Near the western area of the shrine lies a large rock that is fondly known as “Himemiya-san” and it is said to be effective for match making, safe pregnancies, and for recovery from sickness.
This shrine is also known for its beautiful goshuin shrine stamps that change monthly. Stamps featuring seasonal flowers, bamboo covered in snow, and more attract visitors from across the country eager to add to their goshuin collection.
【Awa Odori Kaikan: Shopping & Museum】
While waiting for the dance performance to start, peruse some uniquely Tokushima souvenirs at the shop “Aredeyo”. Aredeyo offers a wide array of souvenirs, such as local sweets and food products, indigo dyed scarves and shirts, traditional otaniyaki pottery, and more.
Awa Odori Museum
The museum on the 3rd floor teaches visitors about the history of the Awa Odori, with costumes, instruments, etc. on display.
【Awa Odori Dance Performance】
Enjoy watching a spectacular Awa Odori dance performance, a traditional performance art of Tokushima with over 400 years of history! The group will show visitors how the dance style has changed throughout the years, explain about the role of each instrument, and then finally give a mini lesson on the dancing basics. After this lesson, it’s time for the audience to join in on the fun! Don’t worry if you’re not good at dancing – as they say in Tokushima, “Those who dance are fools. Those who watch are fools. If both are fools, you may as well dance!”
【Tokushima Ramen Lunch】
Enjoy Tokushima's specialty "Tokushima Ramen" for lunch.
【Kinryosui Spring】
The beautifully clear waters of the Kinryosui Spring were once beloved by the lords of the Tokushima Domain in times past. Nowadays, residents of Tokushima still stop by to gather some of the delicious water. (Bring a water bottle and try some of the water for yourself!)
【Stroll Around Temple Town (Teramachi)】
Long ago, Hachisuka Iemasa, the domain leader, gathered various temples and shrines and brought them to this area, where they played an important role in the resident’s lives. Enjoy viewing the old shrines and temples that line the streets, and soak up the quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
【Wadanoya】
It’s said that long ago when the lord of the Tokushima domain completed the Tokushima Castle, a sweet called “Taki no Yaki Mochi” was served at the celebration. This sweet, made using the lord’s beloved Kinryosui Spring water, quickly became a hit. More than 400 years later, we can still enjoy the lord’s favorite treat at Wadanoya.
In addition to Taki no Yaki Mochi, Wadanoya offers drinks made with Tokushima flavors, including Awa Bancha Tea, Sudachi citrus juice, yamamomo bayberry juice, and more. They also have seasonal items, such as shaved ice in the summer and zenzai (red bean soup with mochi) in the winter.
The best part though? The view is absolutely gorgeous! This tiny café features a small waterfall with koi and seasonal flowers, and the traditional Japanese scenery makes it so easy to relax and enjoy some tea and sweets.
【Price per Person】
12,000 Yen
【Minimum Number of Participants】
2
【Meeting Place】
In Front of Tokushima Station
【Inquiries】
Air Travel Tokushima, Inc.
TEL:088-600-8560
E-mail:aitripper@air-travel.jp