Tokushima is valued for some of the prettiest
natural wonders in Shikoku - the Naruto Whirlpools and
Oboke River Gorge, but the city really comes alive every
August for the annual Awa Odori Festival.
Tokushima is the capital city of Tokushima Prefecture on
the eastern edge of Shikoku Island. The city is known
for
its native dance festival called the Awa Odori, which is
held every August during the Obon Festival season. It is
currently Japan’s largest dance festival with over a
million
travelers coming to enjoy the festivities. The festival is
set
apart by its unique headgear and special group dances
including a “Fools’ Dance”. Awa Odori has an open
atmosphere, with dancers often inviting audience
members to participate, whether they know the steps or
not.
Tokushima is also valued for its natural marvels,
including
the Naruto whirlpools off the coast between Tokushima
and Awaji Island. These swirling maelstroms inspired
the
name of the anime character Naruto Uzumaki, as well
as
the Great Naruto Bridge. Not far from Tokushima is the
secluded Iya Valley, which is popular among nature
lovers
for its dramatic river gorges which enclose the Yoshino
River. Boating tours are offered for those who wish to
view
the fascinating rock formations of the Oboke Gorge,
some
of which look like various animals.
Please see below for tours that
include Tokushima:
