Top Tokushima Prefecture Half-day Tours

Discover the Iya Valley and see the sights that interest you the most on this full-day excursion from Miyoshi. With a private guide, create your itinerary and head into the valley to see sights such as the Iya Kazura Bridge, Ochiai village, and Mount Tsurugi. While you explore, your guide provides context for each sight, leaving you with a better understanding of the region.

For a more efficient way to explore Iya Valley, take a private taxi on a 4-hour tour! To start your day, meet your driver at your hotel, or anywhere at your convenience. Potential stops on a four-hour tour include the Manikin Peeing Boy Statue, with stunning views of the steep surrounding mountains, turquoise Iya River and Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge. Note*1: The driver for this tour has a limited level of English. Your driver will communicate with you using a translation app. Please decide your itinerary or send a list of your desired sites to see 1 week before the tour date and send it directly to Japan Guide Agency. Note*2: Tour details has a possibility of change due to seasonal influence, Mt. Tsurugi and Okuiyanijukazurabashi is closed during the winter season, December to March. Note*3: Four hours is NOT enough to visit both of Iya-valley area and Oku-Iya Kazurabashi double vine bridges and Mt. Tsurugi. Please choose which you prioritize.

Wakimachi, Mima City, located in the middle basin of the Yoshino River, a major river in Shikoku, is a river port town that prospered through the cultivation of indigo, known as "Japan blue," and the distribution of indigo dye, "sukumo," throughout Japan. The residences of the indigo merchants, as typified by Wakimachi, have "udatsu" firewalls as a symbol of their wealth. This potter's tour will give visitors a sense of the history of water transportation along such a long river, the history and legacy of the fight against flooding along the raging Yoshino River, the indigo dyeing technique, and the lifestyle and culture of people who have lived together with indigo. You can enjoy pottering with a navigator who tells you the story of the region and the spaces where people live that you cannot visit by car.

Tokushima offers a fascinating blend of tradition and nature. Start at Awa Odori Kaikan to experience the world-famous 400-year-old dance festival through live performances and interactive exhibits. From the same building, take the Mt. Bizan Ropeway for a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and the Yoshino River. A short walk leads to Tokushima Castle Ruins, where impressive stone foundations and the beautiful Omote-goten Garden reflect the city’s samurai heritage. Be sure to visit the Tokushima Castle Museum on-site to see authentic artifacts and samurai armor. End your tour with a relaxing stroll through Shinmachigawa Mizugiwa Park, a charming riverside promenade. This walking tour captures the essence of Tokushima’s culture and scenic beauty, all within easy reach of the station and port.

Explore Tokushima’s charming indigo town on a Brompton bike. Enjoy riverside cycling, local sweets, a coffee break by the Anabuki River, and try traditional indigo dyeing in this small-group 3-hour tour.

Step back in time and stroll through the historical Udatsu District in a traditional kimono, where the charm of the Edo to Meiji eras remains alive. Be transformed with professional kimono dressing and immerse yourself in the ambiance of old Japan. A local guide will explain the town's rich history, the meaning of “udatsu,” and the skills of local artisans. Perfect for couples, friends, or girls’ trips – a relaxing and memorable 3 - hour experience. In case of rain, the outdoor walking tour will be replaced with a kimono dressing class indoors. Please note that kimono strolls will not be conducted in rainy weather. Additionally, depending on the season (typically from June to October), yukata provided instead of kimono.