Top Tokushima Prefecture Day Trips

This private tour is designed for travelers visiting Tokushima by cruise ship. Your government-licensed, English-speaking guide and private vehicle pick you up at Tokushima Port or hotels near the port, a relaxed, efficient way to explore the best of Tokushima in a day. Tokushima, on the island of Shikoku, is famous for the spectacular Naruto whirlpools, among the largest tidal whirlpools in the world. Admire them from a sightseeing boat or the thrilling Uzu-no-Michi glass walkway beneath the Onaruto Bridge. The region is also home to the Otsuka Museum of Art, the lively 400-year-old Awa Odori dance, and a centuries-old indigo (aizome) dyeing tradition you can try yourself. This fully customizable 6-hour private tour lets you choose 2-3 highlights with your guide - the whirlpools, Mount Bizan views, Tokushima Castle, the first temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, or local Tokushima ramen. Your friendly local guide tailors the day to your interests.

Experience the best of Naruto on this full-day tour combining art, scenery, and natural wonders. Begin at the Otsuka Museum of Art, where you’ll walk among stunning life-size ceramic reproductions of masterpieces from around the world. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the seaside AoAwo Resort, offering fresh flavors and ocean views. Continue to the Naruto Mountain Observatory for breathtaking vistas over the Naruto Strait, then board a sightseeing cruise to witness the powerful and mesmerizing Naruto whirlpools up close. This tour offers a perfect balance of culture, relaxation, and unforgettable scenery. Note: If you select the cycling option, the tour will not include a visit to the Otsuka Museum of Art.

Tokushima offers a blend of tradition and nature, with central stops within 3km of each other. Begin at Awa Odori Kaikan to watch a live performance of Tokushima's 400-year-old dance festival, then ride the Bizan Ropeway in the same building up Mt. Bizan for 360-degree views of the city, Yoshino River, and surrounding mountains. Continue to the Ruins of Tokushima Castle to explore its stone walls and Omote-goten Garden, followed by the Tokushima Castle Museum, displaying samurai armor and a whale-hunting boat used by the Hachisuka lords. The tour concludes with a stroll through Shinmachigawa Mizugiwa Park along the river. Since these five sights sit near Tokushima Station, the public-transport plan covers just this compact loop. The private-vehicle plan adds a detour to Ryozenji Temple, Temple No. 1 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Naruto, before continuing to the five central sights. Either way, the itinerary can be adjusted within the allotted time.