Tokushima is an outdoor lovers' paradise. It is located on the eastern side of the island of Shikoku and is known for its natural beauty. Are you wondering what to do in Tokushima during your trip? Head to the interior of the island to hike through peaceful forests, view magnificent waterfalls, and experience a fall festival. The coastal area around Kaiyo is perfect if you want to learn how to surf or just watch the waves come in. Either way, if you are a fan of the outdoors, Tokushima is an important stop on your next trip to Japan.
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Experience breathtaking waterfalls and peaceful hikes
Surf and stand-up paddleboard in Tokushima
Enjoy river rafting & canyoning on the Yoshino River
If you love to hike through nature while taking in the sights of waterfalls, Tokushima has a myriad of options for you. The area boasts quite a few waterfalls on MustLoveJapan's 100 Best Waterfalls in Japan list. Most of the falls are located on the eastern side of Mount Tsurugi, where the rivers come crashing down from the peaks. You can reach the falls by taking a short hike from the parking area near each one.
Meaning "roar" in Japanese, Todoroki Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Japan. The crystal-clear Kaifu river crashes 58 meters over a cliff, creating the largest waterfall in Shikoku. Besides Todorki Falls itself, there are 98 other waterfalls to discover in the area. Stroll five minutes away from the falls through the beautiful forest, and you will come across the Todoroki Shrine.
The Todoroki Shrine is home to Todoroki Shrine Grand Autumn Festival, which has been taking place for over 400 years. This festival features a ceremony where men carry mikoshi, or portable shrines, down a set of stone stairs into the waterfall. Take in this solemn ceremony while absorbing the healing energy of the trees and nature.
• Location: Aza Kareidani, Hirai, Kaiyo-cho, Kaifu-gun, Tokushima
Known as "The Couples," Amagoi Waterfalls features two beautiful falls. There is "Odaki," the male, which is 27 meters high, and "Medaki," the female, which is 45 meters high. The hike to Amagoi Waterfalls is not one to miss. Besides getting to see "The Couple," you will pass multiple smaller waterfalls on the way there. Not only do you get to see the It is only an 800-meter hike from the parking lot to the falls.
• Location: Tani, Jinryo, Kamiyama-cho, Myozai district, Tokushima right off of National Highway No. 193
Ōgami Falls is a secluded and powerful waterfall. The Kamagatini River flows through the Kamagatani Gorge, where it violently crashes 20 meters down into the basin, known as the "large iron pot." Be wary when visiting this waterfall, since as legend has it, a giant serpent lives in the deep basin under the falls!
• Location: Sawadani, Naka, Naka district, Tokushima
Dogama is a unique sight to see. The deep blue-green water of the Sadamitsu River is mesmerizing as it flows through a series of pools, rapids, and waterfalls as it passes through a slot canyon. Visit this area in the Fall for the spectacular sight of colorful leaves over the teal water.
• Location: Kashiji-110 Ichiu, Tsurugi, Mima District, Tokushima 779-4100
The town of Kaiyo has been blessed with the beauty of the sea and the warmth of sunshine, which is why it is such a great place for watersports. The waves at Shishikui Beach are perfect for both beginner and expert surfers, but if you lean more towards pro, head to the island of Takegashima. You can enjoy the clean, welcoming water of Kaiyo by sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, or just by swimming around while staying at waterfront accommodations.
The seaside town of Kaiyo is home to Pavilion Surf & Lodge. This waterfront lodge has rooms for couples, families, and those who just want to surf. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to learn how to surf. They teach two surfing classes a day for surfers of all skill levels. If surfing isn't your thing, you can try a peaceful paddleboard excursion through the calm waters of Muroto Anan Coast National Park. Pavilion Surf & Lodge will make your stay in Tokushima memorable with its spa facilities, serene views, and watersports.
• Location: 215-1 Aza Matsubara, Shishikuiura, Kaiyo-cho, Kaifu-gun, Tokushima
• Hours: M-F 8 AM - 7 PM, Sat-Sun 7 AM - 8 PM
The Haryugetu Guesthouse is a perfect launching point for a surfing trip near Kaiyo. This guesthouse has a bar and restaurant, a shared lounge and kitchen, and even a garden. Each room has free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a shared bathroom. An American breakfast is available every morning. Be sure to take advantage of the hot tub after a long day of surfing.
• Location: 189-8 Nasa Shishikuiura, Kaiyo-cho, Kaifu-gun 775-0512 Tokushima
• Hours: Check-in is between 4-9 PM, and check-out is before 10 AM
If you are a white water rafting junkie, be sure to try rafting on the Yoshino River. You'll float through the mountains on the emerald-green river through both tranquil sections and up to Class IV rapids. While it hasn't reached popularity all over the world yet, canyoning is an adventure sport where you slide down waterfalls, ride the river currents, and jump into deep pools. It is easy to try since gravity does most of the work for you. Both of these activities are accessible to everyone on the Yoshino River.
Happyraft, which is located on the western side of the Tokushima Prefecture, offers rafting tours and canyoning trips to its patrons. Choose from a full or half-day raft tour, or take it slow with a family tour. They even have canyoning which is an exhilarating outdoor adventure. If you can't decide between the two, they offer a combo package where you can do both rafting and canyoning. Rafting tours take place between March and November and come with all of the equipment you need to safely enjoy your trip.
• Location: 221-1 Ikadagi, Otoyo, Nagaoka District, Kochi 789-0157 Tokushima
• Hours: Daily 8 AM - 6 PM
If you are afraid of heights, Forest Adventure may be a little intimidating for you. Located in the Iya Valley, this adventure park lets you soar through the trees while safely harnessed to a series of wires. You'll cross rope bridges and climb up cargo nets, all while in the forest canopy. There are three different course skill levels at Forest Adventure:
1. Canopy: Perfect for children to do all by themselves.
2. Discovery: A little more challenging and is fun for the whole family.
3. Adventure: The most challenging course. It ends with a thrilling zipline ride across the Iya River Gorge, where you can take in a 360° view of the world around you.
Safety is the priority at Forest Adventure—all European safety standards are followed for this type of course.
• Location: 379 Nishiiyayamamura Oinouchi, Miyoshi, 778-0101 Tokushima
• Hours: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM
You can get to the Tokushima Airport in just over an hour on a non-stop flight from the Tokyo Airport on Japan Airlines. It is recommended that you rent a car to visit all of these sights in Tokushima Prefecture since they are spread out across a wide area. You can also book accommodations that provide all of the transportation for you so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the sights.
When you plan your next adventure to Japan, don't forget to include a few days in the Tokushima Prefecture. You'll experience adrenaline-pumping adventures in the forests, mountains, and water that you'll never forget. To make this adventure-packed trip happen, just book a flight to the Tokushima Airport on Japan Airlines from one of 30 cities in the Japan Airlines domestic network using the JAL Japan Explorer Pass.
From delectable dishes to spectacular sceneries, Tokushima is a must-visit for travelers. Experience paradise when you stay in these luxurious resort hotels.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and learn about sacred Buddhist sites through the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
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