Weather in Tokushima

Tokushima, on Shikoku's eastern coast, is best known for the Awa Odori, Japan's largest dance festival, when hundreds of thousands of dancers and drummers fill the streets every August. Beyond the festival, the city sits near the Naruto Strait's famous tidal whirlpools, and serves as a gateway to the dramatic Iya Valley, with its remote vine bridges and steep mountain villages.

Best areas to stay in Tokushima

Tokushima City Centre

The compact downtown area around the station, with the Awa Odori Hall and access to Mount Bizan by ropeway.

Naruto

A coastal town near the famous tidal whirlpools, with sightseeing boats and a pedestrian walkway beneath the bridge.

Iya Valley

A remote mountain valley with vine suspension bridges and traditional thatched-roof villages, a few hours' drive inland.

Mount Bizan

A hill overlooking the city, reached by ropeway, offering views over Tokushima and the coast.

Getting to Tokushima

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Flights

Fly into Tokyo, then take a domestic flight to Tokushima Airport, or travel by highway bus from Osaka/Kobe via the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge.

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From London

~14-15 hours total from London including transfers

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Getting around

Buses and a ropeway cover the city; a rental car is recommended for the Iya Valley and more remote sights.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Tokushima?

Mid-August for the Awa Odori festival is the most famous time, though spring and autumn offer better weather for exploring the Iya Valley and Naruto whirlpools.

How do I get to Tokushima?

Tokushima has its own airport with domestic flights from Tokyo, and is also reachable by highway bus from Osaka and Kobe across the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge.

What are the Naruto whirlpools?

Powerful tidal whirlpools in the Naruto Strait, visible from sightseeing boats or the Uzu-no-Michi walkway beneath the Naruto Bridge, best seen around peak tide times.

Is the Iya Valley accessible from Tokushima?

Yes, though it's a remote, mountainous drive of two to three hours - a rental car or guided tour is recommended to reach the vine bridges and valley villages.

What is the Awa Odori festival?

A centuries-old dance festival held in mid-August where teams (ren) of dancers and musicians perform a distinctive shuffling dance through the streets each evening.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Experienced the Awa Odori festival and the energy was incredible, thousands of dancers through the streets every night - book accommodation well in advance for festival week.

Yumi K. · August 2024

★★★★☆

Drove out to the Iya Valley for the day, the vine bridges and remote villages felt like a completely different Japan to the cities - well worth the long drive.

Rob T. · November 2023

★★★★☆

Caught the Naruto whirlpools near peak tide from the walkway under the bridge, genuinely impressive to see the water swirling below your feet.

Aya N. · April 2024