Hafen
Tokushima

OVERVIEW

View Tokushima’s most characteristic attractions and come away with a deeper understanding of the local culture. At Awa Odori Hall, you will watch a performance that mirrors the traditional dances seen in the city’s annual street festival. It will be an enlightening experience, especially after browsing museum exhibits that reveal the history of the dance festival. You will also see the remains of Tokushima Castle, an Edo-period stronghold that perches atop a hill overlooking the city. Much of the castle was purposefully dismantled in accordance with a 1873 Meiji-period ordinance that called for the disposal of Japan’s castles. The original gate was saved until it was destroyed when Tokushima was bombed during World War II. The Omote Goten Gardens on the castle grounds have been reconstructed and are so magnificent that they have been designated a National Scenic Site. You can’t help but feel a sense of peace while walking through them.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain insight into the local culture by visiting some of Tokushima’s most iconic attractions.
• Watch a performance of dances just like the ones performed in Tokushima’s annual street festival.
• Walk among the ruins of Tokushima Castle and through the serene gardens that surround it.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Browse an art museum known for its reproductions of some of the world’s greatest masterpieces and behold the tidal phenomenon of Japan’s largest whirlpools. Rather than display original works, the Otsuka Museum of Art only hangs replicas. The museum’s goal is to present a collection of world-famous art work in one location that would otherwise be impossible. The thousands or so reproductions range from Picasso’s seminal “Guernica” – the original of which is in Madrid – to Michelangelo’s glorious paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. After lunch, during which you might discuss the pros and cons of displaying replicas versus original art, you will view the raging whirlpools in the Naruto Strait through a glass-paneled walkway under the Onaruto Bridge. The currents are particularly strong at high and low tides, when they swirl at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. The sheer size and power of the whirlpools can be mesmerizing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See replicas of some of the world’s greatest art work in a museum that doesn’t display originals.
• Gain an understanding of the museum’s unique and pioneering concept.
• Observe the massive whirlpools in Naruto Strait through a glass-paneled walkway.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit two Buddhist temples that lie along a circular pilgrimage route that loops through the Shikoku Mountains. In all, the 750-mile route connects 88 temples, each one representing a stage on the path to enlightenment. Chances are, you will see pilgrims that come to follow in the footsteps of the 9th-century monk and poet K?b?-Daishi, who was born on the island and founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. You will reach Tairyu-ji, the 21st temple on the loop, by ascending the forested mountain slopes on western Japan’s longest ropeway gondola. The views on the 10-minute ride will be absolutely spectacular as will the experience of exploring the temple. It is said that K?b?-Daishi practiced asceticism on the rocks nearby when formulating his thoughts. You will also tour Byodo-ji Temble, the 22nd temple on the loop, which was originally built 1,200 years ago.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the gorgeous views while riding a ropeway gondola up into the Shikoku Mountains.
• Explore two of the 88 Buddhist temples on a pilgrimage route that loops through the mountains.
• Learn how the 9th-century founder of Shingdon Buddhism is connected to the pilgrimage route.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Meander through a historical district full of Edo-period homes from the 1700s and watch a style of puppetry whose origins developed even earlier. This immersion into ancient traditions will begin in the merchant district of Mima, the heart of the indigo dyeing district. The district’s beautifully preserved residences feature udatsu, unique high-winged wall structures on the roofs that were built to prevent fires from spreading. Because udatsu was expensive, it was considered a sign of wealth and prestige. Back in Tokushima, you will see a puppet show in the Awa Jurobe Yashiki Theater, which contains a museum with rare puppet artifacts that date to the early Edo period. The puppetry is unique in that three puppeteers manipulate each puppet. Dramatic narration and live music played on a three-stringed instrument will enhance the performance.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.