Things to do in Tokushima - a guide for your day ashore

Cruise guests visiting the port city of Tokushima on the western Japanese island of Shikoku can soon find themselves immersed in this area’s history and beauty, from the swirling tidal currents and whirlpools off Naruto, to the colorful Awa Odori dancers, to the charming sights, sounds, smells and savors of the city’s centuries-old merchant streets. Tokushima blends dramatic natural phenomena with living cultural traditions, all reachable in a single day ashore.

Both human-created art as well as natural wonders are notable parts of the Tokushima experience. Imagine a place where you can view many of the world’s most famous paintings, all in one location. Well,  the Otsuka Museum of Art offers visitors this experience: an unusual journey through ancient and Western art using more than 1,000 full-scale, highly accurate reproductions of masterpieces from museums and historic sites around the world. The artworks are printed on ceramic “boards” in their original size, using a special technology developed by an Otsuka porcelain maker. Since the ceramic materials are waterproof and fireproof, these works of art (or perhaps it would be more accurate to call them “tributes” or “homages” to the originals) will retain their colors and appearance for approximately 2,000 years, per company estimates. Highlights include Picasso’s “Guernica,” Monet’s “Water Lilies” and a complete reproduction of the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo’s celebrated ceiling and “The Last Judgment.” 

Nearby, the Uzu-no-michi walkway at the Naruto Straits offers a dramatically different experience, but no less emotionally stirring. Built beneath the Onaruto Bridge, the walkway leads to an observation area where glass floor panels provide thrilling views of the powerful Naruto whirlpools, roughly 145 feet below. Created by tidal currents moving through the narrow strait (the current in the strait is the fastest in Japan and the fourth fastest in the world), the whirlpools can reach 66 feet in diameter and rotate at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. They are particularly dramatic during the stronger tides of spring and autumn, making the Naruto Straits one of Tokushima’s most distinctive natural attractions. You can combine a visit to the Otsuka Museum of Art and Naruto Whirlpools in a single curated Princess® excursion.

Ryozen-ji Temple marks the traditional starting point of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a sacred route connecting 88 Buddhist temples around the island. Founded in the 8th century, Ryozen-ji temple means “Temple of the Vulture Peak” or “Sacred Peak Temple,” getting its name from a vision the monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) had of the historical Buddha preaching on Vulture Peak in India. This temple welcomes pilgrims beginning the roughly 745-mile (1,200 km) journey., which is completed on foot, by car, bus or other transportation by an estimated 100,000 pilgrims each year. While the circular route connects Buddhist temples related to the monk’s journeys and preachings , people of all backgrounds and beliefs travel the path.

Farther along the route, Tairyu-ji Temple is designated as temple #21 and is also closely associated with Kōbō  Daishi. Set high in the mountains, the temple can be reached by cable car, offering sweeping views of Tokushima’s near-mystical, forested landscape along the way.

Yakuo-ji Temple, temple #23, was founded more than 1,300 years ago and is traditionally associated with protection from misfortune. Pilgrims visit its grounds as part of the centuries-old spiritual journey, making it another significant stop for travelers interested in Shikoku’s Buddhist heritage. 

Cruise guests wishing to respectfully partake of part of this tradition and visit temples #21 and #23 will enjoy the Princess excursion taking you to these Temples Along the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route, or choose the Highlights of Tokushima excursion and visit the Temple of Ryozen–ji, along with a scenic drive to the 900-foot summit of Mount Bizan with its spectacular view over Tokushima and its surroundings from the observation deck.

Tokushima’s Awa Odori Dance Festival fills the city with music and dancing each August, typically from August 12 through 15. During the festival, colorful dance groups known as “ren” move through the streets and designated performance areas accompanied by traditional instruments. Reserved stadium-style seating overlooking the performance stages gives visitors a comfortable way to watch the energetic dances and elaborate group processions.

Outside the usual festival dates, the Awa Odori Kaikan at the base of Mount Bizan offers a year-round introduction to this centuries-old tradition. Performances showcase ren dance groups in colorful costumes moving in procession to distinctive rhythms and choreography. Visitors can experience the music and movement that make Awa Odori one of Japan’s most recognizable dance traditions without needing to visit during the popular (and fairly busy) August festival. Check the currently offered Princess excursions to see whether a guided tour of the Awa Odori is available during your itinerary window, or you can choose to arrange your own transportation and explore the area independently. An excursion is by far the most relaxing option, however.

The Udatsu Town District preserves the atmosphere of Tokushima’s prosperous merchant past, with streets lined by centuries-old traditional houses. Visitors can explore buildings such as the Yoshida Family Residence, once home to a wealthy indigo merchant, and discover the craftsmanship and architecture associated with the region’s commercial history. The district also includes a sake brewery whose origins date to the late 18th century, adding another connection to local traditions that have endured for generations.

At the Awa Jurobe Yashiki Residence Theater, visitors can experience Tokushima’s roughly 400-year-old Awa Ningyo Joruri puppetry tradition. Performances feature expressive “deko” puppets brought to life by skilled puppeteers, accompanied by dramatic narration and traditional, sparse musical melodies. Together, the puppets, storytelling and music preserve a distinctive form of traditional performing art closely associated with Tokushima and the wider Awa region.

You can book a curated Princess excursion and easily explore these Traditions of Tokushima.

A day ashore in Tokushima has the potential to move you between dramatic natural phenomena, centuries of pilgrimage tradition and living cultural performance. Few other destinations offer such a rich tapestry of history and experiences.