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Stretch your legs and your imagination during a full-day excursion that blends history, culture and man-made treasures that appear to be frozen in time. To make your journey even more memorable, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your camera - this outing will provide camera buffs with one awe-inspiring photo opportunity after another. 
 
First on your itinerary is a visit to the Udatsu Town District in the Tokushima suburb of Wakimachi. Once a flourishing town known for its indigo dyeing, today's it's a time capsule from the Edo era. Evidence of successful indigo merchants is on display in the mansions that they built with unique roofs called Udatsu that showed off their wealth. But Udatsu served more than an aesthetic purpose - made with clay and bamboo they served as a firebreak between houses.  
 
Recognized by the government as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings," the 1,410-foot-long main street includes 50 traditional homes with beautifully designed ornamental roof figures such as demon tiles and fish-shaped ornaments and fish sitting atop their common walls.  
 
A stroll down the street and past these charming houses may make you feel like you've been transported back 300 years. The one of the most prominent udatsu buildings is the Yoshida Family Residence, was an indigo dyeing center and home of wealthy merchant, and rows of fine houses with classic tile roofs and storehouses have been preserved. 
 
After a visit to historical street you'll rejoin your coach and continue on to the historic Awa Jurobe Yashiki Residence Theater for a look at the 400-year-old tradition of Away puppetry. First developed in the early 17th century as entertainment for wealthy clientele, puppet shows flourished among the rural class throughout Tokushima. Then, as now, the movements of the puppets called "dekos" are loud and flamboyant, and accompanied by boisterous narration and simple melodies. And the theater itself is a cultural treasure - it's the former home of a samurai named Jurobe whose life and death are immortalized in an epic 18th century play that's performed every day at the theater. 
 
After the fascinating performance you'll leave for lunch in a nearby restaurant. Later, you'll board your coach and with a camera filled with memories, you'll settle in and relax on the ride back to port, chatting amicably with your fellow travels about all that you've seen on this memorable day.