The Frog Who Lives In The Well Knows Not Of The Big Sea.
前書き ( Introduction )
For starters, it looked boring. ‘Looked’ as in past tense. But that was before I looked deeper into Tokushima and fell in love with it. Whenever everyone hears Japan, they think of Tokyo or Hokkaido or Nagasaki. Well, those places are interesting too but who are you to compare Tokushima to them? Tokushima is just as amazing and fascinating as all of Japan. So sit back, plug in some J-pop and I will show you why. 🙂
地理 ( Geography )
Tokushima is located on the eastern side of the small island of Shikoku and is connected to mainland Japan by Akashi- Kaikyo and Naruto bridges. ( you heard that right, Naruto ) It is home to the world- famous Awa Odori Dance Festival and is bountiful in beautiful natural scenery.
徳島を訪れるのに最適な時期 ( Best time to Visit Tokushima )
To be honest, any time is the best time to visit Tokushima. I’m not joking! There’s just so much to see in Tokushima and Tokushima is different in all four seasons. Tokushima is in winter from November to February; Spring from March to May; Summer during June to September; and Autumn or Fall from October to November. So prepare yourselves for the different seasons on the time that you’ll go there.
徳島を移動する ( Moving around Tokushima )
You can travel around Tokushima in three main means of transport: train, bus or bicycle. The JR Tokushima Station is a busy, major railway intersection and it is on the Kotoku, Mugi and Naruto lines. It is also a highway bus terminus for buses to various destinations in Shikoku and beyond.
Bicycles are also available for rental at Awa Odori Kaikan. If you’re up for sightseeing but have a budget, you may board the 24- seater GuruGuruBus, which is a free sightseeing bus that runs from Awa Odori Kaikan every weekend and national holidays. It departs at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm.
宿泊施設 ( Accomodation )
Melody Heim 2D
This hotel is small but has everything. It is just 2km away from Awa Odori Kaikan and it is not a distance from the JR Tokushima Station. It provides free Wifi, free parking spaces and free bicycle rental. It is small and suitable if you’re going in a pair. It’s price ranges around 5000- 6000 Yen.
Hostel PAQ Tokushima
This is an interesting choice if you’re travelling in a group with friends. This hostel is cheap and it’s price depends on what type of bed and room you want. You can book single beds, bunk beds, twin beds, etc. There is also a shared kitchen and a place for you to do your laundry and park your bikes. Plus, it’s a 5 minute walk from the Tokushima Station. It’s prices range from 3000- 14100 Yen.
魅力 ( Attractions )
Oboke and Koboke gorges
An emerald surfaced river flowing in between the looming white cliffs accompanied with lustful trees and a beautiful sky. This is truly a beauty of nature to behold. This is suitable for family day-trips, nature lovers, etc.
| Opening hours: | 9:00- 17:00 |
| Closing times of the year: | Open all year round |
| Fee: | Adult: 1080 Yen Child: 540 Yen |
| Travel Time: | 30 Minutes |
| Access: | About 20 minutes walk from JR Oboke Station |
| Address: | Oboke, Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi-shi |
マチアソビ Machi★Asobi
Imagine an entire town engulfed in anime. Well, it’s not a dream anymore. Machi Asobi is an anime festival that attracts anime fans from all over the country. Live performances by popular voice-actors and actresses, limited anime merchandise and many more. This is truly heaven for anime lovers.
For time, venue and itineraries, please follow its page on twitter.
https://twitter.com/machiasobis_com?lang=en
Matsushima Senbonzakura ( 1000 cherry blossom trees )
Who wouldn’t want to take a nice, slow stroll in the midst of 1,000 blooming cherry blossoms? It’s exactly like a scene from a love story. You can enjoy a view of blossoming pink petals and dairy cows grazing between the trees. A perfect, picturesque place.
| Recommended months: | Between late March and mid April |
| Access: | 45 minutes drive from JR Tokushima Station |
| Address: | Aza Sunako, Izumidani, Kamiita-cho, Itano-gun |
| Fee: | Free |
Yoshino River
It is the second longest river in the island of Shikoku. It is the only river that flows through all four prefectures on the island of Shikoku and flows into the sea in Tokushima City. Beautiful and clear, this river is mesmerizing.
Awa Odori Kaikan
Awa Odori Hall is a museum in Tokushima where people can learn more about this famous dance which Tokushima is famous for.
| Opening hours: | 9:00- 17:00 |
| Closing times of the year: | Open all year round |
| Fee: | Senior high school students and above: 300 Yen Jr. high school students and below: free |
| Travel Time: | 10- 15 minute |
| Access: | 10-15 minutes walk from JR Oboke Station |
| Address: | Japan, 〒770-0904 Tokushima, Shinmachibashi, 2 Chome−２０番地 阿波おどり会館２階 |
Tokushima Clement Plaza
This plaza is connected to the JR Tokushima Station. It has restaurants, boutiques, retail shops and a relaxing environment. Plus, it has transportation close by.
| Opening hours: | 10:00- 20:00 |
| Closing times of the year: | Open all year round |
| Fee: | Free |
| Access: | Connected to JR Tokushima Station |
| Address: | 1 Chome-61 Terashimahonchonishi, Tokushima, 770-0831, Japan |
Kamiyama Onsen
This is an indoor hot spring spa. It is soothing for the skin as you dip yourself into the waters of a natural hot spring. Visiting a hot spring house or ‘Onsen’ can also allow you to spend quality time with your family, friends or yourself. Plus, soaking in the hot water is a great way to end a long day of walking around.
| Opening hours: | 10:00- 20:00 |
| Closing times of the year: | Open all year round |
| Fee: | Adult: 600 Yen Child ( from 3 years old to elementary ): 300 Yen |
| Travel Time: | 1 hour 3 mins |
| Access: | Train and bus |
| Address: | 80-2 Honuetsuno, Jinryo, Kamiyama-cho, Myozai-gun |
食物 ( Food )
Tokushima Ramen Noodles
This dish resembles the ‘Ichiraku Ramen’ in Naruto. Over 100 shops sell ramen in Tokushima alone. This ramen is distinguishable by its rusty, brown colour. Ramen served with roasted pork slices, sweet/salty pork belly stock, spring onions, eggs, etc.
Awa Odori Chicken
This dish is a special variety of chicken in Tokushima. The meat has low fat content that makes it moderately chewy and delicious.
Wasanbon Sugar
This unique sugar is made from a special variety of sugarcane that passes through an elaborate process that requires time and skill. It is the core ingredient in many top- grade Japanese sweets.
Awa Bancha Tea
Bancha is coarse green tea. This tea consists of the highest quality of tea leaves that are produced in Tokushima thanks to the climate that is favourable to produce these aromatic tea.
徳島旅行のコツ ( Some tips for travelling in Tokushima )
As you obviously know, Tokushima is in Japan. So the language that will be spoken most and heard most is the Japanese language. Here are some phrases or sentences to help you. 🙂
| Ohayo= | Good Morning |
| Konnichiwa= | Good Afternoon |
| Konbanwa= | Good Evening |
| Oyasuminasai= | Good Night |
| Sumimasen= | Excuse me |
| Arigatou= | Thank you |
| Sayonara= | Good Bye |
| Eigo o harasemasu ka?= | Do you speak English? |
| Tasukete kuremasen ka?= | Can you help me please? |
Don’t be shy or scared to reach out to Japanese people, for they are very friendly and are eager to help. Even though their English vocabulary is limited. If you must communicate in Japanese, Google Translate may help you out.
お別れ ( Farewell )
This has certainly been an interesting journey. I hope that this travel guide would act as your stepping stone to travelling to other places and discovering their hidden secrets and that it did help you in some ways. Remember “The Frog Who Lives In The Well Knows Not Of The Big Sea”, so start exploring and seeking.
Until next time, Sayonara!
By: Damien, Clement and Kirsten.
I love coffee and homework 