Dance the night away with the spirited beating of the drums and vibrant colors of Tokushima’s Awa Odori!
Let yourself be carried away in the rhythm of one of Japan’s traditional dances. The musicians control the tempo as the colourful forms of the dancers bring life to the movements.
Traditional performing arts “Awaodori”
At first, you can just sit back as they provide the audience with a brief history of Awa Odori dance and explain some of the changes the dance style has gone through over the years.
After that it’s on to the basics of the dance moves. So get your dance shoes ready! The lead dancer will explain the moves and give the whole audience a chance to practice. Next, they’ll ask everyone to join the performers on stage as the musicians play off to the side.
Once the music starts you’ll feel the rhythm coursing through your whole body urging you to join in. Jump up on stage and enjoy Tokushima’s unique dance experience!
Set off on an ancient pilgrimage around Shikoku’s 88 sacred Buddhist temples.
Walk the spiritual path of Buddhist monks in a pilgrimage first undertaken over a thousand years ago. Visit the first 23 temples lying within Tokushima’s borders in a journey of self-discovery.
If you’re interested in taking part in something more spiritual whilst in Japan the 88 temple pilgrimage is highly recommended. Approximately 1,200 years ago a famous monk known as Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) established a route of 88 temples on the island of Shikoku starting in Tokushima prefecture.
Originally the pilgrimage was believed to vanquish the 88 desires held by man but many people now believe their wishes will come true once they have completed the full pilgrimage. However, others just want to experience a little bit of healing or to touch a piece of history. No matter what religion or nationality everyone is welcome to join in the pilgrimage.
You can purchase a special outfit (white garments, a sedge hat, staff, and stole) if you wish to truly immerse yourself in the pilgrimage, though there is no requirement to purchase special items.
Step into the realm of imagination with Tokushima’s unparalleled scenes of nature.
Walk through scenes of nostalgic terraced rice fields, emerald green mountain trails, and haunting sand pillars as you star in your own adventure.
Take a step back in time to a place where the scenery has remained largely unaltered for 200 years.
Although you’ll need a car to get here (it’s about an hour and a half drive from Tokushima Airport) the views definitely make it worthwhile.
Kashihara terraced rice fields was selected as one of Japan’s top 100 terraced rice fields and was also Tokushima’s first designated national important cultural landscape. Sitting at an altitude of 500 ? 700 meters this terraced rice field offers humble views of how humans and nature can work together in harmony. With curved footpaths between the rice fields the contours of the mountain can be fully appreciated. Along with the terraced rice fields are small farm villages and traditional water mills reminding us of days long gone. Breathe in the fresh air and absorb the gentler side of nature.
Each season offers spectators pleasant views that calm the soul. In the spring, when the fields are filled with water they turn into large mirrors reflecting the sky and mountain around them in a charming display of beauty.
Discover the secrets of Tokushima’s unique flavour of one of Japan’s most loved noodles.
Eat like one of the locals and enjoy a bowl of Tokushima’s popular ramen noodles. Choose from white, gold, and brown (or black) broth and a hearty helping of noodles and toppings.
In Tokushima prefecture you can find a special type of ramen noodles known as Tokushima ramen.
There are three main varieties based on the broth: white, gold, and brown (also known as black).
All three varieties are saltier and sweeter than other types of ramen found throughout Japan and the noodles used are always the straight variety.
If you don’t have time to try a bowl of Tokushima ramen at one of the many ramen shops in the area be sure to pick up a ramen kit from any souvenir shop.
The kit includes dry noodles and a soup base that you can easily make at home.
Feel the Japanese spirirt in Tokushima
Authentic Japanese life – Explore, Activities, Culture…-
https://www.pref.tokushima.lg.jp/en/japanese/gallery/movie/
Youtube Playlist on Tokushima Channel -Travel to Tokushima-
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLItm7Gl5C9K_xbGztKtl5W5C78fgsxDJP