Let's warm up in a public bath and sauna! A tour of local “sento” bathhouses in Tokushima

2025.11.20

Winter is here and the cold bites us every day. In this season, wouldn’t you like to relax and warm up in a spacious bathhouse and sauna? This article introduces five “sento” public bathhouses in Tokushima City, Naruto City, and Kamiita Town that Tokushima residents use on a daily basis. You won't want to miss the local social gathering places that still retain the atmosphere of the old days, as well as the recent retro bathhouses that are developing a new style.

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It's like stepping back in time... Introducing the deep back alleys and side streets of Tokushima! The owners are full of humanity, and the bars are famous for their “Showa-era” atmosphere.

2025.11.11

Tokushima has long had many alleyways and side streets where you can find unique shops with a “Showa-era atmosphere” and friendly shopkeepers not found in guidebooks or portal sites. However, compared to the main streets, the complicated and intricate alleys have a kind of dubious atmosphere, making it difficult for first-time visitors to enter. We would like to introduce you to some of Tokushima's deep back alleys and side streets, as well as some of the best bars we recommend. *The "Showa-era" was the period of Japanese history between 1926 and 1989. The '60s, '70s and '80s are fondly remembered in Japan, and most people feel nostalgic about the Showa era, even those who didn't live through it.

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How to Enjoy Tokushima Nightlife Even if you are alone, you are welcome! 4 bars we can recommend with confidence around Akita-machi in Tokushima City

2025.10.9

Located in Tokushima City, Akita-machi is the largest entertainment district in the prefecture. It is about a 10-minute walk from Tokushima Station. Most hotels in the city are within walking distance. If you plan to spend the night in Tokushima, you should definitely go out to Akita-machi. You may find it difficult to choose the place to visit because there are so many bars that it is hard to know where to go. For those who do plan a night out, here are some of the best places to go. I am a regular drinker in this area and I can recommend these 4 bars with confidence. Text by Keisuke Niki (Owner of Bar IRORI in Kamikatsu Town)

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Experience nature's bounty and people's consideration for others at these four gelato shops in Tokushima that are definitely worth visiting.

2025.9.23

Summer calls for gelato! Tokushima boasts numerous gelato shops that feature local fruits and specialty ingredients. We introduce four uniquely charming shops worth a special trip, especially when out for a drive. Savor gelato that will satisfy your soul, born from Tokushima's rich culinary culture and the passion of its creators.

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No Need to Begin from the First Temple! Start Your Tokushima Pilgrimage Journey with Ease.

2025.3.21

A journey that takes about 45 days on foot, covering a distance of approximately 1,400 kilometers. This is the full pilgrimage route of the "Ohenro" (pilgrimage). When we think of a pilgrimage, it may seem difficult, but actually, today the "Ohenro" (Pilgrimage) is not just for dedicated pilgrims. People from all walks of life are participating in the pilgrimage for various purposes, such as experiencing the nature and history of Shikoku, or for health reasons. Through the Ohenro, you can discover the charm of Tokushima and the rest of Shikoku. It’s easy to feel like you want to try the pilgrimage now, right? Let’s introduce the appeal of Ohenro that even beginners can easily enjoy.

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Sweet And Yet a Refreshing, Light and Gentle Flavor: A Complete Guide to Awa Wasanbon Sweets

2025.3.20

Wasanbon, a traditional Japanese sugar made from the Taketo (thin sugarcane plants grown locally in Shikoku), is produced using a traditional method. It has been enjoyed in Tokushima Prefecture for over 220 years. Due to its exceptional quality, Awa Wasanbon has been cherished as a luxury sweet in high-end confectionery shops. Now, across Tokushima Prefecture, many new-age sweets are being created using Awa Wasanbon, blending traditional flavors with modern twists. Here, we introduce some recommended sweets that make use of traditional flavors in new forms.

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A Must Drink When You Visit Tokushima! A Complete Guide to Tokushima Craft Beers

2025.3.20

When you travel, you definitely want to taste the seasonal specialties of the region, right? Do you know which beer pairs perfectly with seasonal dishes? That would be craft beer. Made at small, independent breweries, craft beer often reflects the unique characteristics of the region, making it a great match for local ingredients. In this article, we will introduce four craft breweries in the eastern part of Tokushima, where you can enjoy craft beer made with local ingredients.

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Not Just the Whirlpools and Awa Odori What Else is No.1 in Tokushima?

2025.3.18

What comes to your mind when thinking about Tokushima? The Whirlpools? The Awa Odori Dance? Of course, both are important symbols of Tokushima, but beyond these iconic sights, Tokushima is home to many things that are "No.1 in Japan". Today, let’s dive into some lesser-known but equally remarkable "No.1" things in Tokushima!

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“Ponpokopon” Everywhere! A Complete Guide to Komatsushima's Tanuki Spots! (“Ponpokopon” is the sound said to be used by raccoons in fairy tales when they hit their own belly!)

2025.3.14

Komatsushima is a town that steeped in the Legend of the Awa-Tanuki Gassen a Japanese legend that takes place in the Awa Province (now Tokushima Prefecture). P.S. Tanuki a Japanese raccoon dog, formerly believed in Japan to be a mischievous animal capable of shapeshifting. Komatsushima is a city where the folklore of the Awa-Tanuki Gassen still lives on. And you’ll find countless tanuki figures throughout the town, including Kinchō, the tanuki protagonist of the legend folktale. Now, let’s set off on a journey to discover these charming tanuki!

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A 3-Minute Short Trip A Nostalgic Journey on Naruto's Ferry

2025.3.13

When people think of Naruto City, the famous Naruto Strait often comes to mind. However, did you know that there is also a smaller strait called the "Konaruto Strait"? Unlike the powerful and turbulent whirlpools of the Naruto Strait, the calm inner waters of the Konaruto Strait are home to a local ferry service that has been a part of daily life for many years. In this article, we take a closer look at one of Tokushima’s treasured landscapes—the local ferry.

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