[2025 Tokushima Attraction] Travel Guide for Tokushima Central Park (Updated Jul)

#cityplaybook Tokushima, located on the eastern side of Shikoku, is a charming city where nature and culture blend beautifully. Whether you’re into peaceful green parks, panoramic views, or unique historical landmarks, Tokushima offers a laid-back vibe perfect for a slow and mindful day. 🚡 Mt. Bizan Ropeway Ride up to Mt. Bizan for a stunning view of the city and the sea. Especially magical at sunset! 🕊️ Pagoda Peace Memorial Tower A quiet and reflective spot on Mt. Bizan — peaceful surroundings and a meaningful monument. 🌳 Tokushima Chuo Park An ideal place to enjoy a peaceful walk. Depending on the season, you can see cherry blossoms, lush greenery, or autumn leaves. Why I recommend this area: ・Beautiful mix of nature and historical landmarks ・Perfect for a slow and reflective day outdoors 📍Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture #Tokushima #ShikokuTrip #SlowTravelJapan #MtBizan #HiddenGemsJapan #CityPlaybook #JapanNatureWalks

Tokushima City is located in the northeastern part of Shikoku, Japan, at the mouth of the Yoshino River. It serves as the capital of Tokushima Prefecture. Although Tokushima City belongs to the Shikoku region, it has had close ties with the Kinki region since ancient times. Today, the Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway provides direct access to the Kansai region. The city's jurisdiction mainly covers the Tokushima Plain, with the main urban area situated in the delta region at the mouth of the Yoshino River. As a result, there are as many as 138 rivers within the city. The "Tokushima City Awa Odori" festival, held annually for four days from August 12th to 15th, is a famous traditional Bon dance festival in Japan, attracting approximately 1.3 million tourists during this period. During my visit on March 21, 2025, the cherry blossoms in the park were in full bloom, and there were elementary school and kindergarten groups bringing children to enjoy the park.

📍Tokushima Central Park This park was established on the former castle site of Lord Hachisuka, the former feudal lord of Tokushima. It is located in the city center, and since its opening in 1906, it has been a familiar recreational spot, and its origins and location make it a symbolic presence for the local citizens. In 1989, the Washi-no-mon Gate was restored with a donation from a philanthropist to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city's administration, following the reconstruction of Sukiyabashi Bridge and the opening of the Tokushima Castle Museum, it was developed into a castle ruins park. On January 26, 2006, the Tokushima Castle ruins were designated as a national historic site. This vast park is not only a castle ruins park, but also a modern park that makes use of the heritage of the Edo period, and has many attractions such as the former Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden, Tokushima Castle Museum, rose garden, and flowing pond. It is loved by the citizens as a comprehensive park due to its beauty, location, and size, and is used by many people. #0 yen trip February 2025

👍Recommended reasons: Tokushima will break your stereotypes. Here you can find stunning natural landscapes, a charming cat shrine, unique Awa Odori performances, and abundant cuisine. Whether you're a nature lover or a culture seeker, you'll find something to enjoy. 📍Location of attractions: The Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat and Iya Valley Vine Bridge are located near Miyoshi City; Oji Shrine, Otsuka Museum of Art, Naruto Bridge, Awa Odori Kaikan, Mount Bizan, and Tokushima Central Park are in Tokushima City; Naruto whirlpools are in the Naruto area. 🚗Transportation: 1️⃣ Driving is recommended for attractions in Miyoshi City, as the roads are narrow and winding. 2️⃣ Public transportation, mainly buses, is the primary mode of transport within Tokushima City. Check routes in advance on Google Maps, as the bus platforms and routes at Tokushima Station can be complex. 3️⃣ To reach the Naruto whirlpools, transfer to a bus at JR Naruto Station and get off at Kameuraguchi or Naruto Park; Yoshino River cruise is a 5-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station; Awa Odori Kaikan and Mount Bizan are a 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station, and the cable car to Mount Bizan is on the 5th floor of Awa Odori Kaikan; Tokushima Central Park is behind JR Tokushima Station. 👣Itinerary: 1️⃣ On the first day, visit the Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat in the morning, go to the Iya Valley Vine Bridge in the afternoon, and check in to Kazuraya, a Japanese-style hotel, in the evening to experience the open-air hot springs. 2️⃣ On the second day, visit Oji Shrine to pet cats, then go to the Otsuka Museum of Art to see the exhibitions, and then go to Naruto Bridge for sightseeing. In the evening, enjoy the food at Wagamamaya Izakaya. 🍗Food recommendations: 1️⃣ Tokushima ramen, tastes good but is a bit salty; 2️⃣ Ice cream and chips made from Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes. 👍Must-see attractions: Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat, Iya Valley Vine Bridge, Oji Shrine, Naruto whirlpools, Awa Odori Kaikan. 🎫Tickets: 1️⃣ Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat: JPY 1,500/person, credit cards and cash accepted. 2️⃣ Iya Valley Vine Bridge: JPY 550, cash or Japanese PayPay only. 3️⃣ Otsuka Museum of Art: JPY 3,300. 4️⃣ Naruto whirlpools sightseeing boat and Uzunomichi: Combination tickets available, prices for sightseeing boats vary. 5️⃣ Yoshino River cruise: JPY 400. 6️⃣ Awa Odori Kaikan: JPY 800 during the day, JPY 1,000 at night. 7️⃣ Mount Bizan cable car: JPY 1,030 round trip. 8️⃣ Tokushima Castle Museum: JPY 500, old garden: JPY 50. 💖Other tips: 1️⃣ There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so remember to bring mosquito repellent if you are staying in the mountains. 2️⃣ The high tide time for the Naruto whirlpools varies daily, check the official website in advance; for sightseeing boats, the 80-person small boat from Kameuraguchi is recommended, no reservation required. 3️⃣ The staff of the Yoshino River cruise are very enthusiastic, so feel free to ask about the departure times. Night cruises are recommended. 4️⃣ There are introductions in Chinese for the Awa Odori Kaikan performances, but the experience is better if you understand Japanese.

Hey everyone! Today, let's explore a historical corner of Tokushima—Tokushima Central Park (徳島城跡公園)! ✨ This was once the castle of the Hachisuka clan, the feudal lords of Tokushima. Although the magnificent castle tower is no longer standing, the stone walls, moat, and a quaint Japanese garden remain.📸🌿 Whether you visit in spring to admire the cherry blossoms🌸 or in autumn for the colorful foliage🍁, Tokushima Central Park offers a unique charm in every season. It's perfect for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxing stroll!💖 ⸻ ⛱️ Must-See Spots: 🏯 Tokushima Castle Ruins —— While the main structure of the castle is gone, the sturdy stone walls still stand. Take a walk along the moat and imagine the castle's former grandeur!✨ 🌸 Tokushima Central Park —— The former site of Tokushima Castle has been transformed into a beautiful city park, perfect for leisurely walks. In spring, the park is filled with cherry blossoms, making it a popular spot for hanami (flower viewing)!🌸🌳 🏡 Tokushima Castle Omotegoten Garden (旧徳島城表御殿庭園) —— This elegant Japanese garden was once part of Tokushima Castle. It features a dry landscape garden, a pond, and stone lanterns, creating a serene atmosphere for photos and relaxation.🎐💦 (Entrance fee: ¥50) 🦆 Moat & Wildlife —— The moat is home to many adorable water birds. If you're lucky, you might even spot turtles and koi fish!🐢🐟 ⸻ 📅 Visiting Tips: ✔ Best Seasons to Visit 🌸🍁 —— • March–April: Cherry blossom season transforms the park into a fairyland!📸 • October–November: The autumn foliage is stunning—perfect for capturing picturesque moments!🍁 • Summer: Lush greenery creates a refreshing setting for relaxing strolls!🌿 • Winter: Fewer crowds and a tranquil atmosphere enhance the historical ambiance!❄️ ✔ Visit Duration ⏳ —— We recommend spending 1–2 hours here. You can combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Awa Odori Kaikan. ⸻ 🚄 Getting There: 🚶‍♂️ Walking —— Tokushima Central Park is just a 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station!🚶‍♂️ 🚌 Bus —— Take a city bus and get off at Tokushima Chuo Koen-mae. The park is a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.🚌 ⸻ 💗 Other Tips: ✔ Free Admission 🎟️ —— Except for the Omotegoten Garden (¥50 entrance fee), all other areas of the park are free!💰 ✔ Pack a Picnic 🍱 —— The serene environment makes it a great spot for a picnic under the cherry blossoms!🌸🍡 ✔ Visit the Nearby Awa Odori Kaikan 🎭 —— It's a 10-minute walk from the park. Catch a performance of Tokushima's famous Awa Odori dance!💃 ⸻ 🌿 Tokushima Central Park is a tranquil and historic place. Whether you visit for the cherry blossoms in spring🌸 or the autumn leaves🍁, you'll be captivated by the remnants of this ancient castle.📸 If you enjoy history and are looking for a place to unwind, this is the perfect spot! 💖

Detailed travel guide for Tokushima Central Park, Japan 1. Basic information about Joyful Park • [Joyful] Name: Tokushima Central Park (Tokushima Central Park) • [Joyful] Address: 1-Fanwai Tokushimacho Jonai, Tokushima, 770-0851, Japan • [Joyful] Opening hours: Open all day all year round 2. Introduction to Joyful Park [Joyful]Tokushima Central Park is located in the city center of Tokushima City. It is a great place for citizens to relax and have fun, and it is also one of the must-see attractions for tourists. The park covers a large area with green trees, blooming flowers, rippling lakes and pleasant scenery. Whether you are a tourist who likes taking photos or a citizen who likes a leisurely stroll, you can find your own fun here. 3. [Joyful][Joyful][Joyful][Joyful] Recommended attractions • [Joyful] Park Lake: There is a beautiful lake in the park with clear water and surrounded by green trees. It is a great place for taking photos and taking a walk. • [Joyful] Green Leisure Area: The park has a large green space where visitors can spread out picnic mats and enjoy an outdoor picnic. At the same time, the green space is also an ideal place for children to run and play. • [Joyful] Walking trails and viewing platforms: There are walking trails and viewing platforms in the park, where visitors can stroll along the trails and enjoy the scenery along the way. After reaching the observation deck, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire park and even see the cityscape of Tokushima City in the distance. 4. [Joyful][Joyful][Joyful][Joyful] Activity Experience • [Joyful] Picnic and Camping: Picnics and camping are allowed in the park (subject to park regulations). Visitors can bring food and camping equipment and enjoy outdoor time with family and friends. • [Joyful] Bird watching and photography: The park has a good ecological environment, attracting many birds to inhabit. This is a great spot for bird watchers and photographers. • [Joyful] Parent-child activities: The park has a children's play area equipped with various amusement facilities, suitable for families with children. In addition, the park also regularly organizes parent-child activities to enhance the relationship between family members. 5. [Joyful][Joyful][Joyful][Joyful][Joyful] Transportation Guide • [Joyful] Public transportation: It is convenient to get to Central Park by public transportation from Tokushima Station. You can check the local public transportation route map and choose the appropriate bus route or bus. • [Joyful] Self-driving: If you are driving there, you can use navigation software to enter the park address for navigation. Please pay attention to local traffic regulations to ensure driving safety. 6. Recommended attractions around [Joyful][Joyful][Joyful][Joyful][Joyful] • [Joyful] Tokushima Castle Museum: Located within the Tokushima Castle ruins, it showcases the history and culture of Tokushima Castle. The museum displays a wealth of artifacts and artworks, making it a great place to learn about Tokushima's history. • [Joyful] Seigenbo Shrine: Not far from Central Park, it is a shrine with a long history. The shrine has a quiet environment and unique architectural style, making it a good place to pray for peace and happiness. • [Joyful] Myo-ji Temple: It is also a famous temple in Tokushima Prefecture. Its architectural style is simple and elegant. It is an important place to understand Japanese Buddhist culture. 7. [Joyful][Joyful][Joyful][Joyful] Travel Tips • [Joyful] Best time to visit: Tokushima Central Park is suitable for travel in all seasons, but spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit because of the pleasant climate. • [Joyful] Dressing Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing to allow you to walk freely in the park. If you plan to picnic or camp, bring the appropriate gear. • [Joyful] Safety Tips: When in the park, please pay attention to the safety of your personal property, abide by park regulations, and do not damage park facilities and environment at will. 8. [Joyful][Joyful][Joyful] Summary [Joyful] Tokushima Central Park is a comprehensive park that integrates natural scenery, leisure and entertainment, and cultural experiences. Whether it is a family outing, a couple's date or a gathering with friends, this is a good choice. When planning your itinerary, you can combine it with visiting surrounding attractions to make your journey more colorful.

Tokushima Prefecture is an underrated gem on Japan's list of less-traveled destinations. Formerly known as Awa, it's located on the eastern part of Shikoku Island, facing Hyogo Prefecture's Awaji Island across the Naruto Strait. Here, a rich history blends with stunning scenery, waiting for you to unveil its mysteries. Tracing History, Exploring the Past After the Taika Reform, this area belonged to Awa Province. It witnessed power shifts during the Muromachi period, from the Hosokawa clan to the Miyoshi clan, and then to the Chosokabe clan, each leaving a unique mark on this land. Following Toyotomi Hideyoshi's conquest of Shikoku, the Hachisuka family ushered in the era of the Tokushima Domain. In 1871, the domain system was abolished, and Tokushima Prefecture was officially established. When you visit Tokushima, be sure to explore the Tokushima Central Park, the site of Tokushima Castle. This was once the residence of the Hachisuka clan, the lords of the Tokushima Domain. Strolling through the park, you can almost envision its past glory. The Tokushima Castle Museum within the park houses a collection of precious artifacts, offering a deep dive into Tokushima's historical transformations. It's a must-visit for history buffs. Encountering Nature, Immersed in Dreamlike Scenery Tokushima's natural beauty is captivating. The Naruto Strait, one of the world's three major whirlpools, creates a spectacular display of nature's power during high and low tides as the changing currents generate massive whirlpools. Take a sightseeing boat for a closer look and experience the raw energy of nature. The Oboke and Koboke Gorges stretch along the Yoshino River, flanked by towering cliffs. A boat trip down the river offers breathtaking views of the canyon scenery, making you feel like you're in a magnificent landscape painting. Embracing Folklore, Experiencing Lively Festivities Awa Odori is Tokushima's most iconic cultural symbol, originating over 400 years ago. Every year from August 12th to 15th, the four-day Awa Odori Festival takes place. Dancers dressed in traditional costumes move to the rhythm of cheerful music, and the entire city is immersed in a vibrant atmosphere. Join the dance and unleash your energy as you experience the authentic spirit of Tokushima. A Culinary Journey, Savoring Local Delights Tokushima offers a diverse culinary scene. Tokushima ramen features thin noodles in a rich pork bone broth, topped with special char siu. One bite is pure bliss. Ayu sweetfish from the Yoshino River, known for its tender meat, is grilled over charcoal and sprinkled with a pinch of salt. The simple preparation enhances the natural, delicious flavor, leaving a lasting impression. Handy Tips for a Worry-Free Tokushima Trip For transportation, you can take the JR from Osaka or Takamatsu to Tokushima. Within Tokushima City, buses and taxis are readily available. You can also rent a bicycle and explore the city at your own pace. For accommodation, hotels in Tokushima City offer convenient access to transportation and numerous dining options. Alternatively, choose an onsen ryokan to enjoy relaxing hot springs while admiring the beautiful scenery. Skip the crowded tourist traps and embark on a unique journey to Tokushima Prefecture. Discover unforgettable travel memories amidst the interplay of history and modernity, nature and culture.

📍 Cherry blossoms at Tokushima Central Park This is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the center of Tokushima City. About 250 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full bloom, centered around the square in front of the Tokushima Castle Museum, attracting many visitors. More than 250 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted in the park, which uses the ruins of Tokushima Castle, and during the flowering season, the cherry blossoms and the stone walls along the Horikawa River are lit up until around 10 pm. The night cherry blossoms reflected on the water are even more fantastic, attracting cherry blossom viewers. The "Washi no Mon" gate, which stands beside the Horikawa River, was restored in 1989 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city's establishment after being burned down in the Tokushima Air Raid in 1945. The park also has other attractions such as the former Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden and Tokushima Castle Museum, which are designated as national scenic spots, so please enjoy them along with the cherry blossoms. #0 yen trip February 2025

Tokushima Central Park, a popular autumn foliage spot in Tokushima Prefecture, is about a 10-minute walk from Tokushima Station. This park is full of natural beauty and is not only famous for its autumn leaves but also for its cherry blossoms in spring. Additionally, the park is a historical site of the former Tokushima feudal lord Hachisuka's castle, with the castle gates and moat retaining the atmosphere of that time. During the peak foliage season, the leaves in the park turn red and yellow, creating a dreamy scene.