Tokushima Prefecture

Tokushima Prefecture, formerly known as 阿波国 (awa-no-kuni), is one of the most beautiful prefectures in Japan. There is a perfect blend here between nature and traditional Japanese culture. This isn’t one of the most populated prefectures in Japan, but it certainly doesn’t feel underpopulated. This is one vibrant and lively area.

Tokushima Prefecture is (without a doubt) most well known for 祖谷 (iya)—one of Japan's three most underexplored regions. Although up in the mountains and difficult to reach, this is a quiet area with a fantasy-like atmosphere that will make anyone want to live there. There are several settlements (towns/villages) here, and though some of them have a dwindling number of residents, you can see truly Japanese scenery. If one visits Iya during the rainy season, one will feel as if they’ve died and gone to heaven. Clouds rise just above the tip of the mountains, giving off a divine and heavenly-like feel. There are also a few traditional Japanese homes here. One can see what it may have looked like in the Edo Period (1603-1868) or even earlier. Some of these traditional houses have been renovated, and one can spend a night. Here, one can experience traditional Japanese life with modern conveniences like a bath and a washlet toilet. Iya (and Tokushima Prefecture as a whole) is a beautiful area that’s hard to describe in a few words. This is one area of Japan that’s definitely worth a visit.

Across Japan, there are many well-known and popular traditional performing arts, and 盆踊り (bon-odori—a traditional dance where Japanese people dance with the spirits of relatives and ancestors). One of such bon-odori that is well-known is the 阿波おどり (awa-odori). Originating in Tokushima Prefecture, it’s known as one of the three most well-known bon-odori in Japan, and it has become one of the most popular across the country. There are a few theories about the origin of this dance. One such theory was that it was to commemorate the completion of Tokushima Castle in 1587. Another such theory is that it started as 風流おどり (fūryū-odori), another dance that took place at Jōzui Castle in 1578. Nowadays, this dance is held each summer and attracts thousands of visitors. It’s a magnificent festival that’s impressive to watch. There are (without a doubt) more than a few people who have been deeply moved when watching this traditional dance. Nowadays, this dance is performed throughout Japan. There are several prefectures where one can enjoy it.

Other than a traditional dance, Tokushima Prefecture is also home to 阿波藍 (awa-ai). This is an indigo (or deep blue) dye. Here, they produce 泥炭 (sukumo—peat), which is a natural substance used to make this particular colored dye. Known across the world as “Japan Blue”, this deep blue color is used in (particularly) traditional Japanese clothing. For those who may have bought traditional Japanese clothing anywhere across Japan, there’s a chance that awa-ai is used in it. This is a color that represents Japan. This is a color loved by the Japanese; it can be found throughout the country.

Tokushima Prefecture, as with other prefectures in Japan, is also home to some delicious food. In particular, there are some delicious noodle dishes here. One of these dishes is 祖谷そば (iya-soba). This dish originated in Iya and is made with 100% buckwheat flour. These are thick noodles that are easy to cut and chew. This is a wonderful bowl of noodles with a light and delicious flavor. Another noodle dish that this region is known for is 徳島ラーメン (tokushima-rāmen). This rāmen utilises a soup made from pork bones that is then mixed with soy sauce or chicken broth. This particular bowl of rāmen, unlike what can be found in pork bone-based rāmen in Fukuoka Prefecture, isn’t too rich.

In Tokushima Prefecture, you’ll also find でこまわし (dekomawashi). This is a skewer with そば団子 (soba-dango—boiled or steamed balls of buckwheat flour), 岩豆腐 (iwa-dōfu—a type of tofu), and 丸こんにゃく (maru-konyaku—a Japanese food made from yams). The foods are then spread with a 味噌 (miso—a paste made from soy beans) based sauce. This is one food that one will want to eat again and again. Though the food in Tokushima Prefecture may all look simple, they’re all delicious foods full of flavor that one won’t be able to get enough of.

With a traditional dance and important regional products, Tokushima Prefecture is a fascinating area. There aren’t many tourists in this prefecture, so one can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing trip. It might not be one of the easiest places in Japan to get around, but there are many areas here that make one feel as if they’re in a different world. One can have a trip here that would be difficult to have anywhere else. If the opportunity arises, be sure to check out all that Tokushima Prefecture has to offer.

NOTE
Some tourist destinations in Tokushima Prefecture are accessible via public transportation. However, the number of buses that run each day is limited, making it tough to get around. We at MORIKOBOSHI recommend renting a car in this prefecture.