[2025 Tokushima Attraction] Travel Guide for Tokushima Castle Museum (Updated Jun)

Having visited Japan's three great gardens and numerous daimyo gardens, Choshu-en in Tokushima feels like discovering a hidden gem. Officially named the Former Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden, Choshu-en is the most significant remnant left by the Hachisuka clan of Awa Province, apart from Tokushima Castle. The garden features a dry landscape on the west side, with a 10-meter-long stone slab in the center that is now broken. Supported by smaller stones underneath, it is said that the first feudal lord, Hachisuka Iemasa, broke it with his foot to demonstrate his extraordinary strength. In the war-centric Sengoku era, such a feat carried a sense of legend and intimidation. The story dates back to 1586 during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's conquest of Shikoku. As a reward for his service, Hachisuka Iemasa was granted the Awa Province territory. Shortly after, he built Tokushima Castle in the style of a hilltop castle. The Hachisuka family's favorite garden was designed in the Azuchi-Momoyama style by samurai tea master Ueda Soko, using Awa blue stones to create a fusion of dry landscape and a spring water garden. What makes the garden unique is its tidal water feature. Sea water from the inner moat flows into the garden, creating ever-changing scenery with the tides. Ueda Soko, the designer, is still a significant figure in Japanese tea ceremony culture today. Tokushima Castle, one of Japan's top 100 castles, was abandoned after the Meiji Restoration and later suffered air raids. Today, the park is open to the public, with only the Tsukimi Yagura and Taiko Yagura remaining. The Washi Gate in front of the garden was rebuilt with private funds. The adjacent museum showcases the history and artifacts of the Hachisuka family, though photography is not allowed. The garden's entrance fee is only 50 yen, and the museum costs 300 yen—an affordable experience not to be missed. 📍Address: 1-9 Tokushimacho Jonai, Tokushima, 770-0851 Japan 🚗 JR Tokushima Station, a 10-minute walk away.

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 City, a small city located in the northeastern part of the Shikoku region of Japan, is like a hidden gem, exuding a unique charm. With four distinct seasons and an average annual temperature of around 16°C, it's a great place to visit, even in winter. Follow this guide and embark on a romantic spring journey to Tokushima City! ✈️ Must-See Attractions • Awa Odori Kaikan: As a cultural landmark of Tokushima City, the Awa Odori Kaikan is the perfect place to learn about Awa Odori dance culture. Originating about 400 years ago, Awa Odori is one of Japan's three major Bon Odori dances. Here, you can not only enjoy wonderful Awa Odori performances but also join in, dancing alongside the enthusiastic dancers and experiencing the lively and cheerful atmosphere 💃 Even if you miss the Awa Odori Festival, held annually from August 12th to 15th, you can still experience the unique charm of Awa Odori at the Kaikan year-round. • Tokushima Castle Ruins: Although Tokushima Castle has undergone years of weathering, its remaining stone walls, moats, and gates still convey its former majesty and solemnity. Stroll through the ruins park, admiring the blooming cherry blossoms. The pink petals against the ancient architecture create a scene that feels like stepping back in time. The Tokushima Castle Museum within the park displays many historical relics and materials related to Tokushima Castle, providing a deeper understanding of the city's historical changes 📜 • Mount Bizan: Mount Bizan is the symbol of Tokushima City. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom all over the mountain, and the petals flutter like snow in the breeze. A cable car 🚠 is available for easy access to the summit. From the observation deck, you can overlook the entire Tokushima city area, appreciating the beautiful integration of city and nature. Whether it's the bustling daytime scene or the brilliant lights at night, the view is captivating. Tokushima Cuisine • Tokushima Ramen: Tokushima ramen is a local specialty. Compared to ramen in other regions, Tokushima ramen has a richer and thicker broth, typically made with pork bones and soy sauce, and a hint of seafood flavor. The noodles are firm and chewy, topped with tender and juicy chashu pork, crisp bean sprouts, and a soft-boiled egg 🥚 Every bite is unforgettable. Recommended restaurant: Chuka Soba Inotani (main branch). This restaurant is a well-known, long-established Tokushima ramen shop, serving only ramen and white rice, yet it's beloved by locals and tourists alike, often with long queues during lunch and weekends. • Awaodori Chicken: This is Tokushima's famous brand of chicken, known for its tender and delicious meat. The most classic way to enjoy it is bone-in, grilled. The bone-in chicken is seasoned with a secret homemade sauce and carefully grilled in a 400-degree kiln 🔥 The grilled chicken has a crispy golden skin and juicy interior. The secret sauce, a blend of 17 spices and seasonings, creates a unique and irresistible flavor. The bone-in Awaodori chicken at Ikkou Tokushima Station Front Store is highly recommended. The freshly baked chicken is impressive in size, much larger than a typical chicken leg, and each bite is pure bliss. • Seafood Dishes: With Tokushima City close to the sea, seafood is naturally a staple on the dining table. From fresh and plump sashimi to fragrant grilled seafood and delicious seafood bowls, there's something to satisfy every seafood lover 🦀 Tokushima City Central Wholesale Market is a great place to enjoy seafood. Here, you can not only witness the lively seafood auction but also purchase fresh seafood and have it prepared at a nearby restaurant, allowing you to savor the bounty of the sea immediately. Travel Tips • Transportation: From Osaka and other surrounding cities, you can reach Tokushima City by highway bus or train. Within Tokushima City, public transportation mainly consists of buses and trams, but services may not be frequent, so it's recommended to check the timetable in advance 🚌 Alternatively, consider renting a car for more flexible exploration of the surrounding area. • Accommodation: There are many hotels and guesthouses near Tokushima Station, offering convenient access to transportation and shopping. If you want to experience onsen (hot springs), you can also choose to stay at an onsen resort, such as Shirako or Yamanouchi, where you can relax and unwind in the soothing hot springs 🛀 • Other: Remember to plan your itinerary in advance, check the weather forecast, and pack appropriate clothing and sunscreen. When enjoying the local cuisine, be mindful of local dining etiquette and savor your culinary journey in Tokushima. Tokushima City, this charming and less-traveled destination, offers a unique travel experience, from its natural scenery to its culinary culture. Come to Tokushima City and start your romantic spring journey 💕

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.