Dynamic Nature Experiences: 11 Best Tourist Spots in Tokushima for Family Trips

Tokushima’s tourist spots are spread out widely, from the coastal scenery of the Naruto area to the mountains around Iya.
For family travel, planning around a car makes it easier than relying only on public transportation to combine different nature experiences, such as whirlpools, gorges, and bridge crossings, without overpacking your schedule.
The drive itself becomes time to enjoy the changing scenery, and for children, the views and conversations along the way are likely to become lasting memories.

Tokushima has many places where you can feel the power of nature up close, along with plenty of facilities where kids can move around and play.
By combining memorable scenery such as gorges and bridges with theme parks and outdoor facilities, it becomes easier to plan an itinerary that satisfies what both parents and children find fun.

Tokushima’s scenery and ways to spend time change dramatically by area, from the Naruto area to the mountain nature regions and the city center.
By balancing time to settle into one area with time to move on to the next, families can enjoy the trip without feeling rushed.

This seaside walkway beneath the roadway of Onaruto Bridge lets you look down over the Naruto Strait from under the bridge.
You can peer down at the whirlpools that form in the Naruto Strait, one of the world’s three great tidal currents, through glass floors from a height of Approx. 45 meters. Since you can view the tidal flow in three dimensions, it is easy to understand the natural phenomenon visually, and the sea views spreading beneath your feet are sure to spark conversation as you walk together.

The Naruto whirlpools are a natural phenomenon created by the difference in tide levels between the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Channel. A sightseeing boat cruise lets you view these whirlpools up close.
Two different types of sightseeing boats are available. On the large boat, which you can board easily without a reservation, you can view the powerful whirlpools from above the water. On the underwater sightseeing boat, which requires an advance reservation, you can look at the whirlpools from an underwater observation room.
The movement of the whirlpools unfolding right in front of you is sure to convey the power of nature.

This museum lets you experience world-famous masterpieces at full scale and follow the flow of Western art in one visit.
Using special technology, it reproduces more than 1,000 Western masterpieces on ceramic panels at the same size as the originals, from carefully selected ancient murals to modern paintings held by more than 190 museums in 26 countries.
As you explore the museum from underground levels to aboveground floors, you can take your time appreciating the scale and details of famous works.

This tour lets you view the Naruto whirlpools, among the largest in the world, from a maintenance passage on Onaruto Bridge that is normally off-limits.
After checking in, you put on a helmet and other gear, receive a briefing on the bridge structure, and then head to the maintenance passage. As you walk Approx. 45 meters above the sea, you can look down over the whirlpools.
A highlight near the center of the bridge is the view of multiple whirlpools from directly above, a scene unique to this tour.

This observation deck overlooks the Naruto whirlpools and Onaruto Bridge and is reached by a sightseeing escalator with the greatest vertical rise in the East.
The 68-meter-long escalator, with a 34-meter elevation difference, takes you from Naruto National Park to the summit of Mount Naruto at an elevation of 90 meters. From the observation deck, you can enjoy sweeping views over the Naruto Strait and as far as Awaji Island.
The building also has a souvenir shop and café, making it an easy stop between sightseeing activities.

Awa Odori is one of Japan’s three major Bon dances, attracting Approx. 100,000 dancers and 1.2 million spectators over four days from August 12 to August 15 every year.
At Awa Odori Kaikan, you can learn about its history and appeal through exhibits and live performances. Because performances are available year-round, you can experience the authentic atmosphere no matter when you visit.

This large multi-purpose park in Tokushima is set amid lush green hills. Across its spacious grounds, visitors can enjoy both science and nature.
At the Children’s Science Museum, kids can engage with science through experiments and hands-on exhibits, while the planetarium offers programs that recreate a sky full of stars.
In addition to lawns and large play structures, the park also has the Tokushima Wooden Toy Museum and hands-on workshops, offering many ways to spend time both indoors and outdoors.

One of Shikoku’s largest zoos, this facility also includes an amusement park and botanical garden, making it possible to spend a full day there.
The zoo is made up of five areas divided by the climate zones where the animals live. Exhibits tailored to each environment, such as the Savanna Zone and Temperate Zone, are highlights.
Mainly on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the zoo also offers animal interaction experiences, feeding activities, and seasonal events, making it a relaxing place for families to spend the day.

This amusement park surrounded by greenery is full of attractions that even small children can enjoy.
Many rides, such as the merry-go-round and sightseeing train, can be used by children from age 0 when accompanied by a parent or guardian, making it ideal for a first amusement park experience.
There are also attractions such as a landmark Ferris wheel and water-play athletic equipment, so children can enjoy the park comfortably according to their age.

This Approx. 8-kilometer gorge was formed over Approx. 200 million years by the swift currents of the Yoshino River as it cuts across the Shikoku Mountains.
It is designated a National Natural Monument as a valuable place where visitors can understand the formation of the Japanese archipelago through the beautiful rocks visible up close and the V-shaped valley.
You can enjoy nature unique to this area by taking a sightseeing boat through the gorge or experiencing the rapids through rafting.

These suspension bridges span a mountain area at an elevation of Approx. 1,000 meters, offering a thrilling experience in nature that feels like a hidden region.
Because there are two bridges, the Male Bridge and the Female Bridge, they are also known as the “Husband and Wife Bridges.”
You can actually cross bridges woven from vines such as shirakuchi-kazura, and enjoy experiences unique to this area, including the hand-powered ropeway known as the “Yaen.”

This Southern European-style beachfront resort is located within Setonaikai National Park.
From the guest rooms and restaurants, the sea stretches from the Naruto Strait toward the Pacific Ocean, creating the open feeling of a resort.
The property has a seasonal summer pool and private beach, and guests can enjoy marine sports. Depending on the season, there are also plenty of activities such as Naruto Kintoki sweet potato digging and Naruto wakame seaweed harvesting, making it a fun stay for families.

Located overlooking the Naruto Strait, this ryokan lets guests relax while enjoying ocean views.
It is popular for its convenient location for sightseeing in Naruto, close to nearby spots such as the sightseeing boat pier for approaching the whirlpools, Uzu no Michi, the walkway on Onaruto Bridge, and the Otsuka Museum of Art.
Views of the strait extend from the large public bath and guest rooms, and you can take your time enjoying the stay along with kaiseki cuisine made with local ingredients.

This resort hotel is known for its stunning ocean views overlooking the Naruto Strait.
From the open-air bath in the panoramic large public bath on the 8th floor, you can enjoy views of Onaruto Bridge and a spacious, open bathing experience.
For dinner, guests can enjoy a buffet with more than 100 dishes featuring generous use of local ingredients such as Naruto sea bream and Awa beef. The hotel also offers family-friendly options, including guest rooms with kids’ rooms.