Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Tokushima Prefecture (徳島県)
Tokushima Prefecture (徳島県) is located in the Shikoku region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Tokushima. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Giant tidal Naruto Whirlpools (Naruto), remote vine bridges and misty gorges of the Iya Valley (Miyoshi), Awa Odori Kaikan dance hall, and temples #1–#23 of the 88-Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage.
How to get to Tokushima Prefecture
2h 30m by highway bus from Osaka/Kobe across the Akashi Kaikyo & Naruto bridges, or via Okayama + JR Uzushio Limited Express. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Tokushima
When visiting cities across Tokushima, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Tokushima ramen (rich pork-soy broth topped with甘辛 sweet-savory pork belly & raw egg)
- Sudachi citrus with grilled fish
- Awa Odori free-range chicken
- Iya soba & dekomawashi (skewered potatoes/tofu in miso)
Best time to visit Tokushima
August 12–15 for the electrifying Awa Odori dance festival; spring and autumn high tides for largest Naruto whirlpools and Iya Valley vine bridges.
All 8 cities & municipalities in Tokushima Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokushima 徳島市 | City | 266,370 | 191.39 km² | City guide → |
| Naruto 鳴門市 | City | 62,453 | 135.46 km² | City guide → |
| Komatsushima 小松島市 | City | 41,540 | 45.24 km² | City guide → |
| Anan 阿南市 | City | 77,099 | 279.39 km² | City guide → |
| Yoshinogawa 吉野川市 | City | 44,905 | 144.19 km² | City guide → |
| Mima 美馬市 | City | 33,520 | 367.38 km² | City guide → |
| Awa 阿波市 | City | 40,303 | 190.97 km² | City guide → |
| Miyoshi 三好市 | City | 30,998 | 721.48 km² | City guide → |