Tokushima Prefecture is located in the eastern part of Shikoku, Japan. It is characterized by its rich natural environment, distinctive local culture, and deep connections with the Kansai region. The prefectural capital is Tokushima City, and the area is well-known throughout Japan for tourist attractions and traditional events such as the Naruto Whirlpools and the Awa Odori dance festival.
History and Geographical Background
In ancient times, the northern area was known as "Awa no Kuni" and the southern area as "Naga no Kuni." These regions were later unified under the name Awa Province. During the Edo period, Awa flourished as a center of economy and culture, and remnants of that era are still visible throughout the region.
Geographically, Tokushima Prefecture is surrounded by the Shikoku Mountain Range and water systems such as the Yoshino and Naka Rivers. While the flatlands are limited, the prefecture boasts abundant natural beauty and scenic landscapes.
Regional Composition and Cities
Tokushima Prefecture can be broadly divided into the following regions:
-
Northeastern Area (Tokushima City, Naruto City, Yoshinogawa City, etc.): Centered around the Tokushima Plain, this area serves as the hub for urban and administrative functions.
-
Western Area (Miyoshi City, etc.): Known for mountainous tourist spots such as the Iya Valley and Oboke-Koboke, featuring rugged terrain.
-
Southern Area (Anan City, Naka Town, Kaiyo Town, etc.): Facing the Kii Channel and the Pacific Ocean, this region is active in fishing and agriculture.
The Tokushima Plain, centered around Tokushima City, is the political, economic, and transportation core of the prefecture, with the majority of the population residing there. On the other hand, the mountainous and southern areas, rich in natural environments, rely primarily on tourism and agriculture/forestry as key industries.
Economy and Industry
Tokushima Prefecture is distinguished by its agriculture, livestock farming, and a concentration of chemical industries.
-
Agriculture: The prefecture is known for high-quality specialty products such as sudachi (a citrus fruit), carrots, lotus root, and Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes.
-
Livestock: Local brands like Awa beef, Awa-odori chicken, and Awa pork are highly regarded across Japan.
-
Industry: Cities such as Tokushima and Komatsushima host chemical, pharmaceutical, and electronics companies, supporting local employment.
Additionally, the abundant water resources of rivers like the Yoshino and Naka support hydroelectric power generation, agricultural irrigation, and industrial water supply, shaping a lifestyle deeply connected with water.
Nature and Tourist Attractions
Tokushima is also gaining attention as a tourist destination where dynamic nature and historical scenery coexist.
-
Naruto Whirlpools: Among the largest whirlpools in the world, offering a grand natural spectacle.
-
Iya Valley, Oboke, Koboke: Famous for their mysterious gorges, rugged cliffs, and suspension bridges—popular among nature lovers and adventure seekers.
-
Awa Earth Pillars: One of Japan’s three major earth pillar formations, showcasing natural geological beauty.
-
Awa Odori: Tokushima’s largest traditional event, with over 400 years of history, attracting countless visitors from within and outside the prefecture each August.
In recent years, these tourist attractions have seen a rise in international visitors due to increasing inbound tourism.
Climate Characteristics
Tokushima Prefecture features diverse climate zones depending on the region, with various environmental conditions coexisting.
-
Northeast: Seto Inland Sea climate with mild weather, little rainfall, and long hours of sunshine.
-
West: Inland climate with significant temperature differences and occasional snowfall in winter.
-
South: Pacific Ocean climate with high rainfall and susceptibility to typhoons.
The southern area, in particular, is part of the so-called "typhoon belt" and often experiences heavy rain and strong winds, prompting a focus on disaster prevention.
Connections with Other Regions
Tokushima has strong geographical and cultural ties to the Kansai region. It is directly connected to Honshu via the Onaruto Bridge through Awaji Island and Hyogo Prefecture. It is also connected to Wakayama Prefecture via the Nankai Ferry, forming part of a maritime transportation network. These connections foster close economic, cultural, and linguistic similarities with Kansai.
Participation in the Kansai Wide-Area Union and the sharing of media and transportation infrastructure further enhance Tokushima’s status as the Shikoku region’s gateway to Kansai.
Conclusion
Tokushima Prefecture is a region that blends historical culture, rich natural surroundings, and strong ties to the Kansai region. It is a place where the vibrant spirit of people—symbolized by the Awa Odori—coexists with the grandeur of nature seen in the Yoshino River and the Iya Valley.
For visitors, it offers healing and wonder; for residents, pride and identity. As a gateway to Shikoku, Tokushima stands out as a prefecture where the urban and the rural, tradition and innovation, beautifully intersect.