Tokushima Courses
Tokushima Prefecture
The Shikoku no Michi in Tokushima Prefecture is lined with sites such as the Magosaki Observation Deck where you can enjoy panoramic views of magnificent whirlpools, as well as Ryozenji Temple, one of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The trail then leads you to Shosanji Temple where you may meet people embarking on the pilgrimage. The trail continues in the southern part of the prefecture along the coastline, bringing you in close proximity to the blue, sparkling Pacific Ocean. The entire trail comprises 24 different routes with a total length of 320km.
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Mitoko Exploration Route
Located almost in the center of the Muroto-Anan Beach National Park, the sea along this Ria-type coast is calm and clear throughout the four seasons. This place gives you a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean.
Distance16.3kmTime required5.5hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsRoadside Station Shishikui Onsen Suzugamine Kasekirenkon (Fossilized Ripple Marks) Takega Island
Spots to photograph Mitoko Rest Area -
15Shinzan Yukoku (Deep Mountain Valley) Pilgrimage Route
Surrounded by old cedar trees, the Tairyuji Temple (temple No. 21), exudes a charm of deep mountain valleys. After leaving the temple grounds and passing through a cedar forest, you will reach a mountain path lined with cherry blossom trees.
Distance10.5kmTime required5hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsSuii Bridge Wakasugiyama Cinnabar Mine Site Tairyuji Temple Omatsu Daigongen
Spots to photograph The sign between Wakasugiyama Cinnabar Mine Site and Tairyuji Temple -
9Shosan-ji Temple Valley Pilgrimage Route
From Fujiidera, visitors will cross many dangerous spots called "Henro korogashi," enjoy historical and natural monuments, and retrace Kukai's steps.
Distance15.6kmTime required7.5hoursDifficulty ★★★HighlightsFujiidera Temple Nagato-an Ryusui-an Joren-an (Ipponsugi-an) Shosan-ji Temple Emon Saburo Joshin-an
Spots to photograph Statue of Kobo Daishi at Joren-an (Ipponsugi-an) -
20The road to Senba Sea Cliff
The road winds along the rocky coastline with breathtaking views of the Senba Sea Cliffs.
Distance12.2kmTime required5hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsHiwasa Castle Ruin, Senba Beach, Seabirds spotted along the railway line
Spots to photograph Toriiwa Rest Station -
19White Sand and Sea Turtle Path
The sandy beaches of Shirahama are perfect for barefoot long walk, among sea turtles coming ashore with the seemingly infinite blue Pacific Ocean sparkling in the distance.
Distance16.3kmTime required6hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsYukino Beach, Tainohama, Manishi Shrine, Ebisu Cave, Ohama Beach, Hiwasa Chelonian Museum, Yakuoji Temple
Spots to photograph Asebinohana Rest Station -
13Nakatsumine Sangoe Trail
The mountain trail follows along the naturally created tree tunnels through the coniferous forest, spectacular waterfalls, and leads to a panoramic view from the summit of Mt. Nakatsumine
Distance15.5kmTime required5hoursDifficulty ★★★HighlightsMt. Nakatsumine, Nyoirinji Temple, Nakatsumine Forest Park, Hatago Falls,Inugai Rural Stage, Hoshinoiwaya, Ikifudounokusu, Hotokeishi
Spots to photograph A sign located the top of Mt. Nakatsumine (sign number 659) -
2Oasayama Trail
You can climb up Mt. Oasayama, which is just past the shrine and enjoy the panoramic view of the Tokushima Plain to the south and the Shikoku Mountains in the background, while being surrounded by natural vegetation all over the mountain top.
Distance10.2kmTime required6hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsRyozenji Temple, Oasahiko Shrine, The German House, German Bridge, Oasayama Rest Station, Oasayama Vegetation
Spots to photograph A sign located near the top of Mt. Oasayama(sign number 133) -
23Vast Matsubara’s Path
The nature trail follows the Osato coast, which has a beautiful landscape with 4 km of arching white sand and green pine trees.
Distance12kmTime required3.5hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsOsato's Matsubara,Osato Tumulus,Minami Awa Picnic Park,Zao Athletic Park,etc.
Spots to photograph 海老ヶ池休憩所 -
17Mt. Myojin Ounabara Path
A road that leads to a forest of ubame oak trees that one wonders how far it will go and a panoramic view from the top of the mountain.
Distance9.3kmTime required3hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsMt. Myojin ,Muroto-Anan Kaigan Quasi National Park,Tachibana Bay,Cape Kamoda,Awa Navy,Omizudaishi,etc.
Spots to photograph Myojin rest area -
12Natural Forest Path
Tokuenji Temple is surrounded by a large group of rhododendrons, and the path continues along a gentle ridgeline, and a cluster of azaleas and other plants is visible.
Distance15.8kmTime required5hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsSagakyo Gorge,Rhododendron of Tokuenji Temple,Tsuetate Gongengoe,Barao Toge Pass,Hata Gotaki,Inukai Rural Stage,etc.
Spots to photograph A sign between Tsuetate Gongen Pass and Arao Pass -
6Hilly area Orchard Path
Nature trail spread out with vineyards and the sound of sculpins.
Distance7.4kmTime required2hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsAnrakuji, Jurakuji,Vineyard,Okumiyagawa Uchidani Prefectural Natural Park,etc.
Spots to photograph Miyagawauchi Rest Area -
14Mikan Hatake Road
This pilgrimage route, is so silent that even the sound of bells can be heard in the distance. It passes through the birthplace of Awamikan.
Distance5.4kmTime required2hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsIkina, Mizunomidaishi, Kakurinji (Roadside distance markers and three-storied pagoda), Ooi rest area, etc.
Spots to photograph Signpost between Kakurinji Temple and Hachiman Shrine -
3The Historic Awa Road
This road connects the townscape of Otani pottery to the first, second and third temples of Shikoku pilgrimage.
Distance9.0kmTime required2hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsOtani pottery, Torin-in Temple, Awa Shrine, Tomb of Former Emperor Tsuchimikado, Tombs at Amakawabetsu Shrine.
Spots to photograph Mountain Gate of Ryozenji Temple -
4Yamazato Road
This road full of trees such as red pine, sawtooth oak, konara oak runs close to the prefectural border and offers a view of the deep blue Seto Inland Sea.This is the final point on Shikoku Road.
Distance8.4kmTime required2.3hoursDifficulty ★★☆HighlightsOsaka Pass Viewing Platform, Zozatani-no-Kawarakeitsuka, Itano Town History & Culture Park, Osakaguchi Gobansho Ruins, etc.
Spots to photograph Signpost near the Kagawa Prefecture Border -
22Scent of Salt Spray on Yasakayahama Beach
This course mainly follows National Route 55. Centered on the Yasakayahama beach, this course presents striking contrasts.
Distance9.2kmTime required2.5hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsMuroto Anan Coast Quasi-National Park, Oshima, Tsushima, Dewajima, etc.
Spots to photograph Sabadaishi (Yasaka-dera Temple) -
16Bamboo Groves and the Scent of Sudachi Citrus Road
A pilgrim path that winds through the mountains, rich with changes between cedar forests, bamboo groves, and mixed forests.
Distance11.6kmTime required4hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsByodoji Temple, the large camphor tree at Todoroki Shrine, Kuwanogawa (perch), etc.
Spots to photograph The sign at One Pass -
8A Talk with Shikoku Saburo Road
The great current of the Yoshinogawa River and a sense of the quiet pace of country life are conveyed by this course.
Distance10.2kmTime required3hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsKirihataji Temple, Fujiidera Temple, Kawashima Castle, Zennyujito Island (Awashima Island)
Spots to photograph The guide sign at Kirihataji Temple -
1A View of the Whirlpools Road
The scent of the tide hangs in the air along this course where you can enjoy the contrasts between the large bridge from Naruto Park, the whirlpools, and Awaji Island. This is the starting point of The Roads of Shikoku.
Distance9.5kmTime required4hoursDifficulty ★☆☆HighlightsSeto Inland Sea National Park, scenic Naruto, the whirlpools, etc.
Spots to photograph The sign at the summit of Mt. Ogeyama