5 Photogenic Scenic Spots in Tokushima

Located in the east of Shikoku, Tokushima Prefecture is a treasure trove of stunning views created by majestic nature. There are also many hidden gem spots still known only to those in the know, gradually gathering attention among Instagrammers. This time we introduce five special photogenic spots that make you unintentionally cry out "Is this really Japan?!"

01 | Oboke Gorge

The gorge beauty woven by the clear stream of the Yoshino River, shining emerald green, and the white strange rocks is stunning in a word. The light reflecting on the river surface sparkles like jewels, and you can take a dramatic shot even with a smartphone.

• Best time: Morning to noon / the autumn fall foliage season (October to November)
• Shooting angle: Capturing the river surface and the cliffs together from a pleasure boat brings out depth and is GOOD. A composition looking down from atop a bridge is also excellent
• Access: About 5 minutes on foot from JR Oboke Station

02 | Iya no Kazurabashi (Vine Bridge of Iya)

A secluded suspension bridge woven from wild Shirakuchikazura (hardy kiwi vines). The thrilling construction, where you can see through the gorge below your feet, and the dreamlike atmosphere surrounded by deep greenery create a one-of-a-kind photogenic scene.

• Best time: Early morning (the time slot when morning mist drifts) / May with fresh greenery, October with fall foliage
• Shooting angle: Shooting the whole bridge from the side from the opposite bank makes the contrast with the deep gorge stand out
• Access: About 30 minutes by route bus from JR Oboke Station

03 | Naruto Whirlpools

The dynamic landscape created by some of the world's largest whirlpools is truly nature's art. If you visit timed to the time slot when the whirlpools become the most intense, you can aim for powerful stunning photos.

• Best time: The decisive moment is within 1 hour before and after the high and low tide times of the spring tide! (Check the times on the official website in advance)
• Shooting angle: Aiming from directly above through the peep windows from the over-the-sea promenade of "Uzu no Michi" lets you shoot the whirlpools from directly overhead for an extremely rare shot
• Access: About 20 minutes by bus from Naruto Station

04 | Mount Tsurugi

A famous peak among the finest in western Japan, boasting an elevation of 1,955 m. Near the summit, a sea of bamboo grass spreads across the whole expanse, and a dreamlike scene just like a scene from a movie spreads out. On days when a sea of clouds occurs, it becomes a mystical stunning view.

• Best time: Early morning in autumn (September to November), the sea-of-clouds season / the fresh greenery period of summer
• Shooting angle: Framing the sky and the bamboo grass with a wide angle near the summit hut is recommended. Putting a person in conveys the grand sense of scale
• Access: About 15 minutes using the lift from the Minokoshi trailhead

05 | Mount Bizan from the Roof of the Awa Odori Kaikan

The evening view from the summit of Mount Bizan, which overlooks the city of Tokushima, gives you the finest emotion to close out your trip. The "magic hour" time slot, when the city lights and the sunset melt together, is just like a painting.

• Best time: The magic hour 30 minutes before and after sunset / the night view is also superb
• Shooting angle: Using the observation deck railing as a foreground blur, or aiming for the light trails of the city with your smartphone's night view mode, finishes it stylishly
• Access: About 6 minutes by ropeway from the Awa Odori Kaikan

Tokushima's great nature makes you feel "I want to take more!" every time you point your camera. By all means, set out on a trip to Tokushima to find your favorite shot

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Best season and time of day: Oboke Gorge is best for autumn leaves in October and November, the Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge for fresh greenery and autumn colours, the Naruto whirlpools around the spring tides, Mount Tsurugi from summer to autumn, and Mount Bizan around sunset.
• Opening hours / event periods: "Uzu no Michi" is open 9:00-18:00 from March to September (last entry 17:30) / 9:00-17:00 from October to February (last entry 16:30) / 8:00-19:00 during Golden Week and the summer holidays (last entry 18:30). The Mount Tsurugi sightseeing chairlift runs from mid-April to November 30, 9:00-16:30 (from 8:00 in August). The Awagin Bizan Ropeway runs 9:00-21:00 from April to October and 9:00-17:30 from November to March (6:00-17:30 on January 1).
• Fares: Mount Tsurugi sightseeing chairlift: adults 2,300 yen return, 1,300 yen one way / children 1,100 yen return, 650 yen one way (cash only). Awagin Bizan Ropeway: general 1,500 yen return, 900 yen one way / elementary school children 800 yen return, 500 yen one way. "Uzu no Michi" and the Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge charge an entry fee and a crossing fee respectively (please check the amounts on the official websites). The sightseeing boats at Oboke Gorge are also charged separately.
• Access: For Oboke Gorge, get off at Oboke Station on the JR Dosan Line (about a 20-minute walk to the sightseeing boat pier). The Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge is about 30 minutes from Oboke Station by Shikoku Kotsu bus. For Uzu no Michi, take a bus about 20 minutes from JR Naruto Station and get off at "Naruto Koen." For Mount Tsurugi, the chairlift from Minokoshi (elevation 1,420 m) to Nishijima takes about 15 minutes, and from Nishijima to the summit a further climb of about an hour on foot is required. For Mount Bizan, the ropeway from the base station on the 5th floor of the Awa Odori Kaikan takes about 6 minutes.
• Parking: There are car parks at Minokoshi, the Kazurabashi bridge, Naruto Park, the Awa Odori Kaikan and elsewhere (the Awa Odori Kaikan car park costs 330 yen for the first hour and 170 yen for each subsequent 30 minutes; vehicle height limit 155 cm).
• Photography rules: The Iya Kazurabashi is a suspension bridge with gaps you can see through underfoot, and it sways. Stopping on the bridge for long photo sessions or using a tripod is a nuisance and a danger to other people crossing, so please avoid it. For the glass floor at "Uzu no Michi" and other facilities, follow the photography rules posted on site. Flying a drone requires permission from the respective managers.
• Safety notes: The Kazurabashi is extremely dangerous in sandals or heels. Mount Tsurugi is a serious mountain at an elevation of 1,955 m, with risks of sudden weather changes, hypothermia and getting lost. Never move around outside the chairlift's operating hours or descend after dark, and carry rain gear, warm clothing and a headlamp. The national road leading to Minokoshi is closed in winter, when the chairlift also stops running. Oboke Gorge and the Iya Valley have many unfenced cliffs, so take care not to lose your footing while absorbed in taking photos.

* Fees, opening hours and operating status are subject to change. Please check the latest information on each official website before your visit.

(Sources: Tsurugisan Kanko Tozan Lift Co., Ltd. official website; Tokushima City official website "Mount Bizan & the Awagin Bizan Ropeway"; Uzu no Michi official website; Awa Odori Kaikan official website)