Tokushima

Ohenro

Ryozen-ji Temple（No.1）

Ryozenji Temple, located in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, is the first temple on the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku, and is an important starting point for pilgrims. Known as the “temple of vows”, Ryozenji is where many pilgrims prepare for their journey and pray for safety. The grounds are enveloped in silence, and there are beautiful gardens and traditional halls. Reizenji Temple also sells items necessary for pilgrimages, such as prayer books and prayer beads.

Spot

Naruto Park

Naruto Park offers stunning views of the Naruto Strait in Tokushima. A highlight is the Naruto Whirlpools, among the largest in the world, which can be observed from the "Uzunomichi" walkway. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from observation decks and admire the impressive Onaruto Bridge, blending nature with architecture.

Culture

Iya Kazurabashi（Iya Vine Bridge）

Iya no Kazurabashi is a historic vine bridge that stretches over the Iya River. Known as one of Japan's three great mysterious bridges, it offers a thrilling experience for visitors as they cross the swaying bridge while taking in the scenic beauty of the Iya Valley. The bridge is made of vines and reinforced for safety, but it retains the rustic charm of the past.

Culture

Awa Ai（Indigo）dyeing experience

Tokushima's indigo dyeing has over 400 years of history and is known for its deep "Japan Blue" color. The process uses natural materials and indigo leaves are edible and valued for their antioxidant properties. Products such as kimonos and towels develop character with use, and indigo dyeing is now being incorporated into modern fashion and interiors. While preserving tradition, Awa Ai is recognized as a sustainable craft.

Accommodation

Iya Onsen

Iya Onsen is in the secluded Iya Valley of Tokushima Prefecture. Visitors enjoy a unique outdoor bath by the Iya River's clear waters, accessible via a cable car. This alkaline, simple sulfur spring leaves the skin feeling smooth. The bath's view changes with the seasons, offering fall foliage and winter snow. A serene atmosphere and breathtaking scenery provide a refreshing retreat.

Sample Itineraries

Tokushima Pilgrimage Cycling Adventure

Highlight

Two days exploring Shikoku's 88 temples and culture. On day one, you'll visit a sake brewery and learn about pilgrimage at Ryozenji. You will cycle to the 2nd to 6th temples, and at Jizouji, you can see 500 Arhat statues. Learn the history and techniques of Tokushima's traditional indigo dyeing, Awa-ai, during the indigo dyeing experience. On the second day, enjoy cycling in Naruto. You can see the whirlpools, one of the three largest in the world. The "Uzu no Michi" (Whirlpool Path) on the Onaruto Bridge offers a thrilling view of whirlpools. The tour ends at the Shiho-mi Observation Deck. You can enjoy the culture of the pilgrims, views of the Seto Inland Sea, and the wind on a bicycle tour.

Tour Overview

Tokushima
Naruto
1 Ryōzenji → 2 Gokurakuji →
3 Konsenji → 4 Dainichiji →
5 Jizōji → 6 Anrakuji
Cycling (E Bike)
Number of Days 2 days
Tour period Available all year-round
Distance traveled by Bicycle Day 1: 17km, Day 2: 22km
Meeting Point JR Tokushima Station or your Hotel
*Departure location is flexible and can be discussed.
Number of participants For groups of 2 or more
Pricing Price per person
1 room for 6 people : JPY 171,000～
1 room for 5 people : JPY 189,000～
1 room for 4 people : JPY 218,500～
1 room for 3 people : JPY 265,000～
1 room for 2 people : JPY 361,000～
Single Room Supplement : JPY 5,000～

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

8:30

 Meet at JR Tokushima Station or at your hotel

9:00

 Arrive at Honke Matsuura Sake Brewery

10:00

 Temple No.1 Ryōzenji, learn the history, spirit, and customs of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

11:00

 Start Cycling

11:20

 Temple No.2 Gokurakuji

11:50

 Temple No.3 Konsenji

12:30

 Lunch

13:20

 Temple No.4 Dainichiji

13:50

 Temple No.5 Jizōji. The Gohyakurakan features 500 rakan, each with unique expressions.

14:30

 Start Indigo dyeing workshop and learn the traditional method of Awa-ai and history

16:00

 Temple No.6 Anrakuji
End of cycling

17:00

 Check in at the hotel in Tokushima or Naruto

18:00

 Dinner
Route
Cycling Route
Day 2

9:00

 Start Cycling from Naruto Uchinoumi General Park or the hotel

10:00

 Arrive at Naruto Park, located next to the Naruto Strait, famous for its whirlpools, one of the world's three greatest tidal currents, and the Ōnaruto Bridge. The park offers stunning views as part of Setonaikai National Park.

10:30

 Uzunomich is a thrilling walkway on the Ōnaruto Bridge, offering a unique opportunity to gaze directly down at the powerful Naruto whirlpools from high above the swirling tides.

11:30

 Lunch

13:30

 Yomomi Observatory at Naruto Skyline

15:00

 End of tour Tokushima Airport or JR Tokushima Station
Route
Cycling Route
Included in Price/Option menu, etc.

Accommodation, meals, activities, transport, guide, insurance
*Hotel and room types can be adjusted upon request.
CyclingE-bike, helmet, cycling support vehicle, water dispenser

Not Included in Price

Clothes suitable for cycling (quick drying, high visibility),
walking shoes (cycling shoes), windbreaker,gloves, sunglasses,
sunscreen, waist pouch or knapsack, water bottle

Payment Method

Pre-payment by credit card

Cancellation Fees

21 days before the day of departure: No charge
20 days before the day of departure: 20% of the price
7 days before the day of departure: 30% of the price
The day before the day of departure: 40% of the price
Before departure on the day of departure: 50% of the price
After the tour departs: The full amount of the price

Notes

Health Restrictions
Only participants with a height of 150 cm or more may join.
Only those with adequate physical fitness for the activities can participate.
About the Tour Implementation:
The tour will generally proceed in light rain, but in cases of strong winds or severe weather, the guide may decide to cancel or change the course. Please be aware of this possibility in advance.
Risks Associated with Outdoor Activities
During the tour, staff will pay utmost attention to ensure
participants' safety based on weather and site conditions and will make the best decisions according to the situation. We ask all participants to be aware of the risks involved in outdoor activities and to follow the instructions and precautions of our staff.
Health on the Day
Please check your health condition in advance. If you are not feeling well or have a fever, please refrain from participating.