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Tokushima, Japan

One of the attractions of Tokushima Prefecture is the rich nature and abundant greenery.

76% of the prefecture is covered by forest, and Tokushima ranks 8th in the country in terms of largest forest area. The forest plays a vital role for humans, not only producing wood, but storing rain water to prevent natural disasters.

The complicated geographical features and the diversity of climates caused by the mountains, sea and rivers of Tokushima Prefecture have created a natural environment which is rich and varied. Semi-high-mountain plants of average height grow on the mountains around Mount Tsurugi, including Japan's Southern-most colony of shirabiso (a subarctic plant).


Docyu in Awa-Town Photograph

The Anabukigawa which flows from these mountains has been chosen for six consecutive years as the clearest river in Shikoku by the government's water examination agency.

The Dochu (sand pillars) in Awa-Town, Tokushima, rank among the top three sand pillars in the world, along with those found in the Italian Tyrol and the American Rockies.

In the Southern area of the prefecture, there are colonies of coral in the clear sea, and the seashore of this area is home to many subtropical plants.

All kinds of beautiful plants make Tokushima colourful throughout the seasons.



Prefectures of Japan

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Tokushima, Japan

Although the North-South length of Tokushima Prefecture is less than 100km, it has a complicated and varied climate due to the influence of several geographical features.
Looking at the average annual temperatures, we see that the South-East coast area is the warmest, and it becomes cooler towards the mountainous Western area. There is about a 4 degree centigrade difference in temperature between the coastal area and Mount Tsurugi.

The annual precipitation in the Northern area of Tokushima Prefecture that ends up in the Yoshinogawa and the Sanuki mountains is less than 1,500mm. This area belongs to the warm and dry Setonaikai (Inland Sea) climate. In the past, making good use of this characteristic climate, there were many flow-down-formula salt farms and the salt industry was prosperous in Naruto city.


Tokushima-City View from Bizan Photograph

The alpine area centering on Mount Tsurugi in the Shikoku Mountains belongs to the cold and wet "Sea of Japan side" climate (mountain climate). Although Tokushima Prefecture is located in the South of Japan, in the alpine area, the North-Western monsoon is strong, and enough snow falls that it is possible to ski in winter. Moreover, the altitude of this area is so high that it is pleasantly cool in summer, making it perfect for escaping the heat, hiking or walking in the woods.

The Southern area belongs to the warm and wet "Pacific Ocean side" climate. In this area, it is warm throughout the year. Although it has little precipitation in winter, a lot of rain falls in summer, therefore it is counted as one of the most rainy areas in Japan.

The coastline from Hiwasa to Ikumi Beach in Toyo Town, Kochi Prefecture, has many of Japan's best surf spots, and it is crowded with surfers every weekend.



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Tokushima, Japan

Tokushima Prefecture is located in the Eastern part of Shikoku. The Northern coast faces the Inland Sea, and the coast from East to South faces the Kii Channel and the Pacific Ocean. The area of the prefecture is 4,145 square kilometers, which is equivalent to about 1.1% of the whole of Japan.

Mountainous districts make up about 80 percent of Tokushima Prefecture. Mount Tsurugi, with an altitude of 1,955m, is the second highest peak in Shikoku and is home to rich nature including alpine plants. The Shikoku Mountains, with Mount Tsurugi at their centre, run through Tokushima from East to West, dividing the prefecture into North and South.

The Yoshinogawa, which flows along the north side of the Shikoku Mountains, is one of the great rivers of Japan and is also known as "Shikokusaburou". Its source is in nearby Kochi Prefecture, and the river provides well-known scenic spots such as Oboke and Koboke in the Western part of Tokushima. The Yoshinogawa becomes larger as it flows to the East, forming the wedge-shaped Tokushima Plain at its mouth.

There is a rich forest area in the Southern part of Tokushima Prefecture and comparatively little flat ground. The sheer rock coastline of this area contrasts remarkably with the sandy beaches of the North-East.


Yoshinogawa and Bizan Photograph




Prefectures of Japan
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