Where is Tokushima?
Tokushima is situated in the eastern part of Shikoku Island in Japan.
Climate
Tokushima has a relatively mild climate and abundant rain especially in May, June and July. The annual average temperature is around 15 to 16 degrees Celsius in the coastal region where Anan National College of Technology is.
It is cold in December, January, and February, under 10 degrees Celsius, but it snows very little.
It is hot in July and August with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and a high humidity.
Population
Tokushima Prefecture's population is 793,629.(December 1, 2008)
Anan City's population is 79,471(March 31, 2007)
Awa Odori
Tokushima is famous for the Awa Odori Dance Festival. Awa Odori is one of the largest and most famous dance festivals in Japan. It is held from August 12th to the 15th every year. About 1,000 or more people form dancing groups called Ren to take part in the Carnival. Approximately 1.4 million people from all over the world come to see and enjoy the dancing.
Whirlpools
The city of Naruto is synonymous with "whirlpools." This natural tidal phenomenon never ceases to amaze visitors. The rapid current which flows through The narrow Naruto Strait makes the whirlpools more than 20 meters in diameter during spring tide. You can marvel at them from close range with "Kancho-sen" sightseeing boats.You can also experience the thrilling view 45 meters above the sea from "Uzuno-michi" a promenade attached to the underside of the Naruto Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. For details, please click the "Whirlpools" button below.
Aizome
Aizome, indigo dyeing, in Tokushima originated over 300 years ago. It's natural deep blue color has been fascinating people for centuries. Tokushima makes many kinds of Aizome products such as dresses, T-shirts, purses, handkerchiefs,coasters, and wall hangings. They are very popular as souvenirs for tourists. There are indigo dyeing tours available to all who would like to learn more about the traditional Aizome dyeing methods. You can even try to dye a product of your own if you like.
We can also see how the puppets are made and operated there.
Others
Tokushima is famous for its beautiful rivers. The Yoshino River (194km) is the longest river in Shikoku. Its abundant and pure water provides us with fertile soil.
There are rice paddies covering many parts of Anan, which bring us delicious rice all the year around.
The Naruto Strait is in the northwest of the prefecture.
We can observe maelstroms there, because both a warm current and a cold current are mixed in together at the strait. Maelstroms in spring and fall are larger than one in summer and winter.
