Tokushima Prefecture occupies the northeastern corner of Shikoku island, facing Osaka Bay and the Kii Channel across the Naruto Strait. It is best known for two very different natural spectacles: the Naruto whirlpools, where powerful tidal currents collide to form swirling vortices up to 20 meters across, and the remote Iya Valley, a steep, cedar-forested gorge in the prefecture's mountainous interior where vine suspension bridges have carried travelers across the Iya River for centuries. Tokushima City, the capital, is famous nationwide for the Awa Odori, Japan's largest traditional dance festival, held every August since the Edo period and drawing over a million spectators. The prefecture was historically Awa Province, ruled for nearly 300 years by the Hachisuka clan from Tokushima Castle, and its Edo-period wealth was built on the cultivation and trade of Awa-ai indigo dye, a craft still practiced today.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Tokushima.
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- Blue Flag certified swimming area
- Surf schools and board rentals
- Showers and changing facilities
- Beachside cafes
Shishikui Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9am on summer weekends to secure free parking in the gravel lots behind the dunes
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- Surf point break popular with competitive surfers
- Surf shops near Kaifu Station
- River mouth with calmer water for beginners
Kaifu Beach
Editor’s tip. Experienced surfers should time visits to autumn typhoon swells for the biggest, most consistent waves
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- Protected loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
- Adjacent Hiwasa Castle hilltop viewpoint
- Sea Turtle Museum Caretta nearby
Ohama Beach (Hiwasa)
Editor’s tip. Avoid bright lights, flash photography, and driving on the sand at night during turtle nesting season (May–August)
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- Quiet cove with rocky headlands
- Snorkeling over nearshore reef
- Small fishing port adjacent
Mugi Beach
Editor’s tip. Bring snorkeling gear, as none is available for rent on site
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- Long sandy stretch popular with local families
- Beach volleyball courts in summer
- Nearby seafood restaurants
Otsu Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive by car if possible, since the beach requires a 15-minute bus or taxi ride from Anan Station
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- Waterfront Wangan Park with lawns and playgrounds
- Views of Tachibana Bay's pearl-farming rafts
- Cycling path along the shore
Komatsushima Beach
Editor’s tip. Combine a visit with a walk or cycle through Wangan Park rather than treating it as a swim-only destination
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Tokushima’s coast.
Is Shishikui Beach good for swimming or mainly for surfing?
Both — the central section is patrolled by lifeguards and suited to swimming in July and August, while the flanks hold surf breaks used year-round.
From the Shishikui Beach editorial.
How do visitors get to Shishikui Beach without a car?
JR Mugi Line trains run to Shishikui Station, about two hours from Tokushima City, followed by a 10-minute walk to the beach.
From the Shishikui Beach editorial.
Is Kaifu Beach suitable for non-surfers?
The main break is powerful and best left to experienced surfers, but the calmer water inside the river mouth works for casual swimming and beginners.
From the Kaifu Beach editorial.
How far is Kaifu Beach from Tokushima City?
About 70 km south, reachable by JR Mugi Line to Kaifu Station, the line's southern terminus, followed by a short walk.
From the Kaifu Beach editorial.
Can visitors see sea turtles at Ohama Beach?
Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beach at night between May and August, though sightings are not guaranteed and some sections may be restricted to protect nests.
From the Ohama Beach (Hiwasa) editorial.
Is Ohama Beach good for swimming?
Yes, the surf is comparatively mild for this stretch of coast, and the gentle slope suits families and casual swimmers.
From the Ohama Beach (Hiwasa) editorial.
Is Mugi Beach good for snorkeling?
Yes, the sheltered cove and nearshore reef offer clear water and visible marine life on calm days.
From the Mugi Beach editorial.
What facilities are at Mugi Beach?
The beach itself has no dedicated facilities; visitors typically bring supplies or shop in nearby Mugi town.
From the Mugi Beach editorial.