20 Museums in Tokushima worth your time

Explore a unique museum in Naruto dedicated to German POWs and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

What it is

• A museum in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture.
• Founded in 1972, current building completed in 1993.
• Commemorates a World War I German POW camp.
• Selected as one of Tokushima's 88 Landscapes.

What to see

• A stone arch bridge built by Germans near Awa Shrine.
• A statue of Beethoven beside the building.
• A bronze statue of Toyohisa Matsue, erected in 2018.
• Exhibits on the first performance of Beethoven's Ninth in Japan.

When to go

• Open daily from 9:30 to 16:30.
• Closed on the fourth Monday of each month.
• Closed from December 28th to December 31st.

Getting there

• A 20-minute walk from JR Bando Station.

Address

徳島県鳴門市大麻町桧字東山田55番地の2 Map

Official site

doitsukan.com

Read more about Naruto German House

Explore ancient artifacts from Tokushima's past, including a National Important Cultural Property Dotaku.

What it is

• Established in 1995, nicknamed Rekishiru Tokushima.
• Displays artifacts from prefectural ruins.
• Located in Itano Town Historical and Cultural Park.

What to see

• 1,600 artifacts from prefectural ruins.
• National Important Cultural Property Dotaku.
• National Important Cultural Property excavated items.
• Prefectural Designated Cultural Properties.

When to go

• Open 9:30 to 17:00.
• Closed Mondays and national holidays.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from JR Itano Station.
• 5-minute walk from Tokushima Bus Kajiya-hara Line Inubushi.
• 5-minute drive from Itano Interchange.

Read more about Tokushima Prefectural Buried Cultural Properties Research Centre

See and understand traditional Japanese Joruri puppets, their creation, and mechanisms.

What it is

• A general exhibition hall for Joruri puppets.
• Dedicated to traditional wooden puppet dolls.
• Explains puppet head production processes.
• Details the mechanisms of puppet heads.

What to see

• Exhibits on puppet head production.
• Displays showing puppet head mechanisms.
• Shop for wooden puppets.
• Puppet repair and restoration services.

When to go

• Open 9:00 to 17:00.
• Closed Sundays and first/third Mondays.
• Closed during New Year period.

Getting there

• 2-minute walk from Awa Jurobe Yashiki-mae bus stop.
• 5-minute drive from Tokushima Interchange.

Official site

awadeko.com

Read more about Awa Deko Ningyō Kaikan

A local history museum showcasing Kamiita Town's heritage, from ancient tools to traditional crafts.

What it is

• A history museum in Kamiita Town, Tokushima Prefecture.
• Exhibits cultural properties excavated in Kamiita Town.
• Displays daily necessities and folk tools of ancient people.

What to see

• Tools and literature for Awa Wasanbon sugar production.
• Tools and literature for Awa indigo production.
• Earthenware, stone tools, and early modern farming tools.
• Materials related to writer Hanayo Ikuta.
• Materials from the former JNR Kajiya-hara Line.

When to go

• Open 9:00 to 16:30.
• Closed Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
• Closed during year-end and New Year holidays.

Address

徳島県板野郡上板町泉谷原中筋8-1 Map

Official site

www.townkamiita.jp

Read more about Kamiita Town Historical Folk Museum

Explore Tokushima's history and art, focusing on the local domain and Hachisuka family.

What it is

• Museum of historical and art materials.
• Focuses on the Tokushima Domain and Hachisuka family.
• Built on the former site of Tokushima Castle Omote Goten.

What to see

• Exhibits historical and art materials.
• Displays the whale ship Senzan Maru.
• Adjacent to the former Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden.
• Selected as one of Tokushima's 88 Landscapes.

When to go

• Open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Closed Mondays and the day after holidays.
• Closed for New Year holidays.

Getting there

• 10 minutes walk from JR Tokushima Station.

Read more about Tokushima Castle Museum

Explore Matsushige's history and traditional Joruri puppets at this free museum.

What it is

• A museum about Matsushige Town history.
• Also a museum dedicated to Joruri puppets.
• Opened in 1993.

What to see

• Historical documents, folk tools, and old photographs.
• Heads, dolls, and paintings of Awa Joruri puppet theater.
• Exhibits on 'Matsushige people fighting water'.

When to go

• Open 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
• Open 9 AM to 9 PM on Thursdays.
• Closed on Mondays and the third Tuesday.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk north from Matsushige Town Hall.
• 5-minute drive from Tokushima Airport.

Address

〒771-0220　徳島県板野郡松茂町広島字四番越11番地の1 Map

Official site

joruri.jp

Read more about Matsushige Historical Folk Museum and Joruri Puppet Museum

Explore a historic residence and learn about the Heike clan's hidden legacy in Iya Valley.

What it is

• A museum about the Heike clan.
• Uses the Nishioka family residence.
• Founded by Horikawa Naiki, Emperor Antoku's physician.
• Horikawa Naiki settled in Iya after the Heike clan's fall.

What to see

• The main house is a designated cultural property.
• The storehouse is a designated cultural property.

When to go

• March to October: 8:00 to 18:00.
• November to February: 8:00 to 17:00.
• Open every day of the year.

Getting there

• 10-minute bus ride from Oboke Station.

Official site

r.goope.jp

Read more about Heike Yashiki Museum of Folklore

Museum honoring social activist Toyohiko Kagawa, housed in a unique barn-like building.

What it is

• A museum in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture.
• Honors social activist Toyohiko Kagawa.
• Opened on March 23, 2002.

What to see

• Exterior models the Funamoto Barn built in 1917.
• Three exhibition rooms.
• Large meeting room for 80 people.
• Small meeting room for 10 people.

When to go

• Operating hours are 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Closed on the fourth Monday of the month.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Naruto-Nishi bus stop.
• 20-minute walk from Bando Station.

Address

徳島県鳴門市大麻町桧字東山田50-2 Map

Official site

www.kagawakan.com

Read more about Naruto City Kagawa Toyohiko Memorial Museum

Explore Tokushima's literary and calligraphic heritage at this modern museum, a 15-minute walk from Tokushima Station.

What it is

• A literature museum in Tokushima City.
• Exhibits literary and calligraphic works.
• Opened in October 2002.
• Its nickname is Kotonoha Museum.

What to see

• First floor gallery and special exhibition room.
• Permanent literature and calligraphy exhibitions on the third floor.
• Jakucho Setouchi Memorial Room on the third floor.

When to go

• Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Getting there

• About a 15-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station.

Read more about Tokushima Prefectural Museum of Literature and Calligraphy

Waza no Yakata showcases traditional crafts with hands-on experiences, offering a unique cultural insight.

What it is

• A facility dedicated to traditional crafts.
• Built in 1998, part of the Asan Live Museum concept.
• Offers indigo dyeing and Awa Wasanbon sugar experiences.

What to see

• A dyeing workshop is on site.
• The facility has an atrium.
• There is a restaurant.
• An attached dog space is available.

When to go

• Open from 10:00 to 17:00.
• Closed on Mondays and during New Year holidays.

Getting there

• Access by car from Donari Interchange.

Address

徳島県板野郡上板町泉谷字原東32番地4 Map

Read more about Waza no Yakata Museum

This complex offers a chance to experience Tokushima's unique puppet theater, an Important Cultural Property.

What it is

• Theater and museum complex dedicated to Awa Ningyo Joruri puppet theater.
• Awa Ningyo Joruri is a designated Important Cultural Property.
• Stands on the former estate of village headman Bando Jurobe (1646–1698).

What to see

• Puppet theater performances by local troupes.
• Exhibition room about puppets, costumes, and art history.
• Opportunity to try operating puppets.
• Traditional garden of Bando Jurobe.

When to go

• Performances once or twice daily.

Address

〒771-0114　徳島県徳島市川内町宮島本浦184 Map

Official site

joruri.info

Read more about Awa Jurobe Yashiki

See Edo-period calligraphy by Nukina Suo in a unique private residence setting.

What it is

• Museum dedicated to calligrapher Nukina Suo.
• Nukina Suo was an Edo-period calligrapher.
• Located on the second floor of a private residence.

What to see

• Exhibits works by Nukina Suo.

When to go

• Open 10:00 to 15:00.
• Closed second Saturday of each month.

Getting there

• 5-minute bus ride from JR Tokushima Station.
• Get off at Shinzocho bus stop.
• 100 meters east from the bus stop, on the north side.

Address

〒770-0855　徳島県徳島市新蔵町１-４６ Map

Official site

suohart.com

Read more about Suoh Art Museum

Tokushima Glass Studio offers glass craft experiences and exhibitions, a unique artistic stop.

What it is

• A facility dedicated to glass crafts.
• Offers classes for making glass crafts.
• Hosts various events related to glass art.

What to see

• Exhibition floor on the first floor.
• Workshop areas on both floors.
• Glass blowing area on the first floor.
• Lounge on the second floor.

When to go

• Open from 9:00 to 17:00.
• Closed during New Year holidays.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from JR Jizobashi Station.

Read more about Tokushima Glass Studio

Experience the Awa Odori dance year-round and explore local culture in Tokushima City.

What it is

• A cultural facility dedicated to the Awa Odori dance.
• Opened in July 1999.
• Managed by a local community development group.

What to see

• Building exterior designed as an inverted trapezoid.
• Awa Odori Museum.
• Awa Odori Hall with 250 seats.
• Mt. Bizan Ropeway base station.

When to go

• Awa Odori performances are held year-round.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station.

Official site

awaodori-kaikan.jp

Read more about Awa Odori Kaikan

A museum dedicated to indigo, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich dyeing heritage.

What it is

• A museum about indigo, opened in 1996.
• Based on the former Okumura family residence.
• Designated as an Awa Historical Cultural Road.

What to see

• Exhibits folk materials related to indigo.
• Indigo cultivation tools are a National Important Cultural Property.
• Two Okumura residence buildings are Registered Cultural Properties.
• Visitors can experience indigo dyeing.

When to go

• Open from 9:00 to 17:00.

Address

771-1212　徳島県板野郡藍住町徳命字前須西172 Map

Official site

ainoyakata.jp

Read more about Aizumi Town Historical Museum Ai-no-Yakata

Explore ancient Japanese history from Jomon to Heian periods, with free admission.

What it is

• A museum storing and exhibiting archaeological materials.
• Managed and operated by Tokushima City.
• Located within Awa Historic Park.

What to see

• Exhibits of materials from Jomon to Heian periods.
• Exhibition rooms, training rooms, and a library.

When to go

• Open 9:30 to 17:00, last admission at 16:30.
• Closed Mondays and the day after holidays.
• Closed for New Year, December 28 to January 4.

Read more about Tokushima Archaeological Museum

Explore Awa-kubo history and local folklore at this free museum, a 15-minute walk from Nishiura Station.

What it is

• A museum in Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture.
• Exhibits materials of Hirashima Kubo (Awa Kubo).
• Displays agricultural, fishing, and folk tools.
• Opened at the Hirashima Yakata site.

When to go

• Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
• Operating hours are 9:00 to 16:30.
• Closed Monday to Thursday.
• Closed December 29 to January 3.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Nishiura Station.

Official site

www.city.anan.tokushima.jp

Read more about Anan City Awa-kubou and Folklore Museum

Roadside Station Oboke offers a unique blend of geological wonders and local folklore.

What it is

• A roadside station registered in 2008.
• Opened in 1996 as Lapis Oboke, a museum and tourist information facility.
• Features a Yokai Yashiki (monster house) opened in 2010.

What to see

• Lapis Oboke, a rock museum and tourist information center.
• An observation deck with scenic views.
• A museum of stones.
• Footbaths for relaxation.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays from December to February.

Address

山城町上名1553-1 Map

Official site

wx07.wadax.ne.jp

Read more about Roadside station Oboke

A sea turtle museum in Tokushima, offering unique exhibits and large live turtles.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to sea turtles.
• Named 'Caretta' after the loggerhead sea turtle.
• Opened on August 4, 1985.
• Reopened on July 19, 2025.

What to see

• First floor exhibits sea turtle specimens and evolution.
• Second floor has a sea turtle quiz and high-vision theater.
• Outdoor pools house sea turtles over 1 meter long.
• See 21 species and 54 individual turtles.
• View 'Hamatarō,' a turtle born in 1950.

Address

〒779-2304　徳島県海部郡美波町日和佐浦369 Map

Official site

caretta-hiwasa.com

Read more about Hiwasa Sea Turtle Museum "Caretta"

Explore Tokushima's natural history and culture at this modern museum, easily accessible by bus.

What it is

• Prefectural museum in Tokushima City.
• Opened on November 3, 1990.
• Exhibits natural history and humanities materials.
• Underwent a full renewal in August 2021.

What to see

• Permanent exhibition on the second floor.

When to go

• Open 9:30 to 17:00.
• Closed on Mondays and New Year holidays.

Getting there

• About 25 minutes by bus from JR Tokushima Station.

Address

徳島県徳島市八万町向寺山（文化の森総合公園） Map

Official site

www.museum.tokushima-ec.ed.jp

Read more about Tokushima Prefectural Museum