Rich nature and handed-down traditions: now is the time to take a solo trip to Tokushima and Naruto for a two-day, one-night trip

Ai Nishimura

Administrator of the blog "My Diary," which began in 2004. A writer who has traveled to all 47 prefectures and loves local culture and history.
Author of Shimane's "Geography, Place Names, and Maps" Mysteries (Jitsugyo no Nihonsha), My Town is the "Number One in Japan" Dictionary (PHP Institute), and Prefectures Explained in Neko Neko Japanese History (Jitsugyo no Nihonsha). Official blogger for Suntory Gourmet Guide, official top user for Retty, and official platinum blogger for Excite.

08:00 - Recharge your batteries with a hearty breakfast and a bath at "THE SPA"

In the morning in Naruto, the sounds of birds echo through the air. The sea breeze blowing onto the terrace is refreshing, and the day begins with a breath of fresh air.

Hotel Ridge is apparently well-known for its breakfast, but before that I headed to the large public bath.

The baths are free-flowing hot springs pumped up from 1,500 meters underground. From the deck of the open-air bath, you can enjoy a quiet time while looking out over the Naruto Strait and the Onaruto Bridge, the symbol of Naruto.

Just like the previous day's dinner, breakfast is served with transportation. We arrive at the venue, "Banri-so," in a state of elegance.

When we were shown to our room, a surprising, sumptuous breakfast was waiting for us. Hot dishes were brought out gradually, and before we knew it, the table was full of food.

The breakfast is full of elaborate dishes such as roast beef, conger eel with eggs, homemade tofu, and fluffy rolled omelet, so much so that it could be mistaken for dinner. This breakfast may seem quite voluminous, but this is an expression of the desire of the head chef and other hotel staff to "start your day with good nutrition so you can have a fun and fulfilling day." It is also a consideration to allow you to relax and enjoy your stay until the 12 o'clock check-out.

We took our time, losing track of time and enjoying each and every dish the hotel is proud of.

Recently, a "staycation," a trip with the purpose of staying in a hotel, has become popular. From check-in to check-out, you want to enjoy your time in the hotel without having to worry about disturbing anyone. A staycation is the perfect way to spend time for those who want to relax in a hotel without rushing around, and it is also a way of staying that allows you to reduce contact with people as much as possible.

We were able to enjoy a pleasant time at Hotel Ridge, thanks to the friendly smiles of the staff, the smart service, and the cozy facilities.

Hotel Ridge Banri-so

11:00 Mori Pottery: A tradition preserved in the hometown of Otani ware

The pottery made in the Otani district of Taima-cho, Naruto City is called "Otani ware" and has been carefully preserved as a traditional craft of Tokushima Prefecture for many years.

There are currently six potteries in this area, and we visited one of them, Mori Pottery. The kiln has a climbing kiln that is a nationally registered tangible cultural property, and part of the interior is open to the public, where you can listen to the sound of a suikinkutsu.

One of the characteristics of Otani ware is the production of large earthenware jars called omono toki. These are essential for the indigo dyeing that is popular in this region, and are still used as indigo jars today. Nowadays, large stainless steel indigo jars are sometimes used, but some people say that indigo requires large earthenware jars that allow air to pass through, as bacteria live in the liquid during the fermentation process.

Otani ware is essential for this type of indigo dyeing.

The clay used is locally sourced and mined in the mountains from Tokushima Prefecture to Kagawa Prefecture, in areas such as Himeda, Hagiwara, and Sanuki. It is refined through various processes into the clay needed to make the products. This clay is used to make small items, from chopstick rests to plates and vases, and larger items, such as 180L and 270L jars. In its heyday, Mori Pottery produced many water jars and indigo jars, and from around the 1950s, it responded sensitively to the changing times and began to produce small items for everyday use. Shopping in the store while listening to the thoughts of the craftsmen is a fun way to choose and a fun way to decide, and the charm of pottery is clearly conveyed, almost like a power spot.

Currently, works by the fourth-generation Otani potter and his son, the fifth-generation Otani potter, are on display, and you can enjoy the different styles of these two potters, so you're sure to find something you like that will make you think, "This is it!" In addition to the traditional, subdued colors of Otani ware, you should also pay attention to the pottery that adds a new essence using glazes such as blue and white.

I can sense their passion for craftsmanship as they sincerely confront the essence of the traditional craft of Otani ware, protecting what needs to be preserved, while at the same time embracing new ideas and challenges.

Although I could sense their serious side in every word they said, it was a comforting time thanks to the gentle, warm and friendly service provided by the Mori family.

Pottery: Mori Pottery

12:30 "Honke Matsuura Sake Brewery" - working with the local community to create delicious sake that touches the heart

The area from Awa Otani Station to Iketani Station is not only the birthplace of Otani ware, but also the culturally rich "Old Fuya Highway" that runs through it. It is a place where various cultures come and go as people visit on their pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku.

This area is home to Honke Matsuura Sake Brewery, a long-established sake brewery founded over 200 years ago. Its brand name "Naruto Tai" is loved by many people and is so popular that it has even crossed the ocean and become a hot topic overseas.

At the shop inside the brewery, you can sample sake and find your favorite one. The brewer especially recommends the chilled unpasteurized sake that can only be purchased here. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to taste local sake while taking in the atmosphere of a historic brewery.

Honke Matsuura Sake Brewery does more than just brew sake.

Along the old Fuya Kaido road where the breweries are located, there are temples, shrines, breweries, and Otani ware kilns scattered over a distance of about 1.4 kilometers, and an initiative is being made to introduce the townscape and history of the area as the "Naruto Sake Breweries Road."

By creating a map that allows visitors to walk around the town at their leisure, and introducing the experiences offered at each facility, the project is helping to enliven the town as a whole and promote its appeal. This has led to a review and rediscovery of local culture, and has brought back pride and affection for the town, resulting in a wonderful project. With the communication skills unique to a town that has seen the pilgrims coming and going along the old Fuya Kaido road up close, I feel that this is a worthwhile initiative that will convey the various traditions that are deeply rooted in Japan from a corner of Naruto.

As part of this project, the brewery is holding a "Sake Terakoya" event as a sake experience. Participants will taste sake and learn basic information such as how sake is made and the differences in taste and aroma. The experience is open to both domestic and foreign tourists. The brewery is steadily carrying out in-depth activities that not only promote its own sake, but also play a role in raising awareness of Japanese sake (SAKE) culture.

Currently, for those who are unable to visit the brewery, online events are being held by the brewery itself. You can participate with a pre-purchased set of sake in hand while listening to a talk by the 10th generation brewer, Motoko Matsuura.

This is an opportunity to enjoy sake more easily and casually, so be sure to check the official website regularly.

Naruto Tai is constantly creating new types of sake. They have released sake made from "specially grown rice" grown for the wild storks that nest in the same area, and have created a fruity, easy-to-drink sake using Alphonso mangoes, and continue to challenge the possibilities of sake.

There are many different types of Naruto Tai, and on the official website you can choose the type for the occasion, such as "for drinking in the evening," "for different pairings," or "drinking in a wine glass." The brewery can also make these kinds of suggestions, so you might be able to find the perfect bottle in Naruto that makes you think, "This is the sake I like!"

It seems like you can find a sake that will naturally be served on your dinner table every day, and bring more smiles to your faces when you hear how delicious it is.

Honke Matsuura Sake Brewery

14:00 Search for souvenirs at the Tokushima goods store "Nichinichi Zakkaten"

Before returning to Naruto Station and heading to the airport, I stopped by a small shop to look for souvenirs. This is "Nichinichi Zakkaten," a select goods store that sells products from Naruto, Tokushima.

This is an exciting shop like a toy box, packed with miscellaneous goods with a Tokushima motif collected by the owner, Mr. Hara. Mr. Hara is such a fan of crafts and local toys that he has traveled all over the country. The shop stocks high-quality yet playful miscellaneous goods and food found in Tokushima Prefecture. Some of the items are one-of-a-kind by artists, so if you find one, you'll definitely want to buy it right away.

The ceramic products that receive the most inquiries are those shaped like Shikoku.

There is a wide variety of items, including tableware, key chains, and chopstick rests. There are also plates embossed with motifs from the four prefectures, and accessories depicting whirlpools. These are original to the store, and it's surprising to learn that they were conceived and created by Hara himself. They are rare items that can only be obtained here, so be sure to check them out.

There were many other interesting items on display, such as "Yuko Syrup" from the popular orchard, Kawazoe Fruits; "BAKASCO," a pepper sauce made in collaboration between Bando Foods and Kawazoe Fruits; and "AWA Tokushima Cola," a craft cola syrup made with plenty of citrus fruits.

The shop is filled with goods that are brimming with love for Tokushima and Naruto, and you can't help but say "So cute!"

Buy souvenirs for loved ones, or treat yourself to something you'll want to keep in your everyday life. There are plenty of Tokushima-themed goods that you would not normally find or encounter on your own, so be careful not to buy too much.

Nichi Nichi General Store