Enjoy the Awa Odori dance and delicious food. A trip that will satisfy all your senses with the Tokushima Marathon

Enjoy the Awa Odori dance and local cuisine while riding along the open Yoshino River

Tokushima Marathon

The Tokushima Marathon began in 2008 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. It is a full marathon officially recognized by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations, with the number of participating runners increasing every year.

The Yoshino River, one of Japan's three great rivers, flows through Tokushima City. The distinctive feature of the Tokushima Marathon is that it runs along the banks of the Yoshino River, making it an easy and pleasant course to run on. Every year, yellow rape blossoms sway in the wind on the banks, and Mount Bizan, the symbol of Tokushima City, can be seen from anywhere along the course. The fact that you can feel close to beautiful nature is one of the reasons for its popularity.

What's unique about this marathon is that you can watch the authentic Awa Odori dance during the race. Various "ren" (Awa Odori groups) perform cheering dances to the accompaniment of instruments such as taiko drums, shamisen, and flutes. At the aid stations set up along the course, local foods such as buckwheat porridge and handa somen noodles are served, which are well received by many runners.

Don't worry if you're not up for a full marathon! On the day before the marathon, there will be a "fun run" in Tokushima Central Park in the city center.

There are two types of "Fun Run": the "General Division" of about 4.2 kilometers, and the "Family Division" of about 1.5 kilometers that families can participate in. There is no time measurement, but there are water stations, lunch stations, cheering points, etc., so you can experience it just like a full marathon.

The Tokushima Marathon is a race where runners run at full speed through the Awa roads with the spring breeze. Starting in 2019, the marathon will also participate in the MCC (Marathon Challenge Cup), a project that supports runners in cooperation with 40 marathon events nationwide. The MCC will award prize money to runners who break the race record, and will issue record certificates to those who complete the marathon for the first time or those who break their personal best.

The 12th tournament, which is expected to attract an even larger number of participants, is scheduled to be held on Sunday, March 17, 2019. Applications for participation will open on Wednesday, November 7 and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend that you apply early online.

Selected as one of the 100 best night views. A symbol of Tokushima City that has been loved since the ancient Manyo period.

Mount Bizan

Mount Bizan, which watches over the Tokushima Marathon course, is the symbol of Tokushima City. It was named after its graceful shape that resembles an eyebrow no matter which direction you look at it from - north, south, east or west. It was also mentioned in a tanka poem included in the ancient Man'yoshu, which shows that it has been familiar to people since ancient times.

Although Mt. Bizan is not particularly high at 290 meters, its presence over the city is overwhelming. When the sun sets, the silhouette of its gentle ridgeline beautifully emerges. It shows different faces with the changing seasons, with cherry blossoms blooming in spring and engulfed in fiery red leaves in autumn.

Of all the routes up Mt. Bizan, the one we recommend is the ropeway that departs from the "Mt. Bizan Ropeway Base Station." You'll be entranced by the cityscape as the gondola slowly rises, and before you know it you'll be at the top of the mountain. The panoramic view from the summit at night is particularly not to be missed. A glittering night view, renowned as the best in Shikoku, will unfold before your eyes.

Take a break with some Awa specialty "Taki no Yakimochi" while admiring the charming garden.

Wada no Ya Main Store

It's about a 5-minute walk north from "Mt. Bizan Ropeway Foothills Station." After passing through Teramachi, where many temples and shrines are located, you will arrive at "Otakiyama" at the northern foot of Mt. Bizan. From the feudal era to the early Showa era, this was a recreational and relaxation spot for ordinary people. With Jokein Takiyakushi on your right, after climbing the stone steps you will find Wada no Ya Honten, a sweet shop known for its Awa specialty "Taki no Yakimochi".

From inside the restaurant, which has a calming atmosphere, you can view the garden with a small waterfall. It is a beautiful place throughout the year, but from winter to spring, yellow flowers called "yellow flax" bloom beautifully around the waterfall. They were planted by Wenceslau de Moraes, a Portuguese writer who lived in Tokushima in the early 20th century, and are affectionately known to locals as "Mr. Moraes's Flowers."

"Taki no Yakimochi" is a famous confectionery that was presented to celebrate the construction of Tokushima Castle by the first lord of the Awa domain, and became a confectionery of choice for the government due to its delicious taste. "Our commitment is to not use any unnecessary ingredients," explains Managing Director Hidemi Wada.

The refreshingly sweet filling is made from red beans boiled in Kinryusui water, a famous spring water from Mt. Bizan, and the fragrant skin is made from sun-dried rice flour made by grinding non-glutinous and glutinous rice in a stone mill. After stamping a chrysanthemum crest on each piece with a mold, a skilled craftsman carefully and lovingly bakes them.

The most popular item is the "Taki no Yakimochi and Matcha" set, which brings out the deliciousness of the freshly baked rice cakes. Why not forget the hustle and bustle of the city and the busyness of everyday life and relax your body and mind?

Feeling tipsy from craft beer? How about having a drink by the river?

AWA Shinmachigawa Brewery

About a 10-minute walk southeast from Wada no Ya Main Store, you will arrive at AWA Shinmachigawa Brewery, located on the banks of the Shinmachi River. Tada Shogo, who has experience as a Japanese chef, opened this store in 2013. He discovered the appeal of craft beer during his stay in Australia, and learned brewing techniques after returning to Japan.

The "Tasting Set" allows you to enjoy three types of craft beer by the glass. "Pale Ale" features a fruity citrus aroma, "Bitter" has a tea-like aroma and a lingering bitterness behind its sweetness, and "Stout" has an impressive roasted malt aroma and rich flavor. All are equally delicious and difficult to choose between.

The smooth, natural bubbles that come from being unfiltered and unheated make for a luxurious taste that can only be had from a freshly brewed beer, with a gorgeous aroma and rich flavor. In addition to the three regular varieties, there are also seasonal craft beers such as "Sudachi Honey," so be sure to give them a try.

They also have a wide selection of food that goes perfectly with beer. The popular "Local Fish Fish & Chips" is a dish made with fresh white fish caught in Tokushima. The special batter made with craft beer is crispy and delicious.

Other must-try dishes include "Awaodori Chicken Beer Chicken," marinated in a craft beer-based sauce and grilled over charcoal, and "Homemade Pickles" made with local vegetables! This is the perfect place to fill your stomach with the bounty of Tokushima.

Tokushima City, where the Tokushima Marathon takes place, is also a city of water, with 138 rivers, large and small, including the Yoshino River. The city center introduced here is also perfect for a stroll. Please come and discover the other charms of Tokushima for yourself.