2025 Anan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#aprilblooms If you’re a cat person (or just love adorable spots), Ōmatsu Daigongen in Tokushima is calling your name! This charming little shrine is filled with hundreds of maneki-neko (beckoning cat) statues, making the whole place feel more cute than sacred — in the best possible way. Walking through the grounds during spring is extra special. The warm weather, blooming greenery, and all those lucky cats create a quirky, peaceful vibe that’s super unique. It’s not a huge touristy shrine, which makes the visit even more chill and fun. Why You Should Visit: ✔ Tons of maneki-neko statues = cat lover’s dream come true. ✔ Quiet, off-the-beaten-path location perfect for a peaceful stroll. 📍Address: Fuke-64-1 Kamocho, Anan, Tokushima 771-5173 #Anan #Tokushima #Japan #CatShrine #ManekiNeko #SpringVibes

📍Ayaya Plum Grove Now is the best time to see it. It is known as a famous plum blossom spot in the southern part of the prefecture. At the "Ayaya Plum Grove" in Anan City, Tokushima, the plum blossoms are in full bloom every year in mid-March! With free admission and parking, Ayaya Plum Grove is full of charm. "Ayaya Plum Grove" is said to be the largest in the southern part of Tokushima Prefecture! There are many varieties, such as the pink-flowered Oushuku, the cute white-flowered Hayashishu, and other small plums! You can enjoy about 2,000 plum trees. Another great thing about "Ayaya Plum Grove" is that you can see various plum varieties. #0 yen trip February 2025

📍Funase Coast Park Tsubaki-cho, Anan City, is full of nature, with blue skies and seas, and green trees. On the way to Gamota Cape, Funase Coast has a park for visitors to Funase Onsen. Going through the park, you can reach the coast, and on a clear day, you can see the nearby islands and Tsubakidomari on the opposite shore. There is a windbreak forest in the parking lot to block the wind from the sea. About 20 cars can be parked. Above Funase Coast Park is Gamota Onsen. The open-air bath with a great view is the best. There is also art and a lighthouse in the surrounding area. Please take a stroll around the area and enjoy the healing nature. 🖐✨️ #0 yen trip February 2025

📍Gamoda Cape Lighthouse This lighthouse stands on the easternmost tip of Shikoku, at Cape Gamoda in Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture. Made of concrete, it features a rare square window for a lighthouse. It illuminates the entrance to the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Channel. Together with the Kii Hinomisaki Lighthouse on the opposite shore, it forms the end line of the Seto Inland Sea. It is said that loggerhead turtles, designated as a rare wild fauna and flora by the prefecture, come to lay eggs on the sandy beach on the north side of the cape. This unusual lighthouse with a square window is the best spot to watch the sunrise. On a clear day, you can see the dynamic scenery of the Onaruto Bridge, Awaji Island, and Wakayama Prefecture in the distance. #0 yen trip February 2025

📍Torihoshiji Temple Torihoshiji Temple is where the legend of Kobo Daishi Kukai "defeating the evil star that brings disaster to the earth" remains. It is also the inner sanctuary of the 19th temple, Tatee-ji Temple, and the grounds, where temples and shrines coexist, still retain the appearance of the Shinbutsu Shugo era. Torihoshiji Temple's temple grounds are part of Iwawaki Park in Unoura Town, and the cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn are beautiful. There is also a mini 88 temples on the grounds, which was convenient. The main hall was modern. It was also nice that there was a place where the Monarch Butterfly came and we were able to actually observe the Monarch Butterfly. #0yentripFebruary2025

📍Omatsu Daigongen During the Edo period, Omatsu, the wife of a village headman in Kamo Village, Naka County (present-day Kamo Town, Anan City), decided to die to appeal the unjust plots of a wealthy man and magistrate who had cheated her husband out of his land, and was executed along with her beloved cat. To avenge her master's grudge, Omatsu's cat turned into a monster, and is said to have cursed the family of her enemy for generations until she finally achieved her revenge, and Omatsu's tragedy is well known as one of the three great cat legends in Japan. Later, out of pity for Omatsu, the villagers built "Omatsu Daigongen," which is still affectionately known as "Cat God." He is known as a god of victory in competitions, and during exam season, the shrine is bustling with pilgrims who come to pray for success, and people come to pray for victory in lawsuits, sports, and elections, prosperity in business, and good fortune. It was a really cute spot with cat-themed items placed all around the temple grounds. #0yentravelFebruary2025

📍Osakana Higuchi A large table with a white and indigo interior that makes use of the wood grain. All the tables were counter-style. Today's seafood bowl 1500 yen Sea bream, whelk, shrimp, eel, yoko, yellowtail, and tuna tataki The rice was slightly warm, not sushi rice. There were also many ingredients lined up on the back. There were two types of sea bream: raw sashimi and boiled. All the ingredients were fresh and delicious. It's no wonder this is so popular. The sashimi set meal was also very delicious. #0yentravelFebruary2025

📍J-Power & Yonden Wonderland J-Power & Yonden Wonderland is an experiential facility where you can experience nature and science, and can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Inside the facility, there is the Spiral Hall, which introduces the mechanism of power generation and the wonders of science in an easy-to-understand way, and the Crystal Hall, where whale bones float from the floor and ceiling, where you can stroll around tourist spots on a huge aerial photograph. Outside, there are flowers that color the four seasons, a large lawn area, and fun play equipment. A park facility where children and adults can experience science while having fun together. The Spiral Hall displays the mechanism of power generation in an easy-to-understand way through various devices. In the Crystal Hall, a huge sperm whale bone hangs from the ceiling, and you'll be amazed at its size and power! Outside, you can relax in the large lawn area and flower fields. In addition to the kids' area with play equipment suitable for small children, there is also a large tube slide, simple athletic equipment, and a variety of other interesting play equipment that allows you to experience the power of science. The play equipment is scattered across a large area, so you can enjoy it together with the exhibition hall as if you were on an excursion. #0yentripFebruary2025

📍Ushigi Castle Ruins Park On a small hill overlooking Tomioka Shopping Street, in the Sengoku period, it was the castle of Shinkai-shi, a military commander of the Hosokawa clan who was the guardian of Awa, called Ukigame Castle, and in the Edo period, it was the castle of Kashima-shi, a chief retainer of the Hachisuka clan, and the area was a gorgeous castle town. Currently, it is used as a place of relaxation for local residents, and in the spring cherry blossom season, the entire Shiroyama area is filled with Somei-Yoshino cherry trees, making it a famous cherry blossom spot. It has also been certified as a "sacred place for lovers," and at night, the illuminations of the "Kirakira Dome," which is permanently installed at the top, shine brightly. Anan is known as the birthplace of LED (blue light-emitting diode), and during the summer festival (July), you can enjoy a collaboration between objects decorated with hundreds of thousands of LEDs and Awa Odori, and during the winter event (December: Christmas period), a variety of events are held around the LED-decorated tree. #0yentravelFebruary2025

📍Cape Gamota The easternmost cape in Shikoku has a wonderful view from the lighthouse, and on a clear day you can see as far as Onaruto Bridge, Awaji Island, and Wakayama Prefecture. On the coast, large, rugged rocks are washed by the waves, and the northern sandy beach is also known as a landing and egg-laying site for loggerhead turtles. In September 2010, a stone monument with a wave and wind motif, "Poem of Waves," was installed to enhance the cape's appeal. From the heart-shaped cavity, you can see Ishima Island and the horizon, and visitors can feel their own thoughts, and it is now attracting attention as a new "power spot." #0 yen trip February 2025

📍Utouku A log house hamburger specialty restaurant. Located on the seaside, this hamburger restaurant is famous in the southern part of the prefecture. The hamburgers are delicious, but the curry is also delicious. It's filling, cheap, and good value for money. The view is beautiful. The menu has changed a little, but there are many types of hamburgers. Teriyaki, Japanese style grated daikon, cheese, black pepper... There are also mysterious ones such as Mochi MOCHI hamburger and Shiitake Samurai hamburger. The signature dish is the meat-wrapped hamburger/Utouku hamburger. The best view of the sea. It's quite far from the city, but it's a popular restaurant. #0 yen trip February 2025

Bayfront Villa Tamate is a private villa resort located by the sea in Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, and will officially open in December 2024. Highlights 1. 1 group per day: Bayfront Villa Tamate only receives one group of guests per day, providing a completely private vacation experience. 2. Luxury facilities: The villa is equipped with a barrel sauna, cold bath, lounge chair, and bonfire space, where guests can relax in the sea breeze. 3. Sea view villa: The villa is designed with double-sided glass, offering magnificent sea and sky views. The interior decoration is full of futuristic style, creating an extraordinary atmosphere. 4. Gourmet experience: BBQ and kaiseki cuisine made with fresh local seafood and ingredients are available, allowing guests to enjoy delicious food by the sea. 5. Rich outdoor activities: There are rich natural activities around, including kayaking, SUP, fishing, hiking, etc. Rooms and facilities • Room configuration: The villa can accommodate up to 6 people, with 2 double beds and 2 extra beds. • Private bathroom: Equipped with transparent glass windows, guests can enjoy the sea view while bathing. • Other facilities: Including independent washbasin, toilet, barbecue equipment (rental), full set of kitchen utensils, etc. Dining options • BBQ package: Standard BBQ (JPY 6,000/person) and premium BBQ (JPY 8,000/person) are available, using fresh local ingredients. • Kaiseki cuisine: JPY 9,000/person, offering exquisite Japanese cuisine. • Breakfast: JPY 1,100/person. Location and transportation • Address: 92-2 Koda, Tachibana-cho, Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture. • Transportation: About 34 km from Tokushima IC on the Tokushima Expressway.

“Omatsu Daigongen” is a shrine I found through a tourist information center. I was first attracted by the Maneki Neko, and after checking, I found that it was less than an hour's drive away, and the whole journey was on the highway, so I decided to go. 🚗 How to get there We drove. There is a parking lot outside the shrine, and there are not many cars, so you can park with confidence. But the mountain road is very narrow, so be careful when driving. Please note that the shrine closes at 5 pm. You can visit, but due to the lighting, there may not be much to see, so it is recommended to go early. Otherwise, you won't be able to buy Omamori. By bus: JR Anan Station → Take the Anan Bus bound for Kamo, get off at Omatsu Daigongen, about 40 minutes. 🚶 What to see 1️⃣ After parking, there is a hand-washing pool, and a Maneki Neko is waiting for you here. Remember to wash your hands before entering the shrine. 2️⃣ A black and white kitten will follow you, so cute! It seems to be welcoming us. 3️⃣ The gate of the shrine is very old. It is said that it was built by villagers in the Edo period to sympathize with a cat who was entrusted with resentment by its owner. It is known as the god of competition and the god of wishes. 4️⃣ There are small cat paw prints on the road from the hand-washing pool to the gate of the shrine, which are very cute. 5️⃣ There is a large newly built Maneki Neko next to the gate of the shrine. 6️⃣ The Omamori are also small cats, and there are many small cat statues in the shrine. 7️⃣ There is a Buddhist temple behind the shrine. Because it was late, we didn't go to see it. Next time, we will come earlier!

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩*⋆✈Tokushima𓂃 𓈒𓏸Katsuura Town Kakurinji Temple ⁡ When you think of Shikoku, you think of the 88 Shikoku Temple Pilgrimage. This is the 20th temple, located on the summit of a mountain 470 meters above sea level. When the weather is good, you can see the distant mountain peaks of Kishu and Awaji, as well as the Pacific Ocean from the temple grounds. ⁡ This temple was founded by Kobo Daishi. During his training, the monk was so delighted to see two cranes, a male and a female, taking turns to protect a small golden Jizo statue that he created a Jizo Bodhisattva statue out of a sacred tree, placed the golden Jizo statue in its womb as the principal image, and the temple was named "Kakurinji Temple." ⁡ Maybe because it was a Saturday, I was surprised at how many people were visiting, and the parking lot was full 😳 The temple is at the top of a very steep hill, and I was really impressed by the pilgrims who walk up it I imagine they must have a great sense of accomplishment after climbing up. lol ⁡ This day happened to be the annual "Osettai" day and we were treated to oranges, coffee, and ginger tea, and it was a very relaxing time. What a wonderful culture ☺️ ⁡ The temple has a natural power to it, with vibrant moss and the cedar, cypress and pine trees towering over it as if to protect the temple ⁡ 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 ⁡ 𓊆𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𓊇From the official website 8:00-17:00 ⁡ 𓊆𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𓊇From the official website 14, Washigao, Ikumi, Katsuura-cho, Katsuura-gun, Tokushima Prefecture 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 𓐄 #tripdomestictravel #TokushimaPrefecture #Shrine and temple visit

🇯🇵 [Tokushima Prefecture] Tairyuji Temple, 21st of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage It is also known as "Kouya in the West"! (^^) It is located near the summit of Mount Tairyuji, 618 meters above sea level, at the southeastern end of the Shikoku Mountains (^^) A row of old cedar trees over several hundred years old soars into the sky, and the temple grounds are filled with the spiritual aura of an ancient temple! ...

One of the three major cat legends in Japan, the "Osomatsu Daigongen Shrine" was built to thank the "three-haired cat" for its owner's justice and successful revenge. From the entrance, it is obvious that there is a big lucky cat. Walk up to the shrine following the cat’s footprints. There are more than 10,000 lucky cats living in the shrine, and every scene has a cat theme, which shows the gratitude and longing for the "three-haired cat". It takes about 30 minutes to reach the shrine by taking a bus from JR Anan Station. Many people come to visit the shrine every year, especially because "the pine will win, the business will prosper, and the test will pass." This shrine is famous for its strange cat legend, and its popular name is "Cat God". Various cat statues can be seen in the shrine, and more than 10,000 lucky cats are enshrined. It is said to be very effective in praying for success in exams and competitions. Address: No. 63, Kamo Town, Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture Opening hours: nothing special Admission fee: Free Restroom: Yes Parking lot: 2-3 parking spaces Transportation: From JR Anan Station, take bus "202 Kamodani Line and Tsubaki Tomari Line" for about 30 minutes, get off at "Kamodani Station" and walk for 1 minute. Nearby: It is recommended to go south to JR Hiwasa Station "Yakuoji" and "Sea Turtle Museum", JR Awa Kainan Station "DMV Railroad Second-hand Car" #globaltravel

WUTO-WURK is a hamburger steak specialty restaurant located in Anan City. Established in 1987, it offers a variety of delicious dishes made with its original secret recipe, focusing on thick and juicy hamburger steaks. In addition to the basic hamburger steak, they also offer seasonal limited edition hamburger steaks and other dishes made with local ingredients. For example, their pizza is not to be missed. The top recommendation is the 'Mushroom Samurai Hamburger Steak,' which features a flavorful hamburger steak topped with mushrooms, creating a perfect combination of taste and texture. Another popular dish among tourists is the 'WUTO-WURK Meat Roll Hamburger Steak,' which wraps a hamburger steak with Tokushima's Awa beef sirloin, allowing you to enjoy two different textures in one bite.

Cafe 'NuuN' has been transformed from an abandoned building in front of the station into a stylish and spacious place. Both the daytime and nighttime menus are equally impressive, featuring local fresh meats and Tokushima's soul food, soba rice porridge. You can also enjoy a variety of homemade desserts such as cheesecake and parfaits. Pair these with an original coffee or blue tea for a satisfying afternoon tea. At night, it transforms into a bar where you can enjoy citrus wine and dishes made from local ingredients, fully experiencing the charm of southern Tokushima.

The 2,775-meter-long Tairyuji Cable Car is the longest cable car in Western Japan. During the ride, you can enjoy the vast scenery of mountains and rivers, want to go to the 21st branch of Shikoku 88 Temples "Tai Ryuji Temple", located near the top of the summit of Tai Ryuji Temple #August Good Places 2024 #Tailong Temple Cable Car

In the northern region of Anan City along the Naka River, local residents have planted cosmos flowers. The best time to enjoy these flowers is from mid-October to late November. This year, there will also be a Cosmos Flower Field Walking Event, especially in the Iwawaki area, where the flower field spans approximately 2.4 hectares. The sight of the pink cosmos flowers, in varying shades, is truly breathtaking.

Located in Anan City, Nukii Castle Ruins Park is not only a place for local residents to relax but also a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and a perfect location for Christmas and winter illuminations. The park is transformed into a dreamy and romantic world with colorful LED lights. In 2006, it was selected as a 'Lover's Sanctuary,' attracting many couples who hang love locks on the signboard, praying for eternal love and a long-lasting relationship.

Located in Anan City, 'Cottage Coliberty' meets all the above needs. It features a single cabin where you can experience a slow-paced life. Just a few minutes' walk to Awashima Coast allows you to enjoy water activities like SUP. When you get hungry, you can have a BBQ in the courtyard, enjoying both delicious food and the refreshing natural environment.

ACARI CAFE uses local ingredients and seafood from Tokushima. The menu offers a wide variety of choices, including fish and meat dishes, as well as desserts such as Wasanbon pudding and Awa Bancha pudding. During the hot summer days, we especially recommend the sudachi somen. This dish features Handa somen topped with a generous amount of Tokushima-grown sudachi, giving it a refreshing appearance. Pair it with Tokushima's fried bamboo shoots and fried shiitake mushrooms for an even better experience.

"Another Living" is a cafe located in the residential area of ​​Anan City #August Good Places 2024 #cafe

Also known as the Capital of Light, Anan is the birthplace of LED lights in Japan . "Anan Luminous Town Project" started in 2002. Committed to providing more vitality to the city of Anan through various activities, art exhibitions, led by a giant light ball "Mandala DOME", several novel artworks incorporating LEDs are waiting for you, unlike other lighting events, here in addition to seeing, eating and listening, the venue also has food trucks, music performances #August Good Places 2024 #ArtExhibition

Tsumine Shrine in Anan City is a shrine surrounded by nature, offering beautiful scenery throughout the year. With a long history, Tsumine Shrine is known for granting longevity and safe travels, attracting many people who work in dangerous jobs. Located halfway up Mount Tsumine at an altitude of 300 meters, visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and the Naruto Strait. Every year on January 1st, the 'Saitan Festival' is held, and it is also a famous spot for cherry blossoms, becoming very lively during the blooming season.

Located in Anan City, Anan Country Club is a golf course overlooking Orange Bay #August Good Places 2024 #Golf

DAY 10: Anan City is a small town located about 50 minutes by car in the south of Tokushima. Perfect for experiencing rural life in Japan In the afternoon, go shopping in the shopping street near the station. After eating, we went to Yamato no Sato to take a bath. Relax your tight thigh muscles The hot spring here is the bright carbonated spring It is said to have the effects of beauty, weight loss and fatigue relief The most special one is the "Electric Bath" When you take a bath, you will feel a slight electric current constantly stimulating the acupuncture points on your body. Finally, walk to Ushiki Castle Park near the B&B to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Have a good rest today We will continue our Shikoku Pilgrimage tomorrow. Attractions: Ushiki Castle Park, Yamato-no-go, and Anan City Walk Accommodation: Guest House DARUMA in Anan City Today's cycling distance: 0 km Cumulative cycling mileage: 430 kilometers #Japan #FourCountries #Shikoku Pilgrimage #Shikoku Pilgrimage #Seto Inland Sea #Shikokudisease #Tokushima #Awa Spiritual Field #Kochi #Tosa Sacred Ground #Ehime #Sanuki Sacred Ground #Kagawa #Iyo Sacred Ground #BicycleTravel #Two people walking together #Kobodashi #Kukai #Shikoku Pilgrimage 88 #Gohenro #Shimanami Kaido #Shodoshima #Setonaikai National Park #Don't ask me how much the trip costs #Ask yourself how many years of youth you have left #japan #tokushima #kochi #ehime #takematsu