Children’s Science Museum
The Children’s Science Museum is one of the park’s main attractions. Its exhibitions are organized around three themes: “Space and Earth,” “Life and the Environment,” and “Science, Technology and Humanity.” Many displays are designed to be touched, operated, or experienced directly, allowing children to learn scientific principles through play rather than observation alone.
Space and Earth
This zone introduces visitors to gravity, light, celestial bodies, and the forces that shape our planet. Highlights include Moonwalker, which simulates the experience of walking on the Moon; the Thunder Theater, which explains how lightning works; and a Foucault pendulum, which demonstrates the Earth’s rotation. Other exhibits let visitors explore the power of air and atmospheric phenomena.
Life and the Environment
Discover the natural world, living organisms, and the relationship between humans and the environment. The “Sea of Life” exhibit introduces the origins and evolution of life, while “Body Exploration” invites visitors to investigate the fascinating workings of the human body. A thermographic display uses thermal imaging to show differences in body temperature, making an invisible physical process easy to understand.
Science, Technology and Humanity
This zone explores the development of science and technology and how they may shape the future. The Alpha 21 immersive theater presents a vision of future cities, while the Science Kitchen offers cooking experiences that apply scientific ideas. Mobile Land introduces visitors to possible ways of living with mobile technology, encouraging them to imagine how technology may change everyday life.
Outdoor Science Exhibits and Nature Play
Learning continues beyond the museum buildings. The park’s spacious outdoor areas combine hands-on exhibits with opportunities to enjoy the natural environment.
Gorogoro Coaster: Watch large balls roll along a course and discover physical principles such as movement, speed, and gravity through observation.
Asutamu Forest: Nature-themed play areas include Bird’s Nest Plaza and Spiderweb Plaza, where children can climb, explore, and enjoy active play inspired by the natural world.
Biotope: This recreated natural habitat introduces visitors to ecosystems and the relationships between plants, animals, and their surroundings.
Solar System Displays: Outdoor exhibits introduce the planets of our solar system, offering an accessible way to learn about the universe while walking through the park.
Planetarium: Discover the Wonders of the Universe
The planetarium features a 20-meter-diameter dome and an advanced projection system that recreates a vivid star-filled sky. Visitors can experience a representation of the night sky over Tokushima and learn more about the stars and the wider universe.
Whether you are traveling with young children or simply interested in astronomy, the immersive presentation offers a chance to look beyond Earth and appreciate the beauty and scale of space.
Yoshinogawa Meguri: A Water Adventure
Yoshinogawa Meguri is an outdoor water slide inspired by Tokushima’s natural scenery, including the famous Naruto whirlpools and local wildlife such as tanuki, the Japanese raccoon dog. The attraction combines playful water-based fun with imagery drawn from the region, making it popular with both children and adults.
It is particularly appealing during warm weather, when the combination of water and outdoor activity offers a refreshing break between museum visits and other attractions.
Shikisai-kan: A World of Color and Light
Shikisai-kan presents seasonal themes and visual experiences inspired by nature. One of its highlights is the Kaleido Theater, which screens kaleidoscopic imagery to create colorful, constantly changing patterns. It offers a different kind of sensory experience from the hands-on science exhibits elsewhere in the park.
Creative Workshops at the Experience Workshop Center
The Experience Workshop Center hosts craft classes and other hands-on programs where visitors can make things using their own hands. Activities are designed to encourage creativity and practical skills, making the center appealing not only to children but also to adults who enjoy making and learning together.
Workshop schedules and available activities may vary, so visitors interested in a particular program should check the latest information before their visit.
Adventure Land: Water Play for Families
Adventure Land features approximately 30 types of large play equipment involving water. During the summer season, it becomes a popular place for families to cool off and enjoy outdoor activities together.
Children can explore the water-based attractions while parents enjoy the spacious park surroundings. If you plan to visit in summer, bringing a change of clothes and suitable items for water play can help make the experience more comfortable.
Exploration Land: Discover the Forest
Exploration Land is a woodland-themed area designed to encourage visitors to discover nature as they walk and play. Open spaces such as Wakuwaku Meadow provide room to move around, while walking paths allow families to enjoy the surrounding greenery at a relaxed pace.
This area offers a welcome contrast to the indoor exhibitions and is an excellent choice for children who enjoy exploring outdoors.
Windmill Hill: Views Across the Yoshino River
Windmill Hill features a windmill inspired by one at the Musée des Traditions et Arts Normands in the French region of Seine-Maritime. The windmill’s observation area provides views across the Yoshino River and the surrounding landscape.
It is a pleasant place to pause during your visit, enjoy the scenery, and take photographs of the park and its natural surroundings.
Kutsurogi-kan: A Place to Rest and Recharge
Kutsurogi-kan is a convenient facility with rest areas, shops, and a restaurant. After exploring the science exhibits and outdoor attractions, visitors can take a break, enjoy a meal, or purchase refreshments before continuing their day.
Tokushima Wooden Toy Museum
Opened on October 24, 2021, the Tokushima Wooden Toy Museum celebrates the warmth, texture, and appeal of wooden toys. Its collection and play equipment offer opportunities for visitors to touch, handle, and play with wooden creations in a welcoming environment.
The museum is designed for a wide range of ages, from small children to adults. It provides a quieter, tactile experience that complements the park’s science-based attractions and is especially suitable for families with younger children.
Opening Hours and Visitor Information
Location: 45-22 Kibigatani, Nata, Itano Town, Itano District, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan.
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In July and August, the park stays open until 6:00 p.m. The final admission to Shikisai-kan, Yoshinogawa Meguri, and the Children’s Science Museum is 30 minutes before closing.
Closed: Wednesdays, or the following day when Wednesday falls on a public holiday. The park remains open from August 12 to August 15.
Admission: Some facilities and attractions require separate fees. Check the current admission information and individual facility charges before visiting.
How to Get to Asutamu Land Tokushima
By car: Approximately 5 minutes from Itano Interchange on the Takamatsu Expressway, or around 15 minutes from Aizumi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway.
By train and taxi: JR Itano Station is approximately 5 minutes away by car.
By bus: Tokushima Bus services take approximately 36 minutes from Tokushima Station and around 10 minutes from Itano Station. Check current routes and timetables before traveling, as services may vary.
A Family-Friendly Day of Discovery in Tokushima
Asutamu Land Tokushima is an excellent destination for families looking to combine entertainment with education. Its interactive science museum introduces complex ideas through hands-on experiences, while the planetarium opens up the wonders of the night sky. Outside, water attractions, woodland play areas, gardens, and scenic viewpoints provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
The Tokushima Wooden Toy Museum adds another dimension to the experience, offering imaginative play and an appreciation of wooden craftsmanship. With attractions for a range of ages and interests, Asutamu Land Tokushima makes a rewarding day trip for families, curious young learners, and anyone who enjoys discovering how the world works.