Experience the Big Hina Matsuri
A Spectacular Display of Hina Dolls
Held every spring, the Big Hina Matsuri is one of Katsuuracho’s best-known events. Thousands of hina dolls collected from across Japan are brought together for an impressive display celebrating the traditional Japanese custom of Hinamatsuri, or Girls’ Day, observed on March 3.
The Doll Culture Exchange Center opens in conjunction with the festival and welcomes visitors interested in Japanese heritage and traditional craftsmanship. One of its most striking attractions is a huge tiered display of hina dolls, which provides a memorable backdrop for photographs and allows visitors to appreciate the scale and beauty of the exhibition.
Traditional Art and Cultural Activities
In addition to displaying hina dolls, the center presents materials and works related to doll culture, introducing visitors to the artistic techniques and historical background of these traditional figures. Events and workshops may also be held, offering opportunities to engage more directly with Japanese cultural traditions.
For international visitors, the center provides an accessible introduction to hina dolls, which are traditionally displayed in Japanese homes to celebrate the health and happiness of girls.
Roadside Station Hinanosato Katsuura
A Convenient Stop for Local Products and Travel Information
Adjacent to the Doll Culture Exchange Center, Roadside Station Hinanosato Katsuura is located along Tokushima Prefectural Route 16. It serves as a convenient rest stop where visitors can find local specialty products, fresh agricultural produce, and information about the surrounding area.
The roadside station is a useful place to take a break while touring Katsuuracho and to discover the region’s food, produce, and local attractions.
Facilities and Services
The roadside station offers a spacious parking area, public toilets, food outlets, and facilities for gathering local tourism information. Its main amenities include:
Parking: Spaces for 26 standard cars, three large vehicles, and two vehicles for visitors with disabilities.
Toilets: Seven facilities in the men’s toilets, five in the women’s toilets, and two accessible toilets.
Other facilities: A tourist information area, a public telephone, wireless LAN access, and the Yotte Ne Ichi shop, where visitors can browse local products. Cafés and udon noodle restaurants are also available.
Closing Days
The roadside station is generally closed on the fourth Monday of each month and from December 29 through January 2. Visitors should check the latest operating information before their trip, particularly if planning to visit during a holiday period.
Access
Roadside Station Hinanosato Katsuura is approximately 25 kilometers by road from Tokushima Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway. The drive from JR Tokushima Station takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Hoshitani Sports Park
Outdoor Recreation beside the Katsuura River
Hoshitani Sports Park is a recreational area in Katsuuracho, Tokushima Prefecture, located along the Katsuura River. Popular with local residents and visitors, the park offers facilities for sports and outdoor leisure, making it a pleasant place to spend time in the countryside.
Facilities include a soccer field, a roller-skating area, and a gateball court. The surrounding environment also lends itself to outdoor activities such as fishing and camping, making the park suitable for a range of ages and interests.
A Famous Spot for Red Spider Lilies
Hoshitani Sports Park is particularly well known for its red spider lilies, which typically reach their peak from late September to early October. During this period, the vivid red flowers transform parts of the park into a striking seasonal landscape.
For visitors traveling through Tokushima in autumn, the flowering season offers a rewarding opportunity to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and take photographs of these distinctive blooms.
Access
The park is approximately a 40-minute drive from JR Tokushima Station.
Explore the Culture and Nature of Katsuuracho
Traditional Heritage and Rural Scenery
Katsuuracho offers a combination of traditional culture, outdoor recreation, and rural scenery. The Doll Culture Exchange Center introduces visitors to the artistry of hina dolls, while the Big Hina Matsuri brings the town to life with its remarkable displays of traditional Japanese dolls.
Nearby Roadside Station Hinanosato Katsuura complements the cultural experience with local products, fresh produce, and travel information. Hoshitani Sports Park provides a contrasting experience, with open spaces for recreation and seasonal displays of red spider lilies.
Plan a Day Trip from Tokushima
With several attractions located within a relatively compact area, Katsuuracho is a rewarding destination for a day trip from Tokushima City. Visiting during the Big Hina Matsuri season offers a particularly memorable experience, while autumn brings the colorful blooms at Hoshitani Sports Park.
Whether you are interested in Japanese traditions, local specialties, or the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside, Katsuuracho offers a chance to discover a quieter and culturally rich side of Tokushima.