Recognized for Its Beautiful Scenery
The route around Hyōtan-jima has received recognition for its scenic value. The view of Kenchōpia and Mount Bizan from the water was selected as No. 3 in the Shikoku 88 Views, a collection celebrating outstanding landscapes across the island of Shikoku. The area is also designated as a Tokushima Citizens’ Heritage site and has been selected for the “500 Beautiful Japanese Roads to Walk.”
These distinctions highlight the appeal of the waterfront scenery, where the city’s waterways, bridges, parks, and distant mountain views come together.
What Is Hyōtan-jima?
Hyōtan-jima is an urban island covering approximately 1.5 square kilometers in the eastern part of the Tokushima Plain. It is surrounded by several waterways, including the Shinmachi, Suketō, and Fukushima rivers, which are branches of the Yoshino River system.
The island’s name means “gourd island,” reflecting its distinctive shape, which resembles a traditional Japanese bottle gourd. The area broadly corresponds to the Uchimachi district of Tokushima City, and the name Hyōtan-jima is often used to describe the wider island area.
A Free Sightseeing Cruise
The cruise departs from Shinmachi River Waterfront Park, near the northern end of Ryōgokubashi Bridge, and circles the island by river. One of its most appealing features is that the boat ride itself is free of charge. Passengers are asked to pay a small fee of ¥100 for insurance, making it an unusually accessible sightseeing experience.
The open-sided boat offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding cityscape. Without a roof blocking the sky, passengers can enjoy the breeze, look up at the bridges as the boat passes beneath them, and take photographs of the waterfront and Mount Bizan.
The Cruise Route
After leaving Shinmachi River Waterfront Park, the boat travels upstream along the Shinmachi River before turning into the Suketō River at Mitsuai Bridge. It then continues along the waterway before returning to the Shinmachi River to complete the circuit around Hyōtan-jima.
Along the way, the route passes waterways connected to the Sako, Tamiya, Ōoka, Sumiyoshijima, and Okinosu rivers. These interconnected channels reveal how closely Tokushima’s urban landscape is linked to its waterways.
Pass Beneath 22 Bridges
One of the cruise’s most memorable features is the experience of passing beneath 22 bridges. These include Shinmachi Bridge, Ryōgokubashi Bridge, Sako Ōhashi Bridge, Kachidokibashi Bridge, and Mitsuai Bridge.
Each bridge offers a different view of the city, and passing beneath the structures adds a sense of adventure to the journey. The changing perspectives reveal both the scale of the urban waterways and the variety of bridges that connect the island’s neighborhoods.
Highlights of the Hyōtan-jima Cruise
A 30-Minute Journey Around the Island
The cruise covers approximately six kilometers and takes around 30 minutes to complete. Departing from the northern end of Ryōgokubashi Bridge, it follows the Shinmachi and Suketō rivers around the central island.
During the journey, passengers can spot numerous parks and public spaces along the riverbanks. These green areas provide places for residents to walk, relax, and enjoy the outdoors, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of Tokushima.
Enjoy the City from the Water
The cruise provides a different perspective from an ordinary city walk. Passengers can wave to people strolling along the riverside parks, admire the bridges from below, and enjoy views of Mount Bizan rising beyond the city.
The combination of open water, urban architecture, and green riverbanks creates a relaxed atmosphere. It is particularly appealing to visitors who want to enjoy Tokushima at an unhurried pace while taking in its distinctive waterside scenery.
The Geography and History of Hyōtan-jima
An Island in the Tokushima Plain
Hyōtan-jima lies in the eastern part of the Tokushima Plain and is surrounded by the Shinmachi, Suketō, and Fukushima rivers. The island corresponds broadly to the city’s Uchimachi district, an important central area that includes commercial streets, transport connections, and residential neighborhoods.
Most of the island is low-lying, with elevations of around two meters above sea level. The notable exception is Mount Shiroyama, which rises to approximately 61.7 meters. This contrast between the flat urban landscape and the small wooded hill gives the island a distinctive character.
How the Name Hyōtan-jima Became Popular
The name derives from an older local place name, Hyōtan-jima, associated with the area near the boundary between Tokushima-chō Jōnai and Higashidejima-chō. The name became more widely known through the Hyōtan-jima Renaissance concept proposed at a Tokushima City urban-development symposium in 1984.
The concept helped draw attention to the island as a distinctive urban area shaped by its rivers and encouraged people to appreciate its landscape and waterfront identity.
Roads, Railways, and Urban Development
In the past, the Terajima River also flowed through the island, but it disappeared as a result of railway construction. Today, National Route 192 runs through the island, while National Route 11 crosses it. JR Tokushima Station is located near the center of the area and serves as a major transport hub.
The island’s central location makes it easy to combine a river cruise with shopping, dining, and visits to other attractions in Tokushima City.
Commercial Districts and Riverside Parks
Tokushima’s Central Business District
The eastern side of Hyōtan-jima contains much of Tokushima City’s central business district. Between the Tokushima-honchō and Motomachi intersections, office buildings, shopping centers, and commercial streets create a lively urban environment.
Areas around the station and Yaoyamachi are important commercial and residential districts. Their central location makes them convenient places to explore before or after the cruise, whether you are looking for local food, shopping, or a closer look at everyday city life.
Parks Along the Waterways
Numerous parks surround Hyōtan-jima, including Tokushima Central Park. These green spaces are popular with local residents and visitors, providing places to relax beside the rivers and enjoy the natural side of the city.
Seen from the boat, the parks help explain why the waterways are such an important part of Tokushima’s character. Rather than separating neighborhoods, the rivers form a scenic network that connects public spaces and creates a pleasant setting for urban life.
How to Get to the Hyōtan-jima Cruise
By Train
From JR Tokushima Station, the Hyōtan-jima area is approximately a ten-minute walk away. The station is surrounded by shops and restaurants, so it is easy to combine the cruise with a meal or a stroll through the city center.
For the boat departure point, head to Shinmachi River Waterfront Park near the northern end of Ryōgokubashi Bridge.
By Car
From Tokushima Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, follow National Route 11 toward the city center, then continue via National Route 192 from the Tokushima-honchō intersection. The waterfront area is approximately one kilometer farther along the route described in the original guide.
If traveling by car, check current parking locations and availability before setting out, particularly during busy periods or local events.
Discover Tokushima’s Waterfront Charm
The Hyōtan-jima Island Sightseeing Cruise offers a distinctive way to explore the heart of Tokushima. In approximately 30 minutes, passengers can enjoy a six-kilometer journey past 22 bridges, riverside parks, urban neighborhoods, and views of Mount Bizan.
With no fare for the ride itself and only a ¥100 insurance fee, it is an appealing activity for travelers of all ages. Whether you are interested in photography, city landscapes, or simply enjoying a relaxing boat trip, this cruise reveals a memorable side of Tokushima, where water and urban life have long been intertwined.