Places to Visit in Matsushige
Tokushima Tokutoku Terminal
Tokushima Tokutoku Terminal is an important transportation hub connecting Tokushima City with northern parts of the prefecture. The facility includes a tourist shop where visitors can browse and purchase local specialties, making it a convenient stop for travelers arriving by express bus or exploring the region by road.
Matsushige Town History and Folklore Museum and Puppet Theater Museum
This museum introduces the history and folk traditions of Matsushige Town, with a particular focus on ningyō jōruri, Japan’s traditional puppet theater. Through its exhibits, visitors can learn about the performing arts and cultural practices that have shaped the region. It is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Tokushima’s traditional culture.
Tokushima Prefectural Driver’s License Center
The Tokushima Prefectural Driver’s License Center moved from Tokushima City to Matsushige in 2014. Although it primarily serves residents completing licensing procedures, it is one of the town’s major public facilities.
Matsushige General Gymnasium
This sports facility supports community recreation, physical fitness, and local sporting events. Various competitions and community activities are held here throughout the year.
Matsushigate
Opened in 2021 within Matsushige Sports Park, Matsushigate is a community-oriented facility designed to encourage interaction through sports and local activities. It adds to the area’s recreational attractions and provides a gathering place for residents and visitors.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Tokushima Prefectural Tsukimigaoka Seaside Park
This spacious coastal park is an inviting destination for picnics, leisurely walks, and time outdoors. Its open setting makes it especially suitable for families and couples looking for a relaxing break near the sea.
Matsushige Central Park
Located near the center of town, Matsushige Central Park is a popular local retreat for walking, jogging, and relaxing in green surroundings. Community events are also held here, giving visitors a chance to experience the town’s everyday atmosphere.
Matsushige Sports Park
Matsushige Sports Park offers facilities for outdoor exercise and organized sports, including a baseball field and tennis courts. It is used for local sporting events and provides opportunities for visitors who want to stay active during their trip.
Mukai-girai Green Space
Mukai-girai Green Space offers a peaceful natural setting where visitors can take a break from busy roads and enjoy the greenery. It is a pleasant place for a quiet stroll or a little time outdoors.
Fureai Kyūnai Park
This neighborhood park is another relaxing outdoor destination, particularly for families. Its spacious grassy areas are suitable for picnics and informal recreation.
Coastal Attractions and Historic Architecture
Tsukimigaoka Beach
Tsukimigaoka Beach was temporarily closed during land reclamation work associated with the expansion of Tokushima Airport. It reopened in 2007 as an artificial beach and has since become a popular summer destination. Visitors can enjoy the seaside atmosphere and spend time relaxing by the water during the swimming season.
Kashino Club: The Former Kashino and Ōiso Family Residences
Kashino Club preserves two historic residences, the former Kashino Family Residence and the former Ōiso Family Residence. Both buildings are registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan and retain features of traditional Japanese architecture. Their historic character makes them especially appealing to visitors interested in architecture and the cultural heritage of the region. Access to the buildings may depend on the facility’s current use and arrangements, so checking in advance is recommended.
Temples, Shrines, and Historic Sites
Nakakirai Kasuga Shrine
Nakakirai Kasuga Shrine is a local place of worship dedicated to protecting the community. Its quiet grounds provide a peaceful setting for prayer and reflection, offering visitors a glimpse into the religious traditions of Matsushige.
Fudō-in Temple
Fudō-in is the third temple on the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage, a regional pilgrimage route connecting Buddhist temples across Shikoku. It is a meaningful destination for those interested in Japanese Buddhist traditions and pilgrimage culture.
Donkaiji Temple
Donkaiji is a Buddhist temple that has long been part of the local religious landscape. Its traditional atmosphere offers a quiet place to pause while exploring the town.
Kannonji Temple
Kannonji is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion. Visitors come to pray for peace of mind and spiritual well-being in the temple’s solemn surroundings.
Annual Events
Sky Festa Matsushige
Sky Festa Matsushige is one of the town’s signature annual events, usually held in late September. Activities have included aviation-related attractions around Tokushima Airport, flea markets, and a variety of family-friendly entertainment. The festival brings together residents and visitors in a lively celebration of the town’s connection with aviation.
Local Specialties and Regional Food
Matsushige’s fertile agricultural land and coastal location support a variety of local products. Fresh produce and seafood make excellent souvenirs and offer visitors a taste of the area’s food culture.
Pears
Matsushige grows Japanese pear varieties such as Kōsui and Hōsui. The town’s pears are marketed under the brand name Awa Odori Pear, known for their juicy texture and refreshing sweetness. When visiting during the harvest season, look for locally grown pears at shops and produce outlets.
Sweet Potatoes
The town produces Naruto Kintoki, a well-known Japanese sweet potato variety prized for its rich sweetness and chestnut-like flavor. Matsushige-grown sweet potatoes are sold under the brand name Matsushige Bijin. They are delicious roasted and are also widely used in Japanese sweets and other desserts.
Lotus Root
Matsushige’s lotus root is valued for its crisp texture and versatility. It is commonly used in simmered dishes, salads, and other Japanese home-style cooking. Fresh local lotus root is a good choice for travelers interested in regional produce.
Daikon Radish
Daikon radishes grown in Matsushige are known for their size and juicy texture. They are used in a wide range of dishes, including hot pots, simmered meals, and oden, a traditional Japanese dish of ingredients slowly cooked in a light broth.
Chirimen — Tiny Dried Fish
Small fish known as chirimen are landed at Nagahara Fishing Port. These flavorful fish are commonly dried and used in rice dishes, simmered preparations, and as toppings for a variety of meals. They are a popular local seafood product.
Nori Seaweed
Nori seaweed is cultivated in the coastal waters around Matsushige. Valued for its quality and flavor, it is used in many Japanese dishes, including sushi, rice balls, and soups.
Geography and Natural Environment
Matsushige lies between Tokushima City and Naruto City, with its eastern side facing the Kii Channel. Much of the town occupies low-lying delta land formed by the Yoshino River. Land reclamation and the construction of embankments played an important role in the development of the area, shaping both its agricultural landscape and settlement patterns.
The main rivers and waterways include the Old Yoshino River, Imakire River, Ōtani River, Nabegawa River, and Kirai-Nakasu inlet. These waterways form part of the landscape that has supported local agriculture and fishing.
History of Matsushige
Matsushige developed on land formed around the mouth of the Yoshino River. From the Edo period onward, reclamation projects gradually expanded the usable land and supported the growth of farming communities. The town’s name is traditionally associated with pine trees planted along embankments.
In 1889, the modern municipal system was introduced in Japan, and Matsushige Village was established. The village became Matsushige Town in 1961, when it adopted town status and established its municipal emblem.
Agriculture, Fishing, and Industry
Agriculture
Agriculture is one of Matsushige’s main industries. Sweet potatoes, lotus root, pears, and daikon radishes are among its important crops. The brands Matsushige Bijin sweet potatoes and Awa Odori pears help distinguish local produce in regional markets.
Fishing and Aquaculture
Fishing and aquaculture also contribute to the local economy. Nori cultivation is an important activity, while chirimen from Nagahara Fishing Port is valued for its freshness and flavor. These products reflect Matsushige’s close relationship with the surrounding coastal waters.
Manufacturing
Matsushige Industrial Park is home to a number of factories, including facilities associated with Sunstar and Panasonic. Manufacturing provides another important source of employment and economic activity alongside agriculture, fishing, and transportation.
Transportation: A Gateway to Tokushima
By Air
Tokushima Airport is located in Matsushige and serves as the prefecture’s main air gateway. Scheduled services have connected Tokushima with destinations including Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, and Fukuoka. Flight routes and schedules can change, so travelers should confirm current services when planning their trip.
By Train
There is no railway station within Matsushige Town. Travelers commonly use nearby stations on the JR Shikoku Naruto Line or JR Tokushima Station, then continue by bus, taxi, or car.
By Bus
A free community bus operates within Matsushige, providing local transportation. Intercity bus services also connect the area with major cities, including Kobe, Osaka, and Tokyo. Tokushima Tokutoku Terminal is a useful transport hub for visitors arriving by express bus.
By Road
National Route 11 runs through the town, and the Tokushima Expressway connects the area with the wider road network. The expressway section between Naruto Junction and Tokushima Interchange passes through the region. Matsushige Parking Area also has a smart interchange, making access by car more convenient.
Disaster Preparedness
Because Matsushige faces the Kii Channel and includes extensive low-lying coastal land, preparation for earthquakes and tsunamis is an important part of local safety planning. Under a projected Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake scenario, some parts of the town could experience tsunami heights of up to approximately six meters. Visitors should check official local hazard maps, identify evacuation routes, and follow instructions from local authorities if an earthquake or tsunami warning occurs.
Discover Matsushige Town
Matsushige is more than an access point for Tokushima Airport. Its coastal parks, summer beach, traditional temples, historic residences, and local festivals provide plenty of opportunities to explore the area. Visitors can also sample regional specialties, from sweet and juicy pears to Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes, crisp lotus root, and locally produced seafood.
Whether you are arriving in Tokushima by air, traveling onward by express bus, or exploring the northern part of the prefecture, Matsushige offers a convenient introduction to the region’s landscapes, food culture, and everyday life.