Geography and Scenic Landscapes
Osaka Pass follows the route of Prefectural Route 1, the Tokushima-Hiketa Line, which crosses the Sanuki Mountains and connects Tokushima and Kagawa. For centuries, this mountain route served as an important passage between the two regions.
The wider mountain range contains several historic crossing points, including Osaka Pass to the east, Ino-no-Hana Pass to the west, and Shimizu-goe in the central area. These routes played an important role in connecting communities across the mountains before modern roads and tunnels transformed regional transportation.
Osaka Pass Park and the Observatory
The Osaka Pass area forms part of Osaka Pass Park within Setonaikai National Park. On the Itano Town side of Tokushima Prefecture, Asebi Park provides a green space for visitors to enjoy the surrounding natural environment.
One of the area’s highlights is the Osaka Pass Observatory, where visitors can look out across the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding landscape. On clear days, the expansive views make this a rewarding stop for photography, sightseeing, or a break during a drive or hike.
Two Historic Pass Areas
The name Osaka Pass is sometimes used to refer to two related mountain crossings: Osaka-goe, near the boundary between Itano Town and Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture, and Osaka Pass itself, on the prefectural border between Naruto City and Higashikagawa City. The names Osaka Pass and Osaka-goe may therefore be used collectively for this historic route through the mountains.
A Journey Through Japanese History
An Ancient Route of the Nankaidō
The history of Osaka Pass stretches back to Japan’s ancient Ritsuryō period, when it is believed to have formed part of the official Nankaidō road network. These government-maintained routes connected regional provinces with the central administration, allowing people, goods, and information to travel across the country.
Osaka-goe was an important link between the area around Ōdera in present-day Itano Town and the province of Sanuki, now part of Kagawa Prefecture. Its long history reflects the strategic importance of the mountain corridor.
The Legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune
According to local tradition, the famous warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune landed in Awa Province in February 1186 and later crossed Osaka Pass. Accounts associated with The Tale of the Heike describe Yoshitsune and his party traveling through Awa and crossing the pass at night.
The Genpei Jōsuiki, another historical account of the conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans, relates that Yoshitsune stopped at Konsen-ji Temple in present-day Ōdera, Itano Town, to eat before beginning the difficult crossing. These stories connect the mountain route with one of the most celebrated periods in Japanese medieval history.
A Strategic Checkpoint During the Tokushima Domain
In 1585, the forces of Toyotomi Hidenaga, acting under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, crossed the pass during a campaign against Ichinomiya Castle in present-day Tokushima City.
During the Edo period, Osaka Pass became an important checkpoint under the Tokushima Domain. The Osaka-guchi Guard Station operated from 1644 until 1872, monitoring the movement of people and goods through the mountain crossing. Its role illustrates how the pass functioned not only as a transportation route but also as a strategic point for controlling travel and trade.
A Route for Shikoku Pilgrims
Osaka Pass also has a connection to the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage. Some pilgrims traveling from Ōkubō-ji, the pilgrimage’s 88th temple in Kagawa Prefecture, toward Ryōzen-ji, the first temple in Tokushima Prefecture, used this route to cross the mountains. The pass thus formed part of a wider network of roads linking religious sites across Shikoku.
Road Improvements from the Meiji Era to the Present
Major improvements were made to Osaka Pass during the early Meiji period. A new road was constructed between 1874 and 1875, replacing sections of the older route. Today, parts of this historic road are enjoyed as hiking trails, and visitors can take in the scenery from the observatory along the way.
In 1916, a new road suitable for motor vehicles was completed. It was designated National Route 22 in 1920. A railway passing through the area near the former checkpoint opened in 1935, further improving transportation through what had once been a difficult mountain crossing.
In 1964, National Route 11 was developed along the Kitanada area of Naruto City, making road travel more convenient. The Takamatsu Expressway also passes through the western side of the mountains via the Osaka Tunnel, providing a modern alternative to the historic pass road.
In February 2019, the Osaka Tunnel on the Takamatsu Expressway was expanded to four lanes. This improvement eased congestion along the expressway corridor and made travel between Tokushima and Kagawa more efficient.
Things to See and Do
Osaka Pass Observatory
The observatory is one of the best places to appreciate the natural beauty of Osaka Pass. From here, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea, with distant coastlines and mountain scenery creating an impressive panorama on clear days. It is an attractive stop for photographers and travelers who enjoy scenic drives or short walks in nature.
Asebi Park
Located on the Itano Town side of Tokushima Prefecture, Asebi Park offers walking paths and a peaceful natural setting. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a picnic, and appreciate the changing scenery throughout the year. Combined with a visit to the observatory, the park makes a pleasant destination for a relaxing outdoor excursion.
Discover Osaka Pass
Osaka Pass is much more than a mountain road connecting Tokushima and Kagawa. Its landscape preserves traces of an ancient government highway, stories of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and the history of a checkpoint that once regulated travel through the region. Today, visitors can explore its historic surroundings, enjoy the fresh air of Asebi Park, and admire panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Whether you are interested in Japanese history, hiking, photography, or scenic driving, Osaka Pass offers a rewarding way to experience the natural and cultural heritage of northeastern Tokushima.