The Naming of the Boulevard
In November 2006, three organizations—the Tokushima Japan–Portugal Association, the Benten-yama Preservation Society, and the Awa Tokushima Rotary Club—worked together to name the road Portugal–Leiria Boulevard.
The route extends for approximately 2 kilometers, from the Otani-Nishisuka intersection in Tokushima City to Tokushima City General Zoo and Botanical Park. Along the way, visitors can discover places associated with local history, cultural exchange, and the natural environment.
Tohkai-ji Temple and the Portuguese Writer Wenceslau de Moraes
One of the area’s most meaningful historical sites is Tohkai-ji Temple, which is associated with Wenceslau de Moraes, a Portuguese writer who spent his final years in Tokushima. After moving to the city, Moraes developed close ties with local residents and maintained a connection with the temple and its community.
The temple preserves a lock of Moraes’s hair, along with locks of hair belonging to his wife, Yone, and her niece, Koharu. These remains are enshrined together, commemorating the lives and relationships that connected Moraes with Tokushima.
The History of Tohkai-ji Temple
Tohkai-ji is a Koyasan Shingon Buddhist temple located in Kitayama-cho, Tokushima City. Its formal name is Kokuden-zan Jizo-in. The temple was originally known as Kannon-ji, but in 1616, after its principal image was transferred to another temple of the same name, it adopted Jizo Bodhisattva as its principal object of worship and became known by its present name.
Prefectural Route 209, now known as Portugal–Leiria Boulevard, runs through the surrounding area. The road and temple together provide a reminder of the cultural connections between Tokushima and Portugal.
Benten-yama: Japan’s Lowest Naturally Formed Mountain
Another unusual attraction along the route is Benten-yama, a small hill rising just 6.1 meters above sea level. It is recognized as Japan’s lowest naturally formed mountain, a distinction also recorded on topographic maps published by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, according to Tokushima City’s information. Benten-yama is additionally designated as a Tokushima City Heritage asset.
Despite its tiny size, the hill has become a distinctive local landmark. Its unusual status makes it an enjoyable stop for travelers interested in Japan’s lesser-known geographical curiosities.
A One-Minute Climb
Reaching the summit takes only about one minute. The route is equipped with steps and a paved slope, as well as handrails, making the short ascent accessible to a wide range of visitors.
A traditional mountain-opening ceremony is held every year on June 1, with the date chosen in connection with the hill’s height. The event attracts local residents and visitors who come to celebrate this remarkable little mountain.
Legend and Religious Significance
Benten-yama also has a history rooted in local legend and religious tradition. According to a story associated with the area, the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune landed at Komatsushima in 1185 and crossed a mountain southwest of Benten-yama as he advanced toward Yashima in Sanuki, now part of Kagawa Prefecture.
Legend holds that Benten-yama was once a small island surrounded by the sea. As the tides receded over time, it became the low hill seen today. At its summit stands Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, a deity also associated with Benzaiten worship. The site continues to hold local religious significance.
Tokushima City General Zoo and Botanical Park
At the end of Portugal–Leiria Boulevard lies Tokushima City General Zoo and Botanical Park, a large recreational destination that brings together three facilities: Tokushima Zoo, Tokushima Botanical Garden, and Tokushima Family Land. The complex is popular with families and nature lovers, offering opportunities to encounter wildlife, discover plants, and enjoy amusement rides in one location.
Tokushima Zoo
Tokushima Zoo is home to a variety of animals, from large species such as lions and giraffes to smaller creatures that appeal to younger visitors. The spacious grounds allow visitors to observe animals in carefully managed habitats and learn about their behavior.
In addition to providing an enjoyable day out, the zoo emphasizes animal conservation and environmental education, helping visitors develop a greater appreciation for wildlife.
Tokushima Botanical Garden
Tokushima Botanical Garden offers a changing display of flowers and plants throughout the seasons. Spring and autumn are particularly appealing times to visit, when the garden’s seasonal colors create an inviting atmosphere.
The collection includes Japanese plants as well as unusual species from other parts of the world, making the garden an interesting destination for plant enthusiasts. Visitors can also take a leisurely break in designated relaxation areas. Check current information for details of available facilities and services.
Tokushima Family Land
Tokushima Family Land is an amusement park designed for visitors of different ages, particularly families with children. Traditional attractions such as a Ferris wheel and carousel provide classic fairground fun, while other rides add variety to a day out.
Combined with the zoo and botanical garden, Family Land makes the wider complex a convenient destination for a full day of family recreation.
Wenceslau de Moraes: A Bridge Between Tokushima and Portugal
Wenceslau de Moraes was a Portuguese military officer, diplomat, and writer whose life became closely connected with Japan. Born in Lisbon in 1854, he first visited Japan in 1889 and later served in Kobe as Portugal’s vice-consul and consul-general.
Deeply interested in Japanese culture, Moraes formed a relationship with a Japanese woman named Yone while living in Kobe. His experiences in Japan eventually led him to settle in Tokushima, Yone’s hometown, where he spent the final chapter of his life.
Moraes’s Life in Tokushima
After Yone died in 1912, Moraes resigned from his diplomatic career and moved to Tokushima. He continued to write while living in the city, but he later also lost Koharu, Yone’s niece, with whom he had formed a close bond. Moraes died in Tokushima in 1929.
His personal story reflects both his fascination with Japanese culture and the deep emotional ties he developed with the people of Tokushima. His life remains an important part of the history connecting the city with Portugal.
Memorials and Legacy
Moraes is buried at Choon-ji Temple in Tokushima, beside the graves of Yone and Koharu. Their memorial tablets are also enshrined at Tohkai-ji Temple, where they continue to be remembered and honored.
Through places such as Tohkai-ji Temple and Portugal–Leiria Boulevard, Moraes’s legacy remains visible in Tokushima. The boulevard is more than a local road: it represents a friendship between two cities and serves as a reminder of the individuals whose lives helped build cultural bridges between Japan and Portugal.
Explore Tokushima’s International Connections
Portugal–Leiria Boulevard offers a distinctive way to explore Tokushima beyond its better-known tourist attractions. Along its approximately 2-kilometer route, visitors can discover the story of a Portuguese writer who made Japan his home, climb one of the country’s most unusual natural landmarks, and visit a large complex of family-friendly attractions.
For travelers interested in local history, cultural exchange, and unexpected discoveries, the boulevard brings together a fascinating collection of places that reveal Tokushima’s connections with the wider world.