Enjoy a Cruise Around Hyotan-jima
Discover Tokushima from the Water
One of the park’s main attractions is the boarding point for the Hyotan-jima Cruise, a sightseeing boat trip around the island at the heart of Tokushima City. Operated by the Shinmachi River Preservation Association, the cruise takes approximately 30 minutes and provides a different perspective on the city’s streets, bridges, waterfront scenery, and surrounding natural landscape.
Hyotan-jima, whose name means “Gourd Island,” is an urban island enclosed by waterways branching from the Yoshino River system. Traveling around it by boat allows visitors to appreciate how closely Tokushima’s cityscape is connected to its rivers.
The cruise route has been selected as one of the 88 Views of Shikoku, with particular acclaim for the scenery of Kencho Pia and Mount Bizan viewed from the water. This combination of river views, urban architecture, and distant hills makes the trip a memorable way to experience Tokushima.
Explore the Hyotan-jima Waterfront
An Island Shaped by Rivers
Hyotan-jima forms part of central Tokushima and is surrounded by the Shinmachi, Suketō, and Fukushima rivers, which branch from the Yoshino River system. Its distinctive shape resembles a Japanese gourd, giving the island its name. The area corresponds to the city’s Uchimachi district and has long played an important role in Tokushima’s urban life.
The island’s blend of waterways, bridges, city streets, and natural scenery has earned it a place among the “88 Scenic Views of Tokushima.” Visitors can enjoy the landscape from a sightseeing boat or explore the riverside paths on foot. The area is also included in the “500 Beautiful Japanese Walking Routes” selection, making it an attractive destination for a leisurely stroll.
Nearby Attractions and Shopping
Shinmachigawa Waterside Park is ideally located for exploring other attractions in central Tokushima. A short distance away are Aibahama Park and Kencho Pia, a waterfront area known for its harbor scenery. Together, these places make it easy to enjoy the city’s riverside character while discovering its urban attractions.
The shopping facilities and traditional shopping streets around Tokushima Station are also within easy reach. Tokushima Clement Plaza, Higashinishi-Shinmachi Shopping Street, and Nishishinmachi Shopping Street are popular with both visitors and local residents. Exploring these areas offers opportunities to browse local shops, enjoy refreshments, and experience the everyday atmosphere of the city.
The Lively Atmosphere During Awa Odori
During Awa Odori, Tokushima’s famous traditional dance festival, Shinmachigawa Waterside Park becomes particularly lively. Food and drink stalls line the area, attracting large crowds of festivalgoers who come to enjoy local refreshments and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Awa Odori is one of Tokushima’s best-known cultural events, and the festival transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of music, dancing, and community spirit. Visiting the park during this period offers a chance to combine a relaxing riverside setting with the excitement of one of Japan’s most distinctive summer festivals.
Access to Shinmachigawa Waterside Park
By Train
The park and the Hyotan-jima Cruise boarding point are approximately a five-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station. Its central location makes it easy to include in a walking itinerary around the city, whether as a starting point for a boat trip or a relaxing stop between shopping and sightseeing.
By Car
From Tokushima Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, follow National Route 11 toward the Tokushima-honcho intersection, then continue along National Route 192 for approximately 1 kilometer toward the city center. Parking facilities are available in the surrounding area, although visitors should check local parking arrangements before traveling.
Experience Tokushima’s Waterfront Charm
Shinmachigawa Waterside Park offers a relaxing introduction to Tokushima, combining attractive water features with easy access to the city’s shopping streets, cultural events, and river scenery. The Hyotan-jima Cruise is a particular highlight, allowing visitors to see the city from the water and appreciate the network of rivers that shapes its urban landscape.
Whether you visit for a peaceful riverside walk, a sightseeing cruise, or the lively atmosphere of Awa Odori, the park is an excellent place to experience the distinctive character of Tokushima—a city where waterways, local culture, and everyday life come together.