Explore the Former Tokushima Castle Grounds
The park occupies much of the site of the former Tokushima Castle, which served as the political center of the Awa Domain during the Edo period. At its heart stands Mount Shiroyama, while waterways and former castle moats help define the surrounding landscape. The flatter areas are generally divided into western, eastern, and southern sections, each offering a different atmosphere and range of attractions.
West Area of Mount Shiroyama
The western area is primarily devoted to sports and recreation. Facilities include Tokushima Municipal Gymnasium, Tokushima Prefectural Central Martial Arts Hall, and Tokushima Municipal Tennis Courts. Play equipment is also available for children, making this section suitable for families and visitors looking for outdoor activities.
This area was formerly used as the Nishinomaru sports ground. Redevelopment transformed it into part of the modern park, although few visible remains of the original castle structures survive here.
East Area of Mount Shiroyama
The eastern area features waterside spaces and gardens where visitors can enjoy a quieter atmosphere. Although civic and recreational facilities, including a municipal hall and tennis courts, once occupied parts of this section, relatively few castle remains are visible today.
The landscaped surroundings provide a pleasant setting for a leisurely stroll, offering a contrast to the more historically focused southern section of the park.
South Area of Mount Shiroyama
The southern area contains some of the park’s most important historical attractions. This was the central area of the former Tokushima Castle, and it is now home to Tokushima Castle Museum, the Former Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden, and the reconstructed Washi-no-Mon Gate.
Open spaces and surviving castle features give this part of the park a strong sense of its past. Restoration projects carried out in the modern era have helped revive elements of the former castle landscape, including the reconstruction of Washi-no-Mon and the conversion of Sukiyabashi Bridge into a wooden bridge.
A preserved steam locomotive is also displayed in the park, offering an additional attraction for visitors interested in Japan’s railway heritage.
Climb Mount Shiroyama for Nature and City Views
Mount Shiroyama is one of the park’s defining features. Its woodland includes the Shiroyama Primeval Forest, designated as a natural monument by Tokushima City. Walking through the trees offers a chance to experience a pocket of nature in the middle of the urban landscape.
Several paths lead up the hill from different directions, making the summit accessible for a short walk. The remains of the castle’s main enclosure, or honmaru, are located at the top. From the summit, visitors can enjoy broad views across Tokushima City and appreciate the strategic position once occupied by the castle.
Cherry Blossoms and Seasonal Scenery
Tokushima Central Park has long been associated with cherry blossoms. The area was once known for its Hachisuka cherry trees, and cherry trees are now planted in various parts of the park in memory of that tradition.
The southern cherry-blossom viewing lawn is one of the main places to enjoy the flowers in spring. During the blooming season, local residents and visitors gather beneath the trees for hanami, the Japanese custom of appreciating cherry blossoms with family and friends.
The park is attractive throughout the year. Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, summer fills the grounds with activity, autumn adds seasonal color to the trees, and winter offers a quieter atmosphere. Snowfall, when it occurs, can lend the historic landscape a particularly peaceful appearance.
Experience Tokushima’s Awa Odori Culture
Tokushima is famous for Awa Odori, one of Japan’s best-known traditional dance festivals, held in summer. In the months leading up to the festival, particularly from April through July, dance groups often practice at various locations around Tokushima Central Park.
Visitors who encounter these rehearsals can observe dancers refining their movements and rhythms as they prepare for the main event. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the energy of Tokushima’s performing arts and see how local traditions are passed from one generation to the next.
Walking, Running, and Outdoor Sculpture
A Route Around Mount Shiroyama
A walking and running route circles Mount Shiroyama, attracting local residents and visitors who want to exercise in a green setting. The paths pass through different parts of the park, combining views of the historic grounds with woodland scenery.
Whether you prefer a brisk morning walk, a gentle afternoon stroll, or a short run, the park provides a convenient way to enjoy the outdoors without leaving central Tokushima.
Outdoor Sculptures
Sculptures created by the Tokushima Sculpture Group are displayed at locations throughout the park. The works are replaced periodically, reportedly on an annual basis, so visitors may encounter different pieces on successive visits.
Set among trees, lawns, and historic surroundings, the sculptures add an artistic dimension to the park and make exploring its paths even more rewarding.
The History of Tokushima Central Park
The park opened in 1906 on the grounds of Tokushima Castle, with its creation linked to celebrations following Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War. The design was undertaken by Seiroku Honda and Takanori Hongō, landscape architects also associated with Hibiya Park in Tokyo.
Tokushima Park was established as an early example of a Western-style public park in Japan. Its design brought together open recreational space and the historic castle landscape, creating a public setting where residents could enjoy nature while preserving the memory of the city’s past.
Preserving Tokushima Castle’s Heritage
Several important remnants of the former castle can still be explored within the park, particularly in the southern area. Tokushima Castle Museum introduces the history of the former domain, while the Former Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden offers a glimpse of traditional Japanese garden design.
Washi-no-Mon and Sukiyabashi are among the structures that help visitors imagine the appearance of the castle grounds in earlier times. Together with the surviving earthworks, moats, and other remains, these features make the park an important place to learn about Tokushima’s history.
War Damage and Postwar Recovery
During the Tokushima air raid of 1945, near the end of World War II, many structures in and around the park were damaged or destroyed. The park was gradually restored during the postwar period and developed into the popular public space seen today.
The grounds also have connections with members of Japan’s imperial family, including Emperor Shōwa and the future Emperor Taishō, who visited the area when he was crown prince. These associations add another layer to the park’s historical significance.
Nearby Attractions
Tokushima Central Park is an excellent starting point for exploring the city’s cultural heritage. Within or close to the park, visitors can discover Tokushima Castle Museum, which introduces the history of the former domain, and the Former Tokushima Castle Omote Goten Garden, known for its traditional landscape and historic atmosphere.
The park is also close to Tokushima Station, making it easy to combine a visit with sightseeing elsewhere in the city. Depending on your interests, you can spend time exploring castle ruins, enjoying the gardens, walking through the woodland, or learning more about Tokushima’s traditional culture.
Refreshments and Souvenirs
Shops and refreshment facilities may be available in and around the park, offering opportunities to take a break during your visit. Depending on what is open, you may be able to purchase light snacks or local souvenirs associated with Tokushima Prefecture.
For the best experience, allow time to explore the park at a relaxed pace. A walk through the castle grounds followed by a visit to the garden or museum offers a rewarding introduction to Tokushima’s blend of history, nature, and local culture.
A Peaceful Escape in Central Tokushima
Tokushima Central Park is more than an urban green space. Its wooded hill, historic castle remains, traditional garden, seasonal cherry blossoms, and connections with Awa Odori make it a place where nature and cultural heritage come together.
Conveniently located within walking distance of Tokushima Station, the park is easy to include in a city sightseeing itinerary. Visit in spring for cherry blossoms, during the months leading up to Awa Odori to experience dance rehearsals, or at any time of year to enjoy a peaceful walk through one of Tokushima’s most historically significant landscapes.