Overview
Explore Wakimachi’s historic “Udatsu” townscape in Mima City, Tokushima, on a guided cycling tour combining history, scenery, and hands-on culture. The tour usually starts and ends at JR Anabuki Station. For guests coming by car, the meeting point can be changed to Ai Land Udatsu parking area. Ride and walk with your guide through Wakimachi, a preserved district lined with white-walled merchant houses and traditional “udatsu” firewalls. The nostalgic streets feel like stepping back into the Edo period, with many photogenic spots along the way. The highlight is an Awa indigo dyeing experience, one of Tokushima’s traditional crafts. Dye your own handkerchief and watch the deep indigo color appear with each step. Your finished piece becomes a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. Enjoy a meaningful journey through indigo history, local townscape, and Tokushima craftsmanship.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Yoshida Family Residence (Ai Merchant Sacho)
- Indigo Dyeing Experience Fee (Handkerchief)
- Coffee break (served by guide)
- English-speaking guide
- Insurance
- Brompton bicycle and helmet rental
What's Not Included
- Purchase Prices for Budo Manju (Tokushima’s Traditional Confection)
- Transportation to/from meeting point
- Raincoat (in case of rain)
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Enjoy a relaxing bicycle ride through the atmospheric streets dating back to the Edo and Meiji eras.
Stop 2
Ride along the embankment of the Yoshii River, enjoy the scenic views of submersible bridges, and visit the Izanami Shrine, a place that reflects the local spiritual traditions. Izanami Shrine is dedicated to the goddess Izanami (Izanami-no-Mikoto), a central figure in Japan’s creation mythology. It is one of the rare shrines in Japan that enshrines Izanami alone. With a long and distinguished history, the shrine is listed in the "Engishiki Jinmyocho," an ancient official register of Shinto shrines.
Stop 3
Stop by Hinode Main Store for some shopping, and try the famous “Grape Manju” from Wakimachi — a sweet treat perfect for your break time!
Stop 4
Enjoy a coffee break by the Anabuki River, taking in the clear, tranquil flow of the water.
Stop 5
Fureai Bridge – Embankment Ride – Odeon-za Cross the bridge and view the exterior of “Odeon-za,” a nostalgic movie theater from the Showa era. Let your thoughts wander to the entertainment culture of the past.
Stop 6
Take in the atmosphere of past prosperity and the practical wisdom of traditional living. (Admission is not required)
Stop 7
End your journey by creating your own indigo-dyed handkerchief — a perfect souvenir to remember your trip by.
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The tour will proceed in light rain. Please bring your own raincoat.
- In case of severe weather, we will notify you of cancellation by 10:00 p.m. the day before. However, the tour may also be canceled on the day depending on weather conditions.
- Please note that we are unable to compensate for transportation costs to the meeting point or any other related expenses in the event of a tour cancellation.
- Please arrive 10 minutes early. If late, the tour will begin without delay and may be shortened
- Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Depending on the weather, you may also need a hat, warm clothing, or a raincoat.
- If the tour is canceled, you may choose to join a walking tour instead. Please contact us if you are interested.
- Please refer to the cancellation policy provided at the time of booking.
- The participation fee for the trial includes insurance coverage. In the event of injury or other incidents during the trial, we will handle the situation within the scope of the insurance policy that the organizer has taken out.
- As the main activities of the program are conducted outdoors, there is a possibility of unforeseen accidents. To ensure your safety, please follow the guide's instructions at all times. Please note that the organizer and the guide cannot be held responsible for accidents caused by the customer's intentional actions or negligence.
- Height 140cm or more
- The participation fee for the trial includes insurance coverage. In the event of injury or other incidents during the trial, we will handle the situation within the scope of the insurance policy that the organizer has taken out.
- As the main activities of the program are conducted outdoors, there is a possibility of unforeseen accidents. To ensure your safety, please follow the guide's instructions at all times. Please note that the organizer and the guide cannot be held responsible for accidents caused by the customer's intentional actions or negligence.