Naka Town, Tokushima

Nestled in the heart of southern Tokushima Prefecture, Naka Town (Naka‑cho) is a delightful travel gem where lush mountain scenery, local craftsmanship and regional flavours come together in an uplifting blend of nature and culture. Let’s explore why this off-the-beaten-path destination is worth your visit.

Breathtaking Nature & Active Adventures
The landscape here is rugged and rich: about 90 % of Naka Town’s land area is forested, tucked deep into mountains and traversed by the winding Naka River.One iconic experience: the Tairyuji Ropeway, the longest ropeway in western Japan, sweeps you across high ridges from the valley floor up to the mountain temple, offering sweeping views of river, forest and sky.For waterfall-and-river lovers, spots like Ōgama Falls deliver dramatic nature framed by deep green woods.Whether you’re into hiking, canoeing, or just breathing fresh mountain air, Naka’s remote charm makes the scenery feel intimate, almost untouched.

Cultural Highlights & Hidden Gems
Visit the Aioi Forest Museum in Naka Town, a wood-themed art museum showcasing carving, woodblock prints and the region’s timber heritage. The roadside station at Wajiki is more than a rest stop—its local market, produce and crafts give a warm welcome to travellers passing through the scenic roads.On the cultural front, the autumn festival “Naka Matsuri” brings together local food, stage events and hands-on activities for families and travellers alike.

Tasty Goods, Local Flavours & Souvenirs
In the Kito district of Naka Town, you’ll find top-quality yuzu citrus—trees and orchards shaped by decades of local cultivation, making Naka a key producer within Tokushima for this fragrant fruit.For something unique to bring home: the historic brewery Naka Shuzo offers locally-crafted sake made from self-grown rice—an authentic taste of the region.Also worth noting: the traditional paper craft of Awa Washi, a fine handmade Japanese paper with deep local roots, produced in and around Naka Town.

Aioi Area, Naka Town (Tokushima Prefecture)
Deep in the forested mountains of Naka Town, southern Tokushima Prefecture, the Aioi area (相生地区) offers an inspiring mix of natural beauty, craftsmanship, and creativity. Here, woodland art, digital innovation, and warm local charm come together — from traditional wooden toys and forest museums to teamLab’s glowing digital art in Kawaguchi Dam’s Energy Museum. Aioi isn’t just scenic — it’s a living celebration of the harmony between people, forests, and imagination.

Nature, Art & Forest Culture
Aioi’s hills and rivers have long sustained a thriving forestry tradition. Today, that spirit thrives in the form of woodcraft museums, outdoor parks, and eco-art experiences. Whether you’re after relaxation, creative inspiration, or hands-on fun, Aioi invites you to slow down and explore its many layers of mountain life.It’s a destination that feels remote yet welcoming — where you can stroll through hydrangea-lined trails, soak in a riverside onsen, and experience cutting-edge digital art in the heart of the countryside.

Top Attractions in Aioi

Aioi Shinrin Museum of Art (相生森林美術館)
A beloved local art museum dedicated to “wood” as both material and muse.
You’ll find delicate woodblock prints, carvings, and sculptures inspired by the surrounding forests — and the building itself blends seamlessly into its green hillside setting.

• 34 Yokoishi Oita, Naka-cho, Tokushima
• Great stop for a calm morning surrounded by art and cedar scent
• Look out for seasonal workshops in wood-carving and natural art

Aioi Wooden Toy Museum (木のおもちゃ美術館)
A warm and inviting museum celebrating the beauty of wooden playthings and the creativity of local artisans.Set in a renovated wooden schoolhouse, the museum is filled with handcrafted toys — from traditional Japanese designs to modern creations — that visitors can touch, play with, and even help make.Perfect for families and design lovers alike, the Toy Museum embodies the joyful side of Aioi’s wood culture: playful, sustainable, and rooted in nature.

Highlights:

• Interactive exhibits for children and adults
• Workshops in toy-making and woodworking
• Locally sourced wood and eco-friendly craftsmanship
• A cozy café corner and small shop selling artisan toys and souvenirs
• Located near Aioi Shinrin Museum of Art, about 10 minutes by car within Aioi District

Aioi Forest Culture Park – Ai Ai Land (あいあいらんど)
A sprawling nature park where you can stay in cozy cottages, BBQ under the trees, and walk hydrangea-lined paths that burst into color in early summer. It’s an ideal family escape — especially for those who want to experience Tokushima’s “forest resort” lifestyle.

• Don’t miss night stargazing in the clear mountain skies
• Trails connect directly into nearby forest viewpoints
• 53-19 Yokoishi Oita, Naka-cho

Kawaguchi Dam Natural Energy Museum & teamLab: “Digitized Lakeside”
At the foot of Kawaguchi Dam, overlooking the tranquil Ajisai Lake, stands the Kawaguchi Dam Natural Energy Museum — a fascinating stop combining science, environment, and art.Here, world-famous art collective teamLab has created a mesmerizing permanent digital art installation that turns the dam’s natural surroundings into a living canvas of light.

What to expect:

• Immersive teamLab light projections interacting with the natural landscape
• Exhibits on hydropower, energy, and sustainability
• Panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forests

It’s a surreal yet peaceful experience — seeing world-class digital art deep in the Tokushima mountains!Combine this visit with a stroll around Ajisai Lake and a soak at Momijigawa Onsen, located nearby

Momijigawa Onsen & Lake Walks
After exploring art and forest trails, unwind in Momijigawa Onsen, a local hot spring surrounded by maple trees and misty mountain air.The Kawaguchi Dam area (Ajisai Lake) offers easy walking paths with photogenic views — particularly stunning in autumn when the foliage ignites the hills in red and gold.