Hyotanjima Cruise
Tokushima is nicknamed “The City of Water.” This scenic cruise, which lasts about thirty minutes, ferries visitors along the waterways and under the bridges that characterize the capital. The ride takes its name, meaning “Gourd Island,” from the shape of the city center—an area of about six kilometers, bordered by two rivers.
Embarking from the floating pier of Ryogokubashi Bridge Kitazume, the cruise boats travel the Shinmachi and Suketo Rivers in a circular route, passing under 19 bridges along the way. When water levels are high, the boats only just manage to squeeze under some of them, adding a note of excitement to the journey. Passengers will see various areas of the city, both residential and commercial, as well as the yacht harbor and a number of attractive riverside parks. Although the cruise itself is free, there is a small fee for insurance purposes. Advance reservations are not required.