Tokushima, Japan Cruise Port

• The fascinating museum called Awa Odori Kaikan gives a comprehensive look at the Awa Odori Festival, a Buddhist celebration where the spirits of the dead visit their living family members for a few days each year. Here you can see videos of the festival, along with a live performance onsite. Audience members are even encouraged to get on stage and join the dancers.
   
• The museum is near the foot of Mount Bizan (whose name is the kanji symbol for eyebrow), which is spectacular during cherry blossom time. A ride up the Bizan Ropeway (the mountain's cable car) rewards visitors with gorgeous views of the city below, along with Awaji Island on a clear day.
   
• Visit the ruins of the Tokushima Castle to get a taste of history. Inoyama Castle was originally built here in 1385, and eventually expanded and renamed. It’s on a hilltop near Chuo Park where you'll find a lovely traditional Japanese garden and the castle museum, along with what's left of the castle and another amazing view.
   
• Tokushima is home to part of the 88 Temple Pilgrimages (the starting point is Ryozenji, a bit north). Here you'll find temples 14 through 17: Jorakuji, Kokubunji, Kan'onji, and Idoji.