Astamaland Tokushima

Asutamu Land Tokushima is a large prefectural experiential park located in Itano, Itano District, Tokushima Prefecture. Through “play, experience, and learning,” the park aims to nurture children’s interest in science and nature. It opened in 1999 and was developed around the theme of “harmony between science and technology and the natural environment.” Its vast grounds feature a wide variety of facilities, including the Children’s Science Museum, a planetarium, hands-on workshops, large playground equipment, and spacious lawns. It has become one of Tokushima’s leading family destinations, where visitors of all ages can enjoy a full day of activities.

The park’s central facility, the Children’s Science Museum, is an interactive science museum that emphasizes seeing, touching, and experiencing science firsthand. Exhibits are organized around three themes: “The Universe and Earth,” “Life and the Environment,” and “Science, Technology, and Humanity.” Visitors can learn about scientific principles and mechanisms by operating equipment and taking part in hands-on activities. Many exhibits are designed to be enjoyable even for young children, allowing them to naturally deepen their understanding of nature and science through play. The museum also regularly holds science demonstrations, guided tours, and special exhibitions, offering new discoveries with every visit.

The museum also houses a planetarium with a large dome approximately 20 meters in diameter. Equipped with a projector renowned for its exceptional brightness, it presents breathtaking views of the star-filled sky and images of outer space accompanied by powerful visuals and sound. Seasonal constellation programs and astronomy shows are also presented, making the planetarium popular with adults as well as children.

The Hands-on Workshop offers a variety of programs, including science crafts and experimental classes. The activities range from making crafts with familiar materials such as paper and wood to conducting experiments based on scientific phenomena. There are also numerous events that parents and children can enjoy together.

The park features large playground areas such as “Adventure Land” and “Exploration Land.” With roller slides, net playgrounds, athletic courses, and other equipment that allows children to be physically active, these areas are popular with children of a wide range of ages. At the spacious lawn areas and “Windmill Hill,” where windmills stand, visitors can enjoy picnics and leisurely walks while relaxing in nature.

One of the park’s popular attractions is the “Yoshinogawa River Cruise.” This water ride takes visitors by boat through presentations themed around the nature and culture of the Yoshino River basin. It is easy to enjoy for everyone from small children to adults. The attraction is beloved by many visitors for the refreshing experience of being on the water.

In October 2021, the Tokushima Wooden Toy Museum opened within the park. This warm and inviting facility makes extensive use of timber from Tokushima Prefecture. Visitors can learn through play with wooden toys collected from Japan and around the world, as well as large wooden playground equipment. Since forests cover approximately three-quarters of Tokushima Prefecture, the museum has also attracted attention as a place where visitors can experience the importance of wooden culture and forest resources.

The park offers distinctive attractions in every season. In spring, flowers bloom throughout the grounds, while in summer, areas where children can enjoy playing in the water become lively with visitors. In autumn, colorful foliage adorns the park, and in winter, visitors can enjoy a comfortable time mainly in the indoor facilities, making the park enjoyable year-round. Numerous seasonal events, workshops, and special exhibitions are also held, making the park a favorite among local residents.

Many of the facilities are free to use, making the park an easy and convenient place to visit. The paid facilities are also reasonably priced and popular with families. The grounds include dining facilities, shops, and rest areas, as well as ample parking, making access by car particularly convenient.

Asutamu Land Tokushima is a large experiential park that combines science, nature, and play, offering enjoyment for visitors of all ages. With its interactive Children’s Science Museum, large planetarium, hands-on craft experiences, Tokushima Wooden Toy Museum, large playgrounds, and rich natural surroundings, the park is packed with attractions and is one of Tokushima Prefecture’s leading tourist and leisure destinations for a full day of family fun.