Kamiyama, Tokushima: Weeping Cherry Trees, a Hot Spring and Japan’s Famous Rural ‘Satellite Office’ Town

Quick answer: Kamiyama is a mountain town about 30–45 minutes by car from Tokushima city, known across Japan for bringing IT companies to the countryside with satellite offices. For visitors, the highlights are the weeping cherry trees along Route 438 in late March to early April, Kamiyama Onsen (¥680), the Amagoi Falls and the farm-to-table restaurant Kamaya and bakery Kamapan (both closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Go by car, or by Tokushima Bus from JR Tokushima Station (about an hour, ¥1,200).

I live in Tokushima. In Kamiyama I’ve seen the weeping cherries, bathed at Kamiyama Onsen, walked to the Amagoi Falls and eaten at Kamaya and Kamapan. If you come at only one time of year, my recommendation is spring, for the weeping cherry trees. Here’s how to plan a day.

Why Kamiyama is famous in Japan

Kamiyama is a small mountain town that became a well-known example of rural revitalisation:

• Satellite offices: IT, design and video companies set up offices here. The Kamiyama Valley Satellite Office Complex, a coworking space in a former sewing factory, opened in 2013.
• Artists in residence: the Kamiyama Artist-in-Residence programme has invited artists every year since 1999.
• A new college: Kamiyama Marugoto College, a private technical college teaching technology, design and entrepreneurship, opened in 2023.
• Sudachi: the town is Japan’s top producer of sudachi, Tokushima’s small green citrus.

As a visitor, you’ll mostly see a quiet valley along the Akui River.

Weeping cherry trees (spring) — my top pick

Weeping cherry trees (shidare-zakura) line Route 438 as you enter the town, a stretch known as the sakura kaido (cherry road). I’ve seen them, and it’s what I’d recommend most in Kamiyama.

• When: late March to early April. In 2026 the town published a traffic map for 20 March – 5 April.
• Traffic: the road gets busy on bloom weekends, so go early.

See Cherry Blossoms in Setouchi for other spots.

Kamiyama Onsen

The town’s hot spring, at Hotel Shikinosato. I’ve bathed here. The water is a slightly slippery salt-and-bicarbonate spring. The Kamiyama Beer taproom is nearby (weekends and holidays only) — see Craft Beer in Setouchi.

• Day bathing: ¥680 for adults, ¥340 for children.
• Hours: 10:00–20:00. Closed on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
• No tattoos.

Kamaya and Kamapan (Food Hub Project)

Kamaya (かま屋) is a restaurant run by the Food Hub Project, built around local farming and food. Its bakery and shop is Kamapan & Store (かまパン&ストア). I’ve been to both.

• Kamaya: 9:00–16:00, lunch from 11:00 (last order 15:00).
• Kamapan & Store: 9:00–18:00.
• Both closed Mondays and Tuesdays (open on public holidays).

Amagoi Falls

A 45-metre waterfall falling in two streams down three tiers, about 20 minutes’ walk from the car park. I’ve walked up to it.

Shosanji (Temple 12)

Up in the mountains of Kamiyama is Shosanji, Temple 12 of the Shikoku pilgrimage. For walking pilgrims, the trail from Temple 11 is one of the hardest climbs of the whole route. By car it’s a mountain drive; I haven’t been myself. See Starting the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Tokushima.

Getting there

• By car: about 30–45 minutes from Tokushima city. Roads further up into the mountains are narrow — see Driving in Rural Shikoku.
• By bus: Tokushima Bus from JR Tokushima Station (platform 13) to Kamiyama Onsen-mae, about an hour, ¥1,200. Buses are infrequent (around nine a day on weekdays), so check the timetable both ways.

Staying overnight

WEEK Kamiyama, a small guesthouse with rooms facing the Akui River, serves dinner if you book at least two days ahead (¥3,300). Or stay in Tokushima city and visit for the day — see Where to Stay in Tokushima.

A one-day plan

1. Morning: drive (or take the bus) from Tokushima city.
2. Late morning: walk to the Amagoi Falls.
3. Lunch: Kamaya (not on Monday or Tuesday), bread from Kamapan.
4. Afternoon: soak at Kamiyama Onsen, then back to the city.
5. In spring: add the weeping cherries on Route 438.

See also One Day in Tokushima City and What to Eat in Tokushima.

FAQ

What is Kamiyama known for?
Satellite offices and rural revitalisation — and, for visitors, weeping cherry trees, a hot spring and sudachi.

When is the best time to visit?
Late March to early April for the weeping cherries.

Can I get there without a car?
Yes, by Tokushima Bus from JR Tokushima Station (about an hour), but buses are infrequent.

Are Kamaya and Kamapan open every day?
No — both close on Mondays and Tuesdays (open on public holidays).

Hours, fees and bus details checked on the official Kamiyama Onsen, Food Hub Project, Kamiyama Town and Tokushima Prefecture websites on 26 October 2026.

Kaz

Tokushima local with family roots in Hiroshima

I live in Tokushima and my family is from Hiroshima, where I also used to live. I still go back several times a year. The guides here come from places I have actually been. Where I haven't tried something myself, I say so.