Mount Bizan

Geography

Due to its prominent position in the middle of Tokushima City, Mount Bizan is widely recognized as one of the classic views of Tokushima City. It is also a well known area for cherry blossom viewing, and offers an almost 360 degree view of the surrounding area from its peak. On a clear day Awaji Island to the northeast is visible, in addition to Wakayama Prefecture on the main Japanese island of Honshu, across the Kii Strait. Nighttime views are is also impressive, and while it is not well known, the top of Mt. Bizan is one of Japan's most beautiful spots for nighttime scenery. The slopes of the mountain are home to several shrines and temples, and the peak is adorned with several tourist facilities, including a Burmese-style pagoda to honor fallen soldiers from World War II.

Despite earning a certain amount of fame from a national movie of the same name, the famous Wada no Ya store that used to stand at the mountain's peak was moved down to the Awa Odori Kaikan Hall, and even today there is only a single small restaurant on top of the mountain. In 2007 Mount Bizan was the setting of a film of the same name, based on a book by Sada Masashi. It was expected that the film might bring more visitors to the area and lead to more development.