A clap sets a waterfall in motion at Nihon Flash Tanuki Plaza. At Komatsushima Station Park, railway heritage meets an inclusive large-scale play structure; at the former ferry landing in Komatsushima-chō, a wooden deck, boardwalk and parkland offer a place to relax by the water. These varied reasons to visit make Komatsushima appealing to those interested in culture, play and the waterfront, and provide concrete points of reference when considering the area for a stay in a holiday rental.

Tanuki Statue and Waterfall

The bronze Tanuki statue at Nihon Flash Tanuki Plaza in Komatsushima-chō is five metres tall, has a circumference of five metres and weighs five tonnes. It is considered the world’s largest bronze Tanuki statue. The waterfall behind it starts flowing when visitors clap their hands. If you want to experience this interactive feature, check that the mechanism is working before your visit.

Reconstructed Station and Steam Locomotive

At Work Staff SL Memorial Plaza in Komatsushima Station Park, the station building from the time the Japanese National Railways’ Komatsushima Line opened has been reconstructed. An actual steam locomotive is also on display there. For railway enthusiasts, these offer two different perspectives: the building recalls the line’s opening, while the locomotive adds a railway connection as a vehicle on display. This means the plaza showcases both the architectural and rolling-stock aspects of railway heritage.

Several Areas in Komatsushima Station Park

Komatsushima Station Park includes Work Staff SL Memorial Plaza, Nihon Flash Tanuki Plaza and Waren Plaza, as well as an education centre with a municipal library. A green walking path or promenade connects these areas. This is also helpful for getting your bearings: the named plazas and the education centre are part of one park and linked by the path.

Inclusive Play at Work Staff SL Memorial Plaza

The inclusive large-scale play structure at Work Staff SL Memorial Plaza, newly completed in 2023, allows children of different heights, with or without disabilities, to play together. On days off, the play area is popular with children. If the play structure is an important part of your visit, take the number of visitors into account when choosing a day.

Relaxing at the Former Ferry Landing

The former ferry landing in Komatsushima-chō has a wooden deck, a boardwalk and adjoining parkland. You can feel the sea breeze here; the area is a place to relax. This offers a different focus from the railway and play facilities at Station Park: here, the emphasis is on spending time outdoors and relaxing by the water. If you’d like to include time by the water alongside culture and play, this is a destination in its own right.

What matters most for your stay?

The attractions mainly differ in what you can enjoy on site: Station Park brings together several named areas linked by a walking path, while the former ferry landing is a place for riverside relaxation. The inclusive play structure, in turn, is a specific attraction for groups with children. When looking for a holiday rental in Komatsushima, you can weigh these options according to which experiences matter most to your stay.

Discover more destinations: Naka, Obatake, Tokushima, Matsushige, Toyooka, Naruto, Miyoshi, Anan

For the broader travel overview: Tokushima Prefecture.