Michi-no-Eki Daiku-no-Sato
About This Destination
During the First World War, Japan held around a thousand German prisoners at Bando, in what is now Naruto. On 1 June 1918 their camp orchestra played Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in full, with the choral parts rewritten for men's voices. It was the first complete performance in Japan, and the town still calls itself the home of the Ninth.
The station's shop is modest, but look up: its ceiling beams came from one of the camp barracks, a registered tangible cultural property. The shelves lean towards Tokushima staples such as Naruto wakame and Naruto Kintoki sweet potato, and a snack corner serves light meals with a German theme.
The Naruto German House museum next door tells the camp's story, including how the prisoners mixed with local people. It has its own admission and hours. Both close on the fourth Monday of the month and over the year end. Ryozenji, Temple 1 of the Shikoku pilgrimage, is also in Bando if you want to make a morning of it.
Location
Prefecture: Tokushima
Address: Naruto, Tokushima, Japan
Opening hours: Mon–Sun 09:00–17:00
Closed: Closed on the fourth Monday of each month (the next day if that Monday is a public holiday) and from 28 to 31 December.
Hours note: The shop and snack corner keep different hours, and the German House museum has its own. All close on the fourth Monday of the month (the next day if it is a holiday) and from 28 to 31 December.
Parking and toilets: Free, open 24 hours
Visitor Information
Credit Cards: Unknown
Food Options: A snack corner with German-themed light meals (last orders 30 minutes before it closes). The shop sells Naruto Kintoki sweet potato and wakame products.
Access
53 Higashiyamada, Hinoki, Oasa-cho, Naruto, Tokushima, Japan
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