Tokushima Prefecture

Ah, Tokushima. The land of sudachis, whirlpools and dancing fools!

Like all of Shikoku’s four beautiful prefectures, Tokushima is slightly off the typical beaten tourist track. But if you make the effort to get there, it’ll be well worth it.

If you’re going to follow in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi to complete the island’s famous pilgrimage of 88 temples, you’ll be starting in Tokushima.

Want to see the world’s largest tidal whirlpools? You’ll need to do that from the Tokushima side of the Naruto strait.

Or perhaps you’re into summer festivals? Japan’s largest festival of traditional dance, Awa Odori, is hosted in Tokushima city and all around the prefecture during August. Get your yukata and get out on the street with the rest of the dancing fools!

If you’re prepared to travel deep into the rugged heart of Shikoku’s mountain ranges, you can see some of Japan’s last remaining pristine wilderness around Mount Tsurugi, experience the thrills of Japan’s best whitewater rafting on the mighty Yoshino River, and delve into the history of the fugitive rulers who ran away to the Iya Valley some 900 years ago.

When you make it back to civilisation, drop by one of the local craft museums to make your own gift, dyed using Tokushima’s famous indigo pigments. Kick back with a bottle of sudachi-chu, or just have some of Tokushima’s favourite citrus with your meal. A hot bowl of Tokushima raamen noodles could go down well, too. And be sure to finish every day with a bath at one of the many fine onsen springs dotted around the prefecture.

The real heart and soul of Japan that is so hard to find elsewhere is waiting for you in Tokushima. Take a look at the articles down below to find out more!