Tokushima prefecture is a mountainous area located on the island of Shikoku. It is home to the first 23 temples of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage starting with temple number one, Ryozen-ji. Tokushima is probably best known for the Awa Odori a dance festival that turns the main streets of Tokushima City, the capital, into a stage and huge party all in one. The festival is held in August and brings local dance groups and others from all over the world to revel in the summer evenings. Tokushima is also well known for an interesting natural phenomenon, "The Whirlpools of Naruto" in the Seto Inland Sea, and also for the remote and gorgeous Iya Valley, sometimes called "Little Tibet". Be sure to check out "Awa Indigo" (Aizome) when you visit, a well-known local craft tradition creating textiles and clothing using indigo dye produced in the region.
Iya Valley
Located on Shikoku Island, this secluded, mountainous valley is well known for its thatched roof farmhouses and ancient vine bridges. Due to its remoteness, Iya