Tokushima

Tokushima Prefecture is the easternmost region of Shikoku Island and the one closest to Osaka and the Kansai region. It is connected to Honshu by the famous Akashi Kaikyo and Naruto bridges. Much of Tokushima is rural and off-the-beaten track. It is the starting point of the Shikoku pilgrimage which follows along 88 Buddhist temples that are associated with the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kukai. Other points of interests include the annual Awa Odori dance performances and the scenic Iya Valley.