Embark on a short leg of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage, a historic route dating back over 1,200 years that connects 88 Buddhist temples on the island of Shikoku. Each of these temples is connected to Kobo Daishi, a revered monk who trained and traveled in the region.

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Tokushima Prefecture marks the starting point of the roughly 870-mile-long (1,400 km) pilgrimage and is known as the Dojo of Hosshin, or ‘the place of spiritual beginning’, as this is where most pilgrims take their first steps. The following prefectures along the route, Kochi, Ehime and Kagawa, are known as the places of ascetic training, bodhi (enlightenment) and nirvana (spiritual release) respectively. The full journey would take weeks or even months to complete, but many people choose to do short stretches so they can enjoy sightseeing in the more rural parts of the prefecture.

Lanterns at Ryozenji Temple, the first temple along the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage
In addition to the pilgrimage routes, travelers should venture out to the zero-waste town of Kamikatsu. Here, guests can experience an eco-centric stay in a small town where recycling efforts have yielded real results. Over 80% of the waste here is recycled and guests can join in and learn how and why this is important. Further afield to the west, visitors can experience the Japan of old in the picturesque Iya Valley. This remote region boasts vine bridges crossing ravines, roaring rapids ideal for rafting, and villages of cozy thatched-roof houses dotted on the steep hillsides.
While here, try sudachi, a small, green citrus fruit native to Japan that comes in many forms in Tokushima, including sudachi gin, sudachi soda, sudachi cake and more. Make the most of this delicious ingredient by tasting it in all its forms. Those who would rather skip the citrus, or simply want to dine on something heartier, should sample Tokushima Ramen—each restaurant has its own unique take on Japan’s noodle dish—together with some locally brewed craft beer from Kamikatsu.

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The Kazura vine bridge in Iya Valley
Getting there and back: Visitors from Tokyo can fly into Tokushima Awaodori Airport from Haneda International Airport in less than 1 hr 30 mins, while Osaka-based travelers can take the approximately 3-hour bus ride to central Tokushima City.