Tokushima Prefecture

Main City full name: Tokushima

Population: 756,000 people, ranking 44/47 prefecture (2015) [1]

Area: 4,144 km² [2]

Geographical / Landscape description

Tokushima Prefecture is located in the eastern part of Shikoku, the 4th largest island composing Japan. Mountainous areas make up approximately 80% of Tokushima's total land area. [2]

Climate

The southern part of the prefecture is warmer, winters are mostly dry but summers are rainy. The northern area with its mountain chain averaging the 2000m is more prone to heavy snowfall.  [2]

Recent history, culture

The Shikoku pilgrimage circuit, linking 88 temples located in the Shikoku region is said to have been founded around the year 815 by the famous Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) to protect pilgrims and others from misfortune. Traditionally the pilgrimage is made on foot, taking a month or more, but in modern times many people travel by car or bus over part or all of the circuit. Tokushima is home to 24 of those temples and the starting point of the circuit.

Another aspect of the prefecture’s culture is the Awa Odori, the largest dance festival in Japan, attracting over 1.3 million tourists every year. [3]

More chapters:

• Economic overview
• Infrastructure
• Living environment
• Major types of economic activities
• Opportunities for EU Investors / Exporters / Importers
• Setting up a business in the prefecture
• Other contacts