Nishi-Awa is the traditional name of the western part of Tokushima Prefecture on the Japanese island of Shikoku. It is blessed with attractive nature
and symbolized by the second highest mountain in west Japan, Mt. Tsurugi. The Tsurugi National Park is located in this area, and offers abundant
natural sites such as Oboke and Koboke, the Yoshinogawa River, and the Iya Valley.
Nishi-Awa is also a place where traditional scenes still remain.
The fleeing Heike warriors, defeated in a power struggle in the 12th century, came to this place to hide away and eventually settled down. The
streets of Udatsu, lined with the houses of wealthy merchants who enjoyed prosperity from the Edo and Meiji Eras, offer a glimpse into the history
and culture of those days. The hidden Iya valley was introduced in the book Lost Japan, by Asian art scholar, Alex Kerr. The Iya region obtained a
two-star Michelin rating and there are many one-star tourism sites in the area.
Visit Nishi-Awa to see the natural and historical sites. Enjoy talking with the local people. Have fun in the traditional, mountainous surroundings.
You can feel untouched nature in Shikoku island including a hidden scenic spot called the Iya Valley, the Yoshinogawa River and Mt. Tsurugi as well as culture of people living there. 
You can find our recommended tourist model routes offering enriched experience in nature and culture.
You can find 'Oboke-Iya Spa Village' along the Oboke Gorge and the Iya Valley, as well as hotels, inns and guest houses available along the good-water-quality Anabukigawa River.
You can enjoy various outdoor sports in bountiful mountains and rivers such as rafting in the most raging torrent in Japan.
Our local specialty is Iya Soba (buckwheat noodle).
For souvenirs, Japanese Sake made by local Sake breweries and traditional handcrafts are available.
You can find direction and transportation to Nishi-Awa Tourism Zone.
You can download the area map and brochures from here.
