Iya Fusuma Karakuri: A Traditional Japanese Panel Performance【Mid-October]】

Fusuma Karakuri is a traditional Japanese performing art in which a series of sliding fusuma panels, painted with scenes or patterns, are rotated vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to transform the imagery and reveal new landscapes or designs.

Though this art form gradually disappeared during Japan’s postwar period of rapid economic growth, it was revived in October 2005 with a special performance held for the first time in 50 years.

Today, Fusuma Karakuri can be enjoyed during the local autumn festival, performed alongside regional folk songs and dances.

Ushiroyama Fusuma Kaeakuri: 69 panels
Tokuzen Fusuma Karakuri: 57 panels

Business Hours	Evening program: 8:00 p.m. ～ Daytime program: 10:30 a.m.～
Name of Facility	後山農村舞台 Ushiroyama Rural Stage ・徳善阿弥陀堂横広場 Plaza beside Tokuzen Amida Hall
Address	Ushiroyama Rural Stage 後山農村舞台：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村後山289 Plaza beside Tokuzen Amida Hall 徳善阿弥陀堂横広場：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村徳善110
TEL	Miyoshi Tourist Information Center　0883-76-0877
URL	https://miyoshi-tourism.jp/spot/?word=%E8%A5%96&spot_classification=&spot_area=
Start time	Mid-October
Precautions	*There is no parking at each event site. Please use the free shuttle bus. Shuttle buses will be running between Awa Ikeda Bus Terminal and Oboke Roadside Station⇔event sites. Maximum 25 applicants (on a first-come, first-served basis) Application: Call or fax Miyoshi City Tourism Association

Other Contents

Jindai Odori (Dance) 【June 25th of lunar calendar (around Jul-Aug)】

The Jindai Odori of Nishi-Iya is a folk performing art of the Nishi-Iya Mountain Village in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture.
In 1976, it was registered as a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and in 2022, it was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage along with 41 other Furyuodori dances throughout Japan.

The origin of Jindai Odori is believed to be a ritual to pray for rain more than 1,100 years ago.
Unlike the dance rituals for keeping away evil spirits and repelling insects that have been handed down in various parts of Japan, the Jindai Odori is a flamboyant and heroic dance.

Events

History & Culture

Summer

Snowball Battles Shikoku Competition 【Late January】

This is a hot competition among volunteers from inside and outside of Shikoku.
Higashi-Iya, located near Mt. Tsurugi, is known for its high altitude and snow.
This event is an annual snowball battle held in the Higashi-iya Valley, following the official sports rules.

It is exciting not only for the participants, but also for the watching!
Let's enjoy the cold winter days hot!

Ochiai Village

This community is located in the heart of the Higashi-Iya Valley; a beautiful hamlet built into the mountainside. The homes here were constructed during the middle of the Edo period (circa.1700), up until the Showa period (circa 1930). It is unknown when the first settlers arrived here, but there are many legends and folklore of the Heike clan and frontier settlers making their homes in Ochiai. Villagers live at an elevation of 390 meters on a steep hillside, and the village itself was formed by stacking stones to make walls. There is an impressive and ancient air to this mountain hamlet and a natural beauty you simply can't encounter anywhere else.

Designated in 2005 as a national preserved heritage site.

Sightseeing Spots & Specialties

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