Heike Folk Museum

This museum is housed in the former residence of the descendants of Horikawa Naiki, the court physician of Emperor Antoku. After the fall of the Heike clan, Horikawa Naiki and his family sought refuge in the Iya Valley, where they served both as physicians and Shinto priests, making use of the area’s abundant medicinal herbs.

In the garden stands an ancient tree estimated to be 800 years old. Inside the preserved Edo-period residence, visitors can view a collection of artifacts, including armor, banners, historical documents, and everyday tools once used by the Heike descendants.

Business Hours	March – November: 9:00 – 17:00 December – February: 9:00 – 16:00
Regular Holidays	Open year-round, except for temporary closures. Updates are announced on the official website and Instagram (heikeyashiki).
Price	Adults : 500円 Children (Elementary School Ages) : 300円 Group Discount : -10% / Over 20 people
Name of Facility	Heike Folk Museum
Address	徳島県三好市西祖谷山村東西岡46
Access	About 10 minutes by car from JR Oboke Station (towards Kazurabashi). From Kansai/Kanto: About 40 minutes by car from Ikawa-Ikeda IC on the Tokushima Expressway (towards Kochi). From Kochi: About 30 minutes by car from Otoyo IC on the Kochi Expressway.
TEL	0883-84-1408
URL	https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/95f901e2-0ac3-482d-a1d3-91b0d086d865/experience/986326?lang=en_US

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Mt. Tsurugi Annual Grand Ritual【July 17th】

Held atop Mt. Tsurugi, the second-highest peak in western Japan (1,955m)

This sacred festival, rich with tradition, is held each year on the summit of Mt. Tsurugi, a revered mountain long regarded as a spiritual site. The ceremony centers around a solemn mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, honoring two deities—Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Emperor Antoku.

Approximately 100 participants, dressed in traditional white garments, carry the mikoshi across the mountaintop, forming a striking procession as they move in unison through slopes covered in dwarf bamboo (kumasasa). Set at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, with clouds seeming just within reach, the festival exudes a profound spiritual presence.

More than just a ritual, this event is a powerful reminder of the reverence for nature and the enduring faith passed down through generations.

For those seeking a deeper connection, the festival offers a special opportunity: the One-Day Shugyō Experience. Participants can join as mikoshi bearers, purify their spirit, and take part in an ancient tradition amidst the clear mountain air and sacred atmosphere.

Fireworks Festival in Tsurugi Town 【Last Sunday in July】

On a summer evening in Tsurugi Town, approximately 1,300 fireworks light up the night sky in a gentle yet impressive display. The colorful bursts reflect off the surrounding mountains, creating a beautiful contrast against the quiet countryside.

At the festival venue, visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with food stalls offering local snacks and summer treats. It’s a chance to experience a bit of traditional festival charm in a peaceful setting.

Whether you're with family or friends, the combination of soft evening breezes, distant echoes of fireworks, and warm community spirit makes for a memorable summer moment in Tsurugi Town.

Events

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Summer

Awadance Festival in Ikeda【August 14th～16th annually】

Ikeda Awa Odori Dance Festival!
Awa Odori is one of the three major traditional dances in Japan.
During the three days of the Bon Festival, the town of Awa Ikeda is filled with the sounds of the dance.
Food stalls line the sides of the streets, and about 30 groups of dancers dance through the streets. This is Tokushima's summer festival!
You can enjoy the festival in the paid stands or walk around the free performance stages.
Whether you enjoy watching or dancing with the dancers, you are sure to have a great time!

On August 13, the pre-festival event will be held on the Naesokko Park stage, too.

Sightseeing Spots & Specialties

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