Nishi-Awa Contents

You can spot over 350 scarecrows in this deep mountain village. One woman, Ayano Tsukimi, handmade all of them and creatively placed them around the area: in the fields working, waiting at bus stops, dancing local dances, etc. She welcomes visitors to walk around the village and enter the old school to see a glimpse of the past.

Mt. Tsurugi is the second highest peak in Western Japan at 1995 meters, and is a popular hiking destination that even amateurs can tackle. The views from the top are stunning. There is also a ropeway open from April until the end of November for those less inclined to hike.

About 800 years ago, these vine bridges were built by the Heike clan as a means to access their riding grounds at Mt. Tsurugi, where they trained. The bridges also connect to the Oku Iya campgrounds. These two bridges have been named "male" and "female" respectively, hence are sometimes referred to as the "wedded bridges."

The nature here is deep and immersive, and offers a different experience from the main Vine Bridge, so both spots are well worth the visit.

The crystalline Sadamitsu River flows through the beautiful canyon of “Dogama”. The name means “earthen pot”, and if you visit the spot yourself, you’ll soon discover why! The powerful flow of the river wore the walls of this gorge smooth and rounded some parts out, making the scenery resemble a basin. And the canyon does look like a work of pottery, made of a rare pearly schist called “Awa Aoishi” (or Awa blue stone), one of Tokushima’s many natural attractions.

This three-tiered waterfall in Tsurugi town surges down from 85 meters and is the highest waterfall in the prefecture. As Tsurugi town's most popular tourist spot, Narutaki is lovely to visit in any season. Public toilet and parking available.

Mt. Tsurugi Autumn Foliage Festival is an annual autumn event held in October on Mt.Tsurugi, a renowned mountain in Tokushima, Shikoku.

From the top of the mountain to Minokoshi, the colorful autumn leaves gradually color the mountain. Unlike artificial gardens, the natural scenery is dynamic and breathtaking. The coloring and atmosphere completely differs depending on the time of day, so there is always something new to discover no matter how many times you see it.

The festival runs for the entire month of October 1st to 31st.
In early October, an opening ceremony with shamisen music and rice cake -throwing may be held in front of the Minokoshi and Mt. Tsurugi Tourist Center.

During the festival period, visitors who spend 1,000 yen or more at participating shops will receive a limited-edition souvenir—available to the first 1,000 people only!
(*Note: Souvenirs vary by shop.)

Come and enjoy the stunning autumn landscapes of Mt. Tsurugi and experience a truly special moment in nature.

This lift makes climbing the mountain all the easier, even for beginners. Enjoy the natural scenery around you in this single-seated chairlift that is 830 m long and takes about 15 minutes. It carries you up to Nishijima Station, an altitude of 1420 m, which is halfway up Mt. Tsurugi.

This is a big 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 to watch!

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.

Mt. Tsurugi (1,955 meter high) is the second highest mountain in western Japan.
Every year on April 29, the annual mountain-opening ceremony is held at Tsurugi Shrine in Higashi Iya Sugeoi, Miyoshi City, to pray for the safety of hikers.
After the ritual offering of a tamagushi (a sacred Shinto branch), around 20 local parishioners carry a portable shrine (mikoshi) and parade approximately 300 meters from the shrine grounds to the trailhead.
At the parking area in front of the lift station near the trail entrance, visitors can also enjoy a traditional mochi-maki (rice cake throwing) event.

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Mt. Tsurugi Opening Ceremony
10：30～11：30 Ritual
11：30～12：00 Mikoshi parade and ceremony
12：00～12：30 Mochi throwing
12：30 Return of Mikoshi

This shrine is the main sanctuary of Mt. Tsurugi. The mountain opening ceremony is held in late April.
It is located at the entrance of the Mt. Tsurugi trailhead.

Tree Details: Trunk circumference: 8.5 m, Height: 28 m, Elevation: 700 m

The tree is vigorous, spreading numerous large and small branches to form a beautiful shape. Near the base, the trunk divides into two, which is thought to be the result of two separate trees fusing together.
The Japanese horse chestnut (Tochinoki) produces upright, cone-shaped clusters of white flowers from May to June. In autumn, its fruits split open to reveal large seeds. It is also well known as the tree used to make tochi-mochi (a traditional chestnut rice cake).