Nishi-Awa Contents

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.

Hashikura Temple, located in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, is a historic temple of the Shingon sect known for enshrining Konpira Daigongen, the guardian deity of seafarers and travelers. Often referred to as the “Konpira of Shikoku,” it draws many pilgrims and visitors throughout the year. The temple is nestled in the mountains and can be reached by ropeway, offering scenic views along the way.

Every year on April 12 and November 12, a special grand Buddhist ritual known as the "Daihannya Tendo Ceremony" is solemnly held to pray for the fulfillment of the devotees’ wishes. These dates mark the festival days of the temple’s deity.

After the ceremony, the traditional “Fuku Mochi Nage” (lucky rice cake toss) will be held. Participants have a chance to catch rice cakes and win various prizes—a fun and festive way to conclude the day.

Everyone is warmly invited to visit with family and friends to experience this unique cultural and spiritual event in the heart of Shikoku.

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.

In July, come to Oasis and enjoy the Awa Odori dance every Sunday!
The dancers will dance on the stage as well as in the plaza, so you can experience the real Awa Odori close by!
There will be 4 times of performances a day, and mainly Western Tokushima teams will perform the Awa Odori dance!

In addition!
On August 14th, 15th, 16th, Oasis Awa Odori Obon Special Performances will be held!
Several Awa dance groups will perform!
Looking forward to it!

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.

Boke Mart sells a variety of local products such as “Iya Konnyaku” and “Iya Tofu”, which are used for “Dekomawashi”, a local dish of Iya (Oboke and Iya).
Drinks, bread, cup noodles, sweets, etc. are also available for shopping on your way to Mt. Tsurugi.
Also, you can eat “Iya soba”, “Boke Iya soup”, “Udon”, etc. at Boke Mart No. 2 across the street.

Koibito Pass is said to be the place where a noble of the Heike clan, fleeing toward Mt. Tsurugi, was forced to part from his lover due to the steep and difficult path. Today, couples visit to attach padlocks and pledge their eternal love.

Nearby, right next to the bus stop, stands Koibito Bridge. From the bridge, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Anabuki River Valley.

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).

This is a submersible bridge designed to sink below the water’s surface during times of flooding. Spanning between village homes and terraced fields, it reflects the unique charm of rural Shikoku. The tranquil scenery offers a sense of peace and relaxation no matter when you visit.

There is a clean public restroom available here. The Mt. Tsurugi trailhead is about 27 km from this point, making it a convenient stop for a restroom break.