Nishi-Awa Contents

Ikawa Ski Resort is located at a brisk 1333 meters, operating between mid December to early March. The resort offers two slopes: a gentler course, plus a steeper, 800m slope for those who like a challenge.

In the small town of Tsurugi, the district of Handa prides itself for its long history with unique, hand-pulled noodles known as somen. The chewy texture and unusual thickness puts this noodle somewhere between ramen and udon, though its flavour is unalike either. It’s wheaty and robust and can handle the heat better than regular, delicate somen, making it perfect to enjoy hot, as well.

This unique form of somen has been handed down in Nishi-Awa for centuries. The secret to the recipe was delivered in the mid-Edo period, when the Yoshino River was the main means of transportation between Tokushima City and Miyoshi, and along the way the village of Handa developed a love for the noodles, making it an industry in the region that thrives to this day.

"Ikeda Night Market” is held on the second Sunday of every month at Frespo Awa Ikeda in Ikeda Town.
The purpose of this event is to encourage town tourism and to enhance the community life of Ikeda Town.
The local restaurant owners plan and hold this event in the hope that it will be a chance for both visitors and owners to interact and have fun.
There are various food and beverage stalls, a festival-type shooting game, a raffle, etc., and it is also a good place to bring the kids and the whole family.
Let's enjoy a night out with the locals in Miyoshi by having delicious food and drinks!

Mikamo Marché is organized by Mikamo Cafe!
On the fourth Sunday of every month, various different booths gather inside the Mikamo Cafe and in the parking lot.
Fresh vegetables from local farms, local specialties, cute handmade goods, delicious snacks and beverages, etc.
Mikamo Cafe also has a dog run🐶
Just looking at them is fun, the food is delicious, and shopping makes you even happier☺.
Why don't you stop by?

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.

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

On the evening of October 14, the night before the main Autumn Festival, a sacred ritual known as Yoi-miya (Evening Shrine Ceremony) takes place.

The ceremony begins with a long green bamboo pole being set up in front of the worship hall. Suspended from it is a circular sacred object called Onjiyaku, which serves as a symbolic vessel for the divine spirit. In the shrine’s courtyard, a ritual fire called Niwa-bi is lit, creating a sacred space. Through this light, it is believed that the deity descends into the Onjiyaku — a solemn moment of spiritual presence known as Kōshin (Descent of the Deity).

It is rare to find such a traditional form of autumn festival still practiced today, even within the prefecture, making this event a valuable cultural experience.

Another unique feature of the shrine is its Sacred Stone Array. Surrounding the shrine grounds are 387 upright stone slabs, each approximately 1 meter tall. These stones are made from greenish phyllite, a type of metamorphic rock that naturally splits into flat sheets. This natural form is preserved and beautifully arranged around the site, creating a powerful and sacred atmosphere.

Witness this rare blend of ancient ritual and sacred space—a timeless evening of spiritual heritage and cultural beauty.

The “Sengoku Tenkabito Miyoshi Nagayoshi Samurai Parade Festival” is held in Mino Town on Sat. and Sun. in early November.
Miyoshi Nagayoshi was a samurai in the Warring States period in the late Muromachi period (1336-1573). He gained control of the entire Kinai region at the time and took real power in the Shogunate. Recently, Miyoshi Nagayoshi has been the focus of much attention from various perspectives as the pioneer of the Warring States period, ahead of Nobunaga Oda and Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
This event is held annually in Mino-cho, the birthplace of Nagayoshi Miyoshi.
On the day of the event, in addition to samurai parades, gun demonstrations, and other events related to Miyoshi Nagayoshi and the Warring States period, there will be dance performances, food stalls, and other local festive fun.
On the day of the event, in addition to samurai parades, gun demonstrations, and other events related to Miyoshi Nagayoshi and the Warring States period, there will be dance performances, food stalls, and other local festive fun.
Why don't you come and enjoy historical events?

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.

Experience one of the largest fireworks competitions in western Japan, where music and fireworks come together in perfect harmony.
Top-tier pyrotechnicians from across the country gather to present breathtaking displays, with over 20,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky over Tokushima.

The event takes place in Nishi-Awa, a region that is rapidly gaining global attention as a premier travel destination.
Here, majestic natural landscapes, time-honored cultural traditions, and distinctive local cuisine come together in perfect balance. Be sure to enjoy the rich offerings of Nishi-Awa through a variety of entertainment before and after the fireworks show.

A Day When Yokai Take Over the Town!
Yamashiro & Oboke's Yokai Festival

Step into a whimsical world where legendary yokai (Japanese folk spirits) roam the streets! The ever-popular Yokai Festival features highlights like a Yokai Mikoshi (portable shrine), a Yokai band, and yokai parade.
At the same time, the Tanuki Festival invites visitors to join the fun in handmade tanuki (raccoon dog) makeup—you might just be rewarded with a little surprise!
Yamashiro Town is steeped in yokai lore, with legendary figures such as tengu, kappa, and konaki-jiji (the weeping old man). During the festival, these mystical beings gather in celebration, bringing ancient folklore to life.
The Yokai Bazaar offers delicious local treats like “Yokai Soup” made from regional ingredients, along with classic udon and soba noodles. There’s also plenty of entertainment on stage, from yokai live music to yokai talk shows—fun for all generations!
Don’t miss your chance to experience the playful, mysterious world of the yokai!

And in spring 2025, a special edition of the Shikoku Yokai Festival—Konaki-Jiji Festival—was held as a limited-time event, drawing yokai enthusiasts from across the region for a new celebration of supernatural culture!