Nishi-Awa Contents

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.

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.

"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?

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?

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.