Nishi-Awa Contents

On the way to Mt. Tsurugi, you’ll find this popular spring water spot, where visitors even come from outside the prefecture to collect water. While most water in Japan is soft, this spring is classified as hard water with a hardness of 130 mg/L. Rich in minerals, it offers a refreshing taste of the pure waters of the Mt. Tsurugi range.

Before climbing Mt. Tsurugi, stop by for information, handy goods, and souvenirs. Also enjoy our original craft beer and coffee made from freshly ground beans with a hot sandwich (for eat-in or take-out).

This is a local shop along the Sadamitsu–Ichiu route to the Mt. Tsurugi trailhead, where you can stop on the way. It offers drinks, bread, instant noodles, snacks, and other items useful for hiking. In front of the shop, there are several vending machines, so you can still purchase drinks even outside of business hours.

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.

This 400-year-old tree is the largest cherry tree in Tokushima. The trunk splits into three, so when the pink blossoms are in full bloom, its branches spreading wide are a beautiful sight.

Built in 1763 (about 250 years ago), this is one of the largest samurai residences in the Iya region. The Oe district of Higashi-Iya Village, where it stands, is historically connected to the defeated Heike clan who fled here after losing the Battle of Yashima.

The Kita Family was the head family of this Heike settlement, and their residence reflects the lifestyle of the upper-class samurai of Iya. In the garden stands the impressive Hoko Cedar, which is well worth seeing.

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 udatsu of Sadamitsu are based on Kyoto’s merchant street culture from the early Meiji period. These walls are called niso udatsu, and bear beautiful and artistic patterns on the front of each house.