Nishi-Awa Contents

On a spring evening, the Shiozuka Highlands glow red as fire dances across the land.
Located at an elevation of 1,043 meters and spanning the border between Ehime and Tokushima Prefectures, this expansive plateau is the site of a dramatic annual event known as the "controlled grass burning" or noyaki.

Conducted once a year to preserve native vegetation, maintain scenic views, and support the growth of grass used for thatching, the fire spreads across roughly 20 hectares of open highland.
In the dark, the flames slither across the ground like mythical dragons or serpents, creating a powerful and unforgettable sight.

This spring tradition has become a symbolic seasonal event in the area—marking the arrival of spring and celebrating the close relationship between people and nature.

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!

On a summer evening in Tsurugi Town, approximately 1,300 fireworks light up the night sky in a gentle yet impressive display. The colorful bursts reflect off the surrounding mountains, creating a beautiful contrast against the quiet countryside.

At the festival venue, visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with food stalls offering local snacks and summer treats. It’s a chance to experience a bit of traditional festival charm in a peaceful setting.

Whether you're with family or friends, the combination of soft evening breezes, distant echoes of fireworks, and warm community spirit makes for a memorable summer moment in Tsurugi Town.

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.

The Firefly Festival is held at Yamashiro Firefly Park in Kurokawa Valley.
This event used to be an annual festival held in the Kurokawa Valley, a famous firefly viewing spot.
However, for a long time it was not opened due to a lack of local organizers, but it was newly revived in 2023 through the efforts of immigrants and others.
There will be many events such as night stalls, kitchen cars, live music, and a raffle.
Why don't you come and see fantastic fireflies in the mountain river in early summer?

For two exciting days, the town of Tsurugi is filled with the vibrant spirit of Awa Odori, one of Tokushima’s most beloved traditions.
Even before the sun sets, you can hear the rhythmic sounds of shamisen, drums, and joyful calls echoing throughout the town—it's clear that the celebration has already begun.

By nightfall, the historic Sadamitsu Chuo Shopping Street, known for its traditional Udatsu-style townscape, transforms into a lively stage of dance.
Food stalls line the streets, and energetic dancers fill the roads, moving in unison to the beat of the music. The sounds of instruments, dancers' chants, and audience applause fill the summer air.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening in Tsurugi—a magical summer night filled with tradition, rhythm, and joy.

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.

[2025]
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

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.