Nishi-Awa Contents

The crystalline Sadamitsu River flows through the beautiful canyon of “Dogama”. The name means “earthen pot”, and if you visit the spot yourself, you’ll soon discover why! The powerful flow of the river wore the walls of this gorge smooth and rounded some parts out, making the scenery resemble a basin. And the canyon does look like a work of pottery, made of a rare pearly schist called “Awa Aoishi” (or Awa blue stone), one of Tokushima’s many natural attractions.

This three-tiered waterfall in Tsurugi town surges down from 85 meters and is the highest waterfall in the prefecture. As Tsurugi town's most popular tourist spot, Narutaki is lovely to visit in any season. Public toilet and parking available.

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).

A local exchange base facility with a souvenir corner, a restaurant, a bathing facility, a teleworking office, and a café. The souvenir corner offers a wide variety of Shikoku's specialties as well as ethical products. The open-air plaza with its expansive lawn is also equipped with a colorful playground.

Honrakuji Temple, selected as one of the 88 scenic spots in Shikoku, features Japanese gardens and landscaping with the majestic Yoshino River and the Asan Mountains in the background. The mossy garden also has a tea ceremony room where you can enjoy matcha tea. A sutra copying experience is also available.

Minoda no Fuchi is a scenic wedge of the Yoshinogawa River where the waters deepen and feed off the pure minerals contained in the surrounding rocky terrain. When the area is in full bloom late March ~ early April, many visitors flock to the area to walk along the river, enjoy flower-viewing picnics, or spend the night at the campground here. You’ll find people enjoying water sports here, as well, as the season warms. Minoda no Fuchi is right beside the Yoshinogawa Highway Oasis roadside station, so it’s a convenient stop to enjoy a breath of nature on a long journey.

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.

As a symbol of innocent courage, a statue of a peeing boy was constructed at the edge of the nearby precipice, the most perilous spot in Iya Valley. In the old days, it's said the local children would stand on this cliff and urinate into the ravine to show their bravado.

A unique and beautiful gorge, where the Yoshinogawa River flows emerald through the valley. Scenic views of the gorge's crystalline schist resemble marble sculptures, and the fresh green of the surrounding forests in summer, the fiery foliage in autumn, or winter's shimmering frosts, make for a spectacular sight in any season.

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.

Take a 30 minute ride along the pure green waters of the Yoshino River, enjoying nature's handiwork on both sides. Scenic views of the gorge's crystalline schist resemble marble sculptures, and the fresh green of the surrounding forests in summer, the fiery foliage in autumn, or winter's shimmering frosts, make for a spectacular sight in any season.

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.