Miyoshi City

Tokushima
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Miyoshi City, at the western tip of Tokushima, is a city representing Shikoku for adventure and healing, housing the "Oboke and Koboke" gorges carved by the Yoshino River's torrents and "Iya," one of Japan's three most hidden regions. It is a world-famous mecca for rafting while simultaneously preserving historical and cultural heritage like "Kazurabashi" and "Ochiai Village." In recent years, branding as a "Yokai Town" and town-making utilizing old sake breweries have flourished, with spots stimulating intellectual curiosity. With observatories overlooking seas of clouds, quiet hot spring villages, and nutritious Iya Soba, you can enjoy mountain blessings with all five senses. From dynamic activities to quiet time touching good old Japanese life, it attracts travelers worldwide with various styles.

Miyoshi City

Favorite

四国の原風景を巡る旅/レトロなボンネットバスが走る秘境・三好市　Miyoshi City, a Hidden Spot Where Retro Bonnet Buses Run

四国の原風景を巡る旅/レトロなボンネットバスが走る秘境・三好市　Miyoshi City, a Hidden Spot Where Retro Bonnet Buses Run

Miyoshi City Tourism Association

【説明字幕】69枚の襖絵が織りなす伝統芸能/後山襖からくり　Ushiro-yama Fusuma Karakuri

【説明字幕】69枚の襖絵が織りなす伝統芸能/後山襖からくり　Ushiro-yama Fusuma Karakuri

Miyoshi City Tourism Association

【説明字幕】72点の襖絵が奏でる伝統の舞/徳善襖からくり　Tokuzen Fusuma Karakuri

【説明字幕】72点の襖絵が奏でる伝統の舞/徳善襖からくり　Tokuzen Fusuma Karakuri

Miyoshi City Tourism Association

ラフティングの聖地・吉野川／世界が認めた急流を体感 Yoshinogawa: The Sacred River of Rafting

ラフティングの聖地・吉野川／世界が認めた急流を体感 Yoshinogawa: The Sacred River of Rafting

Miyoshi City Tourism Association

激流と絶景の共演/吉野川ラフティング　Yoshinogawa Rafting: A Symphony of Rapids and Scenery

激流と絶景の共演/吉野川ラフティング　Yoshinogawa Rafting: A Symphony of Rapids and Scenery

Miyoshi City Tourism Association

Tanuki Festival | Tokushima, Japan

Tanuki Festival | Tokushima, Japan

Nishi-Awa Tsurugisan & Yoshinogawa Tourism Association

Making Bancha in Iya Valley | Nishi-Awa, Japan

Making Bancha in Iya Valley | Nishi-Awa, Japan

Nishi-Awa Tsurugisan & Yoshinogawa Tourism Association

FRaU S-TRIP MOVIE（Miyoshi City,Tokushima Prefecture）

FRaU S-TRIP MOVIE（Miyoshi City,Tokushima Prefecture）

Tokushima Prefecture

Miyoshi City

Address: 1810-18 Ikedacho Sarada, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture
Website: https://miyoshi-tourism.jp/
Operator: Miyoshi City Tourism Association

Miyoshi City Spots List

Kita Family Samurai Residence

Kita Family Samurai Residence

Bukeyashiki Kitake (Kita Family Samurai Residence) in Higashi-Iya, Miyoshi City, is the largest samurai residence in the hidden region of Iya. Built in the late Edo period, this residence features heavy thatched roofs and stone walls symbolizing the authority of the village headman who once ruled here and is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Inside, the spacious hall with an Irori hearth, carefully polished black-glowing floors, and preserved daily tools allow you to feel the prestigious lifestyle of people who lived alongside harsh nature. Its appearance harmonized with surrounding steep mountains is truly "Japanese beauty" itself. It's...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Biwa-no-Taki Falls

Biwa-no-Taki Falls

Biwa-no-Taki (Biwa Waterfall), located just a short walk from the "Iya Kazurabashi Bridge," is an elegant 25-meter waterfall. Its name originates from a poignant legend that Heike refugees who fled here after losing the Genpei War played the biwa (lute) by the waterfall to console each other while reminiscing about their hometown. The intense water spray and the cooling sensation around the plunge pool are ideal for healing travel fatigue. The contrast between the surrounding greenery and the white water sliding over rock surfaces is beautiful, making it a popular photo spot. After the thrill of crossing the Kazurabashi, viewing...

Tokushima
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Nature
Spring
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Kawani-ke Nagayamon Gate

Kawani-ke Nagayamon Gate

Kawani-ke Nagayamon in Mima City is a historic structure conveying the prestige of an indigo merchant mansion that built a fortune through the cultivation and manufacturing of Tokushima's specialty, "indigo." This gate, estimated to have been built in the late Edo period, features a very large-scale and heavy structure, symbolizing how the indigo industry brought prosperity to this region. The white walls, tiles, and sturdy wooden gate exude a style concentrating traditional Japanese architectural beauty. With good access from the "Udatsu Townscape," visiting them together allows for a deeper understanding of the former wealthy merchants' authority and aesthetic sense. The...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Ahashi Unkai Observatory

Ahashi Unkai Observatory

Ahashi Unkai Observatory in Nishi-Iya Village, Miyoshi City, is a spectacular viewpoint known for encountering fantastical seas of clouds. Visiting in the early morning silence, the deep valley below is filled with white mist, and mountain peaks float like islands, appearing like a "castle in the sky." As the sun rises and the clouds shift, the emerald green Iya River revealing itself is a true natural artwork. From here, you can also overlook villages clinging to mountain slopes and the unique steep landscape of Iya, feeling the resilience of people living in harsh natural environments. It's a miraculous observatory where...

Tokushima
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Nature
Spring
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Tobinosu Valley

Tobinosu Valley

Tobinosu Valley in Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi City, is an undercover scenic spot located on a tributary of the Yoshino River. Over many years, the river's torrents carved the rocks, exposing giant rock surfaces featuring numerous "potholes" (ou-ketsu). The rugged sculptural beauty combined with surrounding deep forests and transparent water flow exudes the essence of a hidden region. Especially the silence, where only the sound of water sliding over rocks echoes, deeply settles the heart. It has a more private feel than the famous Oboke; for those wanting to spend time in nature as it is or those interested in geological beauty,...

Tokushima
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Nature
Spring
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Hashikurasan Ropeway

Hashikurasan Ropeway

The "Hashikurasan Ropeway" in Miyoshi City is an aerial line of about 1 km from the foot to the historic Hashikuraji Temple, known as the "Inner Sanctuary of Konpira-san." During the 4-minute journey, you can overlook the relaxed flow of the Yoshino River, the unique terrain of Miyoshi City created by the Median Tectonic Line's fault, and seasonal panoramas of the Shikoku Mountains. Especially the moment the view opens up as altitude increases, revealing Tokushima's mountain beauty, is moving. The gondolas are clean and spacious, serving as a luxurious prologue for mental preparation before heading to the historic pilgrimage site....

Tokushima
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Spring
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Oboke & Koboke Gorges

Oboke & Koboke Gorges

Oboke and Koboke Gorges, carved from crystalline schist over hundreds of millions of years by the Yoshino River's torrents, are dynamic scenic spots representing Tokushima. V-shaped steep cliffs continue for several kilometers; the upstream Oboke can be viewed up close via "sightseeing cruise," while the downstream Koboke attracts adventurers as one of the "world's best rafting spots." The contrast between the emerald green water surface and rugged yet beautiful rock surfaces is a spectacular view feeling the Earth's pulse. Seasonal colors decorate the valley, pressing in with overwhelming scale whenever you visit. It's a premier field where you can run...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Shiozuka Plateau

Shiozuka Plateau

Shiozuka Plateau, spreading around 800 meters altitude across Miyoshi City and Ehime's Shikoku-Chuo City, is a heavenly paradise with vast, unobstructed silver grass fields. Below, the Yoshino River and Shikoku mountains stretch out, providing exceptional openness. In spring, fresh green sprouts from "prescribed burning," in summer, cool plateau breezes blow through, and in autumn, you encounter fantastical scenes covered in golden silver grass. The sight of silver grass shining in the setting sun is particularly breathtaking. The grounds also feature campsites, bungalows, and paraglider takeoff points, ideal for active holidays. It's a luxurious panoramic spot to reset yourself while feeling...

Tokushima
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Nature
Spring
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Kurozo Wetland

Kurozo Wetland in Miyoshi City is a rare high-mooor wetland spreading on a mountain at about 550 meters altitude, a mysterious place fittingly called the "Wetland in the Sky." Within the vast 27-hectare grounds, many rare wetland plants and insects live; particularly the tens of thousands of "Sagiso" (fringed orchids) blooming in summer fascinate visitors with their appearance like white birds dancing. In the silence surrounded by deep mountains, walking the boardwalk to observe the waterside ecosystem is a calm, "Zen"-like moment away from city hustle. The seasonal shifting wetland landscapes are also beloved by painters and photographers. A soul-cleansing...

Tokushima
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Nature
Spring
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Akago-buchi Pool

Akago-buchi Pool

Akago-buchi, located in a deep mountainous area of Miyoshi City on a tributary of the Dozan River, is a mysterious pool with beautiful, transparent emerald green water. Its name originates from a legend that an infant's (akago) cry was once heard here, and alongside surrounding sheer rock walls and deep forests, it exudes a somewhat mysterious atmosphere. Because it's not developed on a large scale for tourism, the charm lies in feeling untouched natural beauty as it is. Especially in summer, it's the ultimate summer resort for those seeking cool air and clear streams. Listening to the water flowing over...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Koboke Observatory

Koboke Observatory

Koboke Observatory is a prime viewing spot offering a safe, bird's-eye view of the rugged "Koboke" gorge carved by the Yoshino River's torrents. From here, you can overlook a dynamic panorama of the V-shaped sheer cliffs and the powerful Yoshino River flowing between them. Compared to Oboke, the flow is faster and the rock surfaces are more jagged, truly showcasing the Earth's pulse. If lucky, you might see rafting boats navigating the rapids, looking as small as beans. The seasonal colors are also beautiful, especially in autumn when the foliage fills the valley. A short stop here during a drive...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Oboke Station

Oboke Station on the JR Dosan Line is an atmospheric station loved by many travelers as the gateway to the hidden region of Iya. From the platform, you can view the beautiful Yoshino River flowing just below, making even the wait for a train a special sightseeing experience. Around the station building, a stone statue of "Konaki-jiji," based on local yokai legends, humorously welcomes visitors. It is also a stop for the sightseeing train "Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari," featuring heart-warming interactions with locals known for their hospitality. The moment you step off the train, pure air and the deep presence...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
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Nagoro Kakashi Village

Nagoro Kakashi Village

Nagoro Kakashi Village in Higashi-Iya, Miyoshi City, is a mysterious and warm settlement where over 300 "kakashi" (scarecrows) outnumber the human population. A woman started making scarecrows to chase birds from her fields, but now they are placed everywhere—working in fields, waiting at bus stops, or children in classrooms—recreating the village's former vitality. These expressive and realistic figures were featured by international media as a "miracle of the village in the sky." This landscape, which gracefully and artistically sublimates the reality of depopulation, provides deep emotion and a sense of the quiet life force of provincial Japan to all who...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Ryugugake Park

Ryugugake Park in Higashi-Iya, Miyoshi City, features the symbolic 70-meter high "Ryugu Bridge" suspension bridge over the deep Iya River gorge. The view from this bridge is a mysterious, spectacular scene fitting the name "Ryugu" (Dragon Palace), overwhelming visitors with a panorama of sheer cliffs and emerald green streams. Its greatest charm is allowing a quiet enjoyment of the hidden region's atmosphere without the crowds of the main Kazurabashi. The park is equipped with campsites and cottages, providing a luxurious time gazing at star-filled skies at night and valley mists in the morning. Strolling through the grounds while admiring natural...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Mitsugonji Temple

Mitsugonji Temple

Mitsugonji Temple, located on a hill in Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi City, is a historic ancient temple enveloped in silence with a fantastic view overlooking northern Tokushima Prefecture. Known as a temple associated with the Miyoshi clan, powerful local lords who once ruled the area, the grounds are dotted with buildings and stone monuments conveying the weight of history. In autumn, magnificent ginkgo and maple trees color the grounds, further enhancing the historical atmosphere. It is also an excellent point to overlook Mt. Kotsu, known as "Awa Fuji," allowing visitors to touch Japanese spiritual culture alongside fresh mountain air. This is a...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
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Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Campsite

Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Campsite

Located right next to the "Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridges," this campsite is a special place fittingly called the "bed within the hidden region." Situated in a forest where the murmuring of the clear Iya River is constantly heard, the night sky is filled with an overwhelming number of stars unattainable in cities. Right beside the campsite are the historic "Kazurabashi" and the manual "Yaen" ropeway, making the stay itself an adventure. Drinking coffee brewed in the morning mist and clear air is an exceptional experience. Here lies the true essence of outdoor life—enjoying inconveniences. It's highly recommended for those wanting...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Ochiai Pass

Ochiai Pass, connecting Miyoshi City and Tsurugi Town, is one of the highest passes in Tokushima Prefecture at approximately 1,520 meters. With few tall trees obstructing the view, the summit area offers a 360-degree panorama of the ruggedly beautiful Tsurugi mountain range. It is considered a mecca among enthusiasts for exhilarating drives or cycling that feel like traveling above the clouds. Seasonal expressions in fresh summer green, autumn foliage, and winter snow are all dramatic. The silence of the remote highlands and the non-daily feeling of clouds passing right before your eyes are unique. It's a spot where you can...

Tokushima
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Nature
Spring
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Ikedako Mizugiwa Park

Ikedako Mizugiwa Park

Ikedako Mizugiwa Park, on the shores of the Ikeda Dam Lake created by damming the Yoshino River, is an open park with beautiful waterscapes and green lawns. The surrounding mountains reflect on the calm lake surface, ideal for strolling or picnicking in the idyllic scenery. Water sports like wakeboarding and banana boating are actively conducted here, making it a lively area where quiet landscapes and active play coexist. Its international recognition is rising, having hosted the "Wakeboard World Championships." At dusk, the lake surface shines golden, creating a very romantic atmosphere. It's a perfect place to stop during a drive...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Minenokubo Panorama Observatory

Minenokubo Panorama Observatory

The "Minenokubo Panorama Observatory," located at the top of a settlement with steep tea plantations in the mountains of Miyoshi City, is a spectacular spot overlooking the Yoshino River and the villages spreading across the opposite mountains. Early morning is highly recommended; when conditions align, a sea of white clouds fills the valley below, creating a "castle in the sky" scene where mountain peaks float like islands. It is a famous takeoff point for hang gliders, with certified openness and breadth of view. Feeling the idyllic mountain air with the scent of tea while experiencing the extraordinary sensation of clouds...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Handaiwa Rock

Handaiwa in Miyoshi City is a scenic area of giant and unusual rocks located on a tributary of the Yoshino River. Over long years, the river flow carved the hard rocks, resulting in a series of unique sculptures where you can enjoy natural beauty up close. The water flowing between the rocks is incredibly clear, and it is cherished by locals as a hidden water play spot in summer. The contrast between deep surrounding forests, rugged rocks, and clear streams evokes the charm of traditional Japanese landscape paintings. Not overly commercialized, it allows for a quiet time and the luxury...

Tokushima
Nature
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Hashikuraji Temple (Bekkaku)

Hashikuraji Temple (Bekkaku)

Hashikuraji Temple, collecting faith since ancient times as the "Inner Sanctuary of Konpira-san," is the 15th temple of the Shikoku Bekkaku 20 Pilgrimage, located at about 600 meters altitude. Its name comes from a legend that Kobo Daishi received a revelation from "Konpira Daigongen" and was granted chopsticks (hashi). Reachable from the foot via the "Hashikurasan Ropeway," you can climb while enjoying the panorama of the Yoshino River and Miyoshi City. The grounds, with heavy wooden structures designated as Important Cultural Properties, are truly a celestial sacred site. Especially the main hall with exquisite carvings and the quiet forest showing...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
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Tsuzuki Shoten (Oku-Iya Experience)

Tsuzuki Shoten (Oku-Iya Experience)

Tsuzuki Shoten in the hidden region of Oku-Iya, Miyoshi City, is the base for "Oku-Iya Menme-juku," where you can experience regional traditional food and culture. Workshops to learn ancestral wisdom from harsh mountain life, such as making local specialty "Soba-neri" or unique preserved foods, are popular. Especially recommended is the cooking experience using ingredients unique to Oku-Iya. Dishes taught by local mothers while surrounding an Irori hearth are soul-warming and flavorful. The owner's warm hospitality and the deep mountain views outside the window create a luxurious time unattainable in cities. For travelers wanting to experience hidden region life through "food"...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Ichigo House (Strawberry Picking)

Ichigo House (Strawberry Picking)

There are many farms in Tokushima Prefecture where strawberry cultivation flourishes utilizing the warm climate and Yoshino River's blessings, and at "Ichigo House," you can enjoy strawberry picking during the season (approx. Jan-May). Many farms use elevated cultivation, allowing you to harvest bright red, ripe, large strawberries in a comfortable posture without bending over. Experiences of eating high-quality, high-sugar Japanese varieties like Tokushima-born "Sachinoka" or sweet "Momo-ichigo" on the spot in an all-you-can-eat style are very popular among international tourists. Spending time in cleanly managed greenhouses enveloped in sweet scents is ideal for families and couples. It's a happy spot...

Tokushima
Food
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Spring

Miyoshikiku Sake Brewery

Miyoshikiku Sake Brewery

Miyoshikiku Sake Brewery in Awa-Ikeda is a sake brewery known for its very unique and modern approach despite being in a traditional brewing town. Its most prominent features are the artistic, pop label designs you won't forget once seen, and a fruity, wild flavor that overturns common sake knowledge. Brewed using wild yeast or utilizing unique acidity, their sake has a brilliance like white wine, earning immense support from young generations and international fans. The gap between the historic brewery building and the innovative sake made there is also part of the fun. Through tastings, you can realize that Japanese...

Tokushima
Food
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Spring
Summer
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Manabeya MINDE (Miyoshi City)

Manabeya MINDE (Miyoshi City)

Located in the Udatsu Townscape of Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi City, "MINDE" is a multi-purpose exchange facility renovated from the "Old Manabe Residence," a historic merchant house from the Edo period. Utilizing the space's heavy architectural beauty, it houses a kitchen and cafe serving dishes made with plenty of local ingredients, a coworking space, and a shop featuring regional specialties. It's a place like a "town living room" where tourists and locals naturally mingle. While admiring historic designs, you can enjoy tea and obtain the latest information on Miyoshi's rich culture or events. It's an ideal base for town walks where you...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
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Inn Largo

Inn Largo, located in a quiet mountain area of Miyoshi City, is a luxurious private inn renovated from a closed kindergarten. While preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of the former school building and playground, the interior has been transformed into a modern, sophisticated space filled with the warmth of wood, tickling the adventurous spirit of both adults and children. From the vast wooden deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Iya mountains and starry skies, allowing for free and private time such as enjoying a BBQ or reading in silence. The experience of "traveling as if living" with...

Tokushima
Accommodation
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Spring
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Nishi-Iya Village

Nishi-Iya Village

Nishi-Iya Village in Miyoshi City is the central area of the Iya Valley, known as one of Japan's three most hidden regions. It concentrates highlights of Tokushima tourism, such as the famous "Iya Kazurabashi Bridge," the "Peeing Boy" statue on a thrilling cliff, and the "Heike Yashiki" reflecting Heike refugee legends. The dynamic natural beauty woven by steep canyons and emerald green rivers is spectacular. The landscape of villages with unique cultures and traditional "Iya Soba" is also charming. In recent years, activities like Forest Adventure have flourished, making it a place where history and adventure coexist. It is a...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Valley Sauna Shimonoro Permanent

Valley Sauna Shimonoro Permanent

The "Valley Sauna," located within the "Shimonoro Permanent" accommodation in a renovated closed elementary school in Miyoshi City, is a hidden sauna in the wilderness. Tucked away in the silence of deep mountains, the wood-fired sauna is an authentic Nordic style where you stoke the fire yourself and enjoy steam by pouring water on heated stones. The ultimate luxury is cooling down your heated body in the natural stream water flowing through the valley. The "outdoor air bathing" enveloped in forest scents, river murmurs, and birdsong leads mind and body to ultimate "totonoi" (meditative state). It is a modern sanctuary...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi City

Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi City

Yamashiro-cho in Miyoshi City is a unique region world-famous as the "Village of Yokai Legends," surrounded by steep mountains and deep valleys. Over 150 types of yokai legends remain here, and it's considered the home of "Konaki-jiji," who appears in Shigeru Mizuki's manga. Walking the streets, handmade stone and wooden yokai statues created by locals welcome you everywhere, providing fun as if wandering into another world. The rugged terrain is also famous as a high-quality tea producing area, and the deep flavor of "Awa Tea" nurtured in misty environments is also a charm. For travelers wanting to touch the imagination...

Tokushima
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Nature
Spring
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Iya Onsen

Iya Onsen, located in the Iya Valley—one of Japan’s three most hidden regions—is world-famous for its secluded inn perched on a precipice. The main attraction is the open-air bath at the bottom of the valley, reached by a private cable car descending about 170 meters. Soaking in the free-flowing hot spring water while listening to the murmuring of the emerald green Iya River is the ultimate luxury. In autumn, the valley is filled with gold and red foliage, enveloping you in breathtaking views. With no convenience stores or traffic lights, only birdsong and the river's sound are heard. It provides...

Tokushima
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Spring
Summer
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Mt. Tsurugi

Mt. Tsurugi, standing at 1,955 meters, is the second highest peak in Shikoku. While historically a mountain of faith, it is a "heavenly paradise" relatively easy for beginners to climb. Using the mountaineering lift, you can reach near the summit from the mountainside in about 15 minutes and walk along the gentle ridge path. The summit offers a 360-degree unobstructed panorama, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. Legend also says King Solomon's treasure is hidden here, adding a mysterious charm. Rare alpine plants bloom from May to October, allowing you to feel Japan's seasonal...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
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Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Iya Valley

The Iya Valley, formed by the Iya River carving through the Shikoku Mountains, is one of Japan's premier scenic spots with V-shaped steep cliffs continuing for dozens of kilometers. Dynamic photo spots like the "Hi-no-ji Valley," which looks like the letter "ひ" from above, and the "Peeing Boy" statue standing on a 200-meter high rock are scattered throughout. The contrast between the emerald green water, deep green surroundings, and autumn foliage that colors the entire valley is a mysterious beauty fitting for a hidden region. Some areas are narrow and steep, but that allows you to experience the power of...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Yokai House

The "Yokai House" (within Roadside Station Oboke) in Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi City, is a unique facility themed around yokai (monster) legends passed down in this region since ancient times. This area has many sheer cliffs and deep valleys, and it's said many yokai stories were born to warn children against approaching dangerous places. The interior exhibits over 100 humorous yet somewhat eerie yokai figures handmade by locals, providing a fun way to learn about the deep mountain culture of Tokushima. Known as the legendary birthplace of the famous yokai "Konaki-jiji," experiencing this alongside the rugged natural environment allows visitors to feel...

Tokushima
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Spring
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Roadside Station Oboke

Roadside Station Oboke

Located at the entrance to the spectacular Oboke Gorge, "Roadside Station Oboke" is a convenient hub concentrating tourism, gourmet food, and experiences. The building offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Yoshino River flow, and the attached restaurant allows you to fully savor mountain delicacies like local gibier dishes and specialty Iya Soba. It houses the "Yokai House" and the "Lapis Oboke" stone museum where you can learn about Earth's history, offering substantial exhibits beyond a mere rest area. The sales corner for fresh local vegetables and specialties is also perfect for souvenir shopping. Spending time looking at Oboke's dynamic...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Food
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Spring
Summer
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Winter

Hi-no-ji Valley

Hi-no-ji Valley

The "Hi-no-ji Valley" in Iya Gorge is a stunning spot named because the Iya River curves sharply around the mountain, resembling the Japanese character "ひ" (hi) from above. The artistic beauty of the deep cliffs and the shimmering emerald green river showcases the power of nature. During the autumn foliage season, the entire valley turns fiery shades of red and yellow, creating a breathtaking contrast with the blue of the river. An observation deck provides a safe view of this dynamic landscape, making it a popular photo spot symbolizing the hidden region of Iya. Surrounded by deep forests and rocky...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ochiai Village

Ochiai Village in Higashi-Iya, Miyoshi City, is a rural landscape where traditional houses built from the mid-Edo to Meiji periods are scattered along a steep mountain slope. The maximum elevation difference reaches about 390 meters, and the wisdom and effort of ancestors who built stone walls to secure farmland and housing are designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. From the observation point on the opposite shore, you may see a fantastical sight of the village floating in a sea of clouds. In recent years, renovated old houses have become accommodations, allowing visitors to actually...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Heike Yashiki Folk Museum

Heike Yashiki Folk Museum

The "Heike Yashiki Folk Museum" in Nishi-Iya Village is a facility that conveys the legend of the Heike clan, who fled to this hidden region after losing the Genpei War. Utilizing the Edo-period Nishioka residence, a former local influential family, its atmospheric thatched roof and heavy gate impart a sense of history. The museum exhibits armor, swords, old documents belonging to the Heike clan, and daily tools that tell of the harsh mountain life of the time. In the garden stands a centuries-old pine tree, quietly watching over the tragic history of the refugees. In an environment surrounded by deep...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oboke Sightseeing Cruise

Oboke Sightseeing Cruise

The Oboke Sightseeing Cruise is an activity where you leisurely tour the "Oboke Gorge," carved out by the Yoshino River's torrents over hundreds of millions of years, while listening to a boatman's guide. The biggest highlight is the crystalline schist rock walls designated as a National Natural Monument. You can admire the rugged yet beautiful rock surfaces that look like sculptures up close, and their power is overwhelming. The seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter reflects on the river surface, providing a different moving experience in every season....

Tokushima
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Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Iya Kazurabashi Bridge

Iya Kazurabashi Bridge

The "Iya Kazurabashi Bridge," spanning the valley in the hidden region of Iya in western Tokushima, is an extremely rare suspension bridge in Japan made by weaving Shirakuchi-kazura vines. Designated as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property, legend says that refugees of the Heike clan built the bridge using plants so they could cut it down at any time to escape pursuers. It shakes and creaks with every step, and the thrill of seeing the river surface far below through the gaps under your feet is immense. Surrounded by deep greenery and clear streams, you can enjoy the beautiful...

Tokushima
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Nature
Spring
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Winter

Ikeda Udatsu Townscape

Ikeda Udatsu Townscape

The "Ikeda Udatsu Townscape" in Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi City, is a historic street where mansions of merchants who built fortunes through shredded tobacco production still remain. It has a different atmosphere from the townscape in Mima City, with dignified houses quietly conveying the prosperity of former times. This region flourished as a transportation hub and continues to be home to sake breweries and a rich intersection of food culture and history. Walking while admiring the udon firewalls with detailed craftsmanship and prestigious entrances, the wealthy lifestyle of the time supported by local industries comes to light. It is popular as a...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
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Ai Yoshinogawa Torokko

Ai Yoshinogawa Torokko

The "Ai Yoshinogawa Torokko," running on the JR Tokushima Line (Yoshinogawa Blue Line), is a sightseeing train themed around Tokushima's traditional culture, "Awa Indigo." You can enjoy your journey along the wind while feeling the flow of the Yoshino River—the symbol of Tokushima—close at hand. The car design features deep indigo colors, and a major attraction is enjoying bento boxes packed with local specialties on board. In the open-air feeling unique to trolley cars, the time spent taking in the beautiful murmuring of the river and idyllic rural landscapes with all five senses is pure luxury. The hospitality of residents...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Activities
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Nishi-Awa Area

The "Nishi-Awa Area" in western Tokushima is a treasure trove of hidden regions where Japan's original landscapes remain strong, featuring steep mountains led by Mt. Tsurugi, deep valleys carved by the Yoshino River, and villages on sloping land. The "Steep Slope Land Agriculture," passed down in this region, is certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, conveying ancestral wisdom for coexisting with nature. Visitors can enjoy a mix of activities and historical exploration, from thrilling rafting in Oboke and Koboke to daring strolls on the Iya Kazurabashi Bridge and the historic Udatsu Townscape. This area, enveloped in silence and...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
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Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridges

Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridges

The "Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Bridges," located in the deepest part of Miyoshi City in Higashi-Iya, is a spot full of hidden region charm with two bridges, the "Man Bridge" and "Woman Bridge," spanning side-by-side. Legend says the Heike clan built them to travel to their horse training grounds; the bridges woven from plants shake with every step, providing a thrill as the stream is visible through gaps underfoot. Compared to the famous "Iya Kazurabashi," there are fewer tourists, allowing for a quieter enjoyment of deep natural silence. Nearby is a unique ride called "Yaen" (Wild Monkey), where you pull a...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Peeing Boy Statue of Iya Valley

Peeing Boy Statue of Iya Valley

The statue of the "Peeing Boy," standing on a rock jutting out over a 200-meter precipice in the Iya Valley, is a very impactful landscape representing Tokushima. It was created based on an anecdote that local children and travelers once tested their courage from this spot. Below flows the emerald green shimmering Iya River; the contrast between the deep, steep valley beauty and the small standing statue is a sight you won't forget. During the autumn foliage season, the entire valley turns vibrant red and yellow, bringing its beauty to a peak. Though the spot might make your legs tremble,...

Tokushima
Sightseeing
Spring
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