Nishi Awa, Tokushima Prefecture: Where you can experience life and culture in the satoyama as it really is.
Nishi-Awa in Tokushima, surrounded by mountains, boasts breathtaking landscapes with vibrant greenery, autumn foliage, and snowy scenes, changing with each season. Recognized as a UNESCO World Agricultural Heritage site for its sloping land farming methods, the region has garnered international attention.
In the heart of the Higashiyama Uchino village within this area, the guesthouse 'Uribou' proudly continues the tradition of using these traditional farming methods to produce delicious vegetables and serve freshly dressed game meat as local cuisine. This allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the unspoiled rural life of the mountains.
Additionally, Wakimachi, situated in the center of Tokushima, is renowned for its picturesque white-walled town and has a rich history associated with indigo dyeing. Amidst the vast natural surroundings, the Edo-period atmosphere of the old town has captivated many, establishing it as a designated Traditional Building Preservation District and attracting visitors from far and wide.
Exploring the Roots of Local Food Culture:
A hands-on experience of hunting and harvesting crops.
From December to March, you can actively engage in setting traps to catch wild birds and animals, as well as experience the UNESCO-designated sloping land farming method through hands-on activities such as harvesting and planting. By immersing yourself directly in the 'unfiltered rural life' of farming villages, you have the opportunity to learn about the unique local lifestyle.
Participate in hunting wild boars and deer, cultivate crops such as soba, seasonal vegetables in summer and winter, as well as plums and persimmons. Exploring the origins of the region's food culture may lead to new discoveries. Take advantage of the rare experiences unique to this region, which are not readily available in urban settings.
'Experience Indigo' Dyeing in a Traditional Town that Once Thrived as a Hub for Indigo Production
In the historically vibrant town that flourished with indigo, you can immerse yourself in the experience of traditional culture through indigo dyeing. Customize your own designs on items like handkerchiefs, scarves, and socks using indigo dye, creating original mementos of your journey.
While some may feel uncertain about the outcome and completion during the process, the astonishment and vibrant hues when unfolding the personally dyed piece are truly remarkable. It provides a sense of achievement and a delightful experience. Delve into history and tradition while challenging yourself to create lasting memories in tangible forms.
Savor the True Essence of Nature through Game Cuisine
Indulge in the natural flavors of game meat, hunted from the wild, in dishes known for their high nutritional value. In Europe, this culinary tradition has long been associated with nobility, while in Japan, venison and wild boar meat are popular representatives.
At the discreet inn, 'Minshuku Uribou,' you can relish a combination of such game cuisine and vegetables cultivated through the traditional and globally recognized 'sloping land farming.' The inn sources game meat from the surrounding areas, serving it in a shabu-shabu style deliberately left unseasoned, allowing you to savor the natural essence of the ingredients.
The Thrilling Vine Bridges of Secluded Iya Valley:
'Iya no Kazurabashi'
A historically significant hidden gem, designated as a nationally important tangible folk cultural property. This thrilling destination allows you to peer into the valley below through gaps in the elevated bridge floor, providing a sense of exhilaration enhanced by the approximately 45-meter length of the suspension bridge. It has gained popularity among many for the unique atmosphere created by the Shira-kuchi Kazura vines woven into the bridge and the surrounding natural landscape. Experience the emotions that can only be felt here in this distinctive locale.
This time, we introduced the Wakimachi and Miyoshi Gun areas in the western part of Tokushima Prefecture. Amidst the expansive natural landscapes, there are also historical and traditional scenes and spots that allow you to understand the life and culture from the region's historical background. We invite you to experience the charm of rural life firsthand.
Area Overview
Area Overview
【Access from Osaka to Miyoshi Gun and Wakimachi】
*Access to Miyoshi Gun
(By Shinkansen and Train)
- ・Shinkansen:Shin-Osaka Station to Okayama Station
(Approximate travel time: about 45 minutes) - ・Train:Okayama Station to Mima Station
(Approximate travel time: about 2.5 hours)
(By Bus and Train)
- ・Bus:Osaka or Sannomiya to Tokushima Station
(Approximate travel time: about 2 hours) - ・Train:Tokushima Station to Mima Station
(Approximate travel time: about 1 hour and 40 minutes)
*Access to Waki Town
(By Shinkansen and Train)
- ・Shinkansen:Shin-Osaka Station to Okayama Station
(Approximate travel time: about 45 minutes) - ・Train:Okayama Station to Anabuki Station
(Approximate travel time: about 2.5 hours)
(By Bus and Train)
- ・Bus:Osaka or Sannomiya to Tokushima Station
(Approximate travel time: about 2 hours) - ・Train:Tokushima Station to Anabuki Station
(Approximate travel time: about 1 hour and 10 minutes)