Natural Attractions and Scenic Landscapes
Awa no Dochū: Spectacular Earth Pillars
Awa no Dochū is one of Awa City’s most distinctive natural landmarks and is designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan. Over many years, erosion has sculpted the exposed layers of earth into dramatic pillar-like formations. The unusual landscape is a remarkable example of nature’s power to shape the land and is well worth visiting for its striking scenery.
Nogami’s Great Japanese Hackberry
Known as Nogami no Ōsendan in Japanese, this impressive tree is another natural treasure of Awa City. Believed to be several centuries old, it is designated as a National Natural Monument. Its enormous trunk and imposing presence offer visitors a chance to appreciate the grandeur of an ancient tree.
Iwatsu Bridge
Spanning the Yoshino River, Iwatsu Bridge is a popular local spot for enjoying the scenery throughout the year. Cherry blossoms bring color to the surrounding landscape in spring, while autumn foliage creates a different seasonal atmosphere. The river and bridge also make an appealing setting for photography.
Kakihara Weir
Kakihara Weir offers attractive waterside scenery and a chance to experience the natural character of the area. The flowing water and surrounding landscape provide a pleasant setting for a walk or a relaxing break outdoors.
Ichijō Submersible Bridge
Ichijō Submersible Bridge crosses the Yoshino River and is designed to be overtopped when the river rises. Unlike conventional bridges, it has no high protective railings that would obstruct floodwaters. Its low profile creates a distinctive view of the river and reflects an approach to bridge design adapted to the region’s waterways. Visitors should take care around the river and never attempt to cross when water levels are high.
Taiko-zaka Slope
Taiko-zaka, or Drum Slope, takes its name from its distinctive shape, which is said to resemble a drum. It is one of the area’s local features, associated with the region’s landscape and traditional stories.
Hot Springs and Places to Relax
Natural Hot Spring Goshō no Sato
Natural Hot Spring Goshō no Sato is a place to unwind after exploring the area. Visitors can relax in the hot spring baths and enjoy dishes prepared with local ingredients, making it a pleasant stop for travelers seeking both relaxation and regional food.
Dochū Kyūyōson Onsen
Located near Awa no Dochū, this hot spring facility offers another opportunity to rest in a natural setting. Its location makes it a convenient addition to a visit to the city’s famous earth pillars.
Museums and Community Facilities
World Mask Museum
The World Mask Museum introduces visitors to mask-making traditions from countries around the globe. Its collection brings together masks that reflect the histories, beliefs, and cultural practices of different societies. Exploring the exhibits offers an engaging way to discover how masks have been used in ceremonies, performances, and everyday life across cultures.
Donari History Museum
The Awa City Donari History Museum presents aspects of the area’s history, culture, and traditional crafts. It is a useful place to learn more about the communities and traditions that have shaped the region.
Aeruwa
Aeruwa serves as a community gathering place for local activities and events. In addition to supporting interaction among residents, the facility offers visitors opportunities to experience community life in Awa City.
Awa Regional Exchange Center
This center supports local activities and provides information about the area. Visitors can learn about regional attractions, local specialties, and community events, making it a useful stop when exploring Awa City.
Yoshino Water Park
Yoshino Water Park is particularly popular during the summer season. It provides a place for families and friends to enjoy water-based recreation and make the most of the warm weather.
Roadside Station Donari
Roadside Station Donari is a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region by car. Visitors can browse fresh local agricultural products and regional specialties while taking a break during their journey.
Dochū Soyokaze Hiroba
Situated near Awa no Dochū, this open recreational area provides space to relax amid the surrounding natural scenery. It is suitable for a leisurely walk or picnic and can easily be combined with a visit to the earth pillars.
Donari Central Park and Ichiba Park
Donari Central Park offers a spacious green setting with play equipment for children, making it a pleasant destination for families. Ichiba Park is another community green space where residents gather and occasional local events take place.
Donari Midori-no-Oka Sports Park
This sports park provides space for activities such as soccer, tennis, and jogging. Its open facilities make it popular with local sports enthusiasts and visitors who want to stay active outdoors.
Tree House Forest
Surrounded by nature, Tree House Forest appeals to visitors who enjoy outdoor adventures. Accommodation in tree houses is available, offering families and friends the opportunity to spend a memorable night in a woodland setting.
Shrines, Temples, and Historic Sites
Local Shrines
Awa City is home to several shrines that have long served as places of worship and community tradition. These include Goshō Shrine, Annai Shrine, Wakamiya Shrine, Ichijō Shrine, Jūnibashira Shrine, Ōmata Hachiman Shrine, and Yakuōji Shrine. Their grounds offer quiet places for reflection, while seasonal festivals and local religious customs provide insight into the area’s cultural heritage.
The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
One of Awa City’s most important cultural features is its connection to the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a renowned Buddhist route associated with the monk Kūkai, also known as Kōbō Daishi. The city contains four consecutive pilgrimage temples: Jūrakuji, Temple No. 7; Kumadaniji, Temple No. 8; Hōrinji, Temple No. 9; and Kirihataji, Temple No. 10. Pilgrims from across Japan and overseas visit these temples as part of their spiritual journey around Shikoku.
Kumadaniji is known for its imposing temple gate, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The gate’s traditional architecture conveys the atmosphere of an old pilgrimage temple and offers a glimpse into the region’s religious history.
Kirihataji is especially notable for its large pagoda, also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its distinctive architecture and historical significance make it one of the city’s noteworthy cultural landmarks.
Myōōin Temple
Myōōin is the second temple on the Shikoku 36 Fudō Pilgrimage, a separate route dedicated to Fudō Myōō, a Buddhist deity associated with protection and spiritual discipline. The temple offers pilgrims and other visitors a peaceful place for prayer and contemplation.
Akizuki Castle Ruins
The remains of Akizuki Castle are designated as a municipal historic site. The ruins offer an opportunity to consider the area’s past and the role that fortified settlements played in local history.
Festivals and Local Events
Spring Festival at Yakuōji Shrine
This annual spring festival is an important local celebration featuring traditional ceremonies and a portable shrine procession. It offers visitors a chance to experience community traditions and the atmosphere of a local religious festival.
Goshō Tarai Udon Festival
This food festival celebrates Goshō tarai udon, a regional specialty of noodles traditionally served in a large wooden tub. Visitors can sample local flavors and discover an important part of Awa City’s food culture.
Awa City Summer Festival
The summer festival brings the community together with seasonal festivities, including fireworks and traditional Bon dancing. It is a lively way to experience the atmosphere of a Japanese summer evening.
Awa City Food Marche
This food-focused event showcases local agricultural produce and regional specialties. Visitors can browse and purchase fresh ingredients and processed foods while discovering the area’s rich farming culture.
Nishikigoi Auction Market
Awa City is also associated with the breeding of colorful koi carp. At the annual Nishikigoi Auction Market, these ornamental fish are put up for auction, offering a distinctive local event for visitors interested in Japanese fish-keeping culture.
Hachisuka Lord’s Daimyō Procession
This historical procession draws on the legacy of the Hachisuka family, which ruled the Tokushima domain during the feudal period. Participants recreate the atmosphere of a traditional daimyō procession, bringing the region’s samurai-era history to life.
Yaneko-jiki
Yaneko-jiki is a distinctive local tradition associated with Awa City. The custom reflects the area’s unique cultural heritage and remains a source of local pride.
Dochū Day and Hatohtō Night @ DOCHU
Dochū Day celebrates Awa City’s famous earth pillars with activities that highlight the area’s natural heritage. Another event, Hatohtō Night @ DOCHU, creates a striking nighttime scene by illuminating Awa no Dochū. The lights transform the unusual geological formations into a dramatic landscape after dark.
Geography and Natural Environment
Awa City lies on the northern side of the Yoshino River, with plains to the south and the Awa-Sanuki Mountains to the north. The city was established on March 1, 2005, through the merger of Yoshino, Donari, Ichiba, and Awa towns. The fertile land along the Yoshino River supports agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, which remains an important part of the local economy.
Notable mountains in the area include Mount Jōō, Mount Myōtai, and Mount Igasa. Their changing seasonal scenery offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. In addition to the Yoshino River, waterways such as Miyagauchi Valley River, Higaidani River, and Ōkagedani River contribute to the area’s varied riverside landscapes.
History and Local Identity
Since its establishment in 2005, Awa City has continued to develop its municipal services and local communities. A new city hall was completed in Ichiba in 2014, and administrative functions were transferred there. The city also has an official mascot, Awami-chan, introduced in 2012 to promote the area’s attractions and represent the community at local events.
Agriculture and Local Industry
Agriculture plays a central role in Awa City’s economy. Rice cultivation is particularly prominent, with paddy fields accounting for a reported 84.1% of the city’s farmland area. The fertile plains and water resources of the Yoshino River basin have helped sustain farming for generations, while other industries and services contribute to local employment.
Discover Awa City’s Cultural Heritage
Awa City offers a rewarding combination of natural landscapes, religious heritage, local festivals, and rural culture. Visitors can explore the dramatic earth pillars of Awa no Dochū, relax beside the Yoshino River, discover international mask traditions, or follow in the footsteps of pilgrims at the historic temples along the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. With its blend of outdoor recreation and deeply rooted traditions, Awa City provides a memorable introduction to the cultural and natural character of Tokushima Prefecture.