Highlights of Higashimiyoshi Town
Kamo no Okusu: An Ancient Camphor Tree
One of Higashimiyoshi’s most remarkable landmarks is Kamo no Okusu, a giant camphor tree estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. Designated a Special Natural Monument of Japan, this magnificent tree has long been regarded as a symbol of the community. Its enormous trunk and spreading branches convey a powerful sense of age and permanence, while the surrounding landscape changes with the seasons.
For visitors interested in Japan’s relationship with nature, Kamo no Okusu is more than a botanical attraction. Ancient trees have traditionally been associated with spiritual reverence, and the site offers a quiet opportunity to appreciate the natural heritage that has shaped local identity over generations.
Minoda no Fuchi: Dramatic Scenery Along the Yoshino River
Minoda no Fuchi is a picturesque river landscape where clear water flows among striking rock formations along the Yoshino River. The contrast between the rugged rocks and the flowing water creates a memorable view of Shikoku’s natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace and, depending on conditions and available facilities, explore the surrounding area on foot or enjoy riverside recreation.
The sound of the river and the peaceful surroundings make this an appealing place to pause during a sightseeing trip. As with any river destination, water levels and currents can change, so visitors should follow local safety guidance when approaching the water.
Yoshinogawa Highway Oasis
Situated beside the Tokushima Expressway, Yoshinogawa Highway Oasis is a convenient place to take a break while traveling through western Tokushima. More than a simple roadside rest stop, the facility offers opportunities to shop, enjoy a meal, and take in views of the Yoshino River.
Its convenient location makes it particularly useful for road trips across Shikoku. Travelers can stretch their legs, sample local products, and enjoy the surrounding scenery before continuing toward destinations such as Oboke, Koboke, and the Iya Valley.
Jurinin Waterfall
Jurinin Waterfall is another natural attraction in Higashimiyoshi, offering a refreshing escape amid the area’s green landscapes. The waterfall takes on a different character throughout the year, while the cool atmosphere near the flowing water can be especially appealing during the summer months.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Mizunomaru Fureai Park
Mizunomaru Fureai Park is a spacious outdoor destination recognized as one of the scenic locations featured in the Shikoku 88 Views selection. Its natural surroundings make it a pleasant place for walking and spending time outdoors. Families and couples can enjoy the open space and take a break from a busy sightseeing itinerary.
Yumeria 34
Yumeria 34 is a multipurpose community facility where visitors can discover local products, crafts, and regional activities. Events are also held here, offering opportunities to experience the town’s community spirit and learn more about its local culture.
Buburu Park Mikamo
Buburu Park Mikamo is a family-friendly park designed for outdoor relaxation. With play equipment for children and space to enjoy the natural surroundings, it is a good choice for families looking for a relaxed break during their travels. The park is also suitable for a casual picnic or a leisurely stroll.
Kamo Rural Park
Kamo Rural Park provides an opportunity to enjoy the countryside and learn about the region’s agricultural traditions. Seasonal plants and cultivated landscapes give the park a changing appearance throughout the year, making it a pleasant destination for visitors interested in rural life and the natural environment of Shikoku.
Historic Shrines and Temples
Higashimiyoshi has a rich religious heritage, with Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples that continue to serve local communities. These sites offer a glimpse into the traditions, festivals, and spiritual practices that have been passed down through generations.
Amashidate Shrine
Surrounded by nature, Amashidate Shrine is a historic place of worship with a quiet, sacred atmosphere. It offers visitors a chance to pause, appreciate the surrounding landscape, and experience the enduring role of Shinto shrines in local Japanese life.
Amato Yasaka Shrine
Amato Yasaka Shrine stands in a scenic setting and has traditionally been revered as a guardian shrine for the community. Local religious events and festivals bring people together here, connecting contemporary community life with long-established customs.
Kanamaru Hachiman Shrine
Kanamaru Hachiman Shrine is associated with traditional local religious practices and is recognized for its connection to Tokushima Prefecture’s intangible folk cultural heritage. Visitors interested in regional customs can gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural traditions preserved by local communities.
Kamo Shrine
Kamo Shrine is a tranquil place of worship surrounded by natural scenery. Revered by local residents, it provides a peaceful setting for prayer and quiet contemplation.
Itsutaki Shrine
Set amid a landscape of streams and waterfalls, Itsutaki Shrine has a distinctive natural atmosphere. The combination of water, greenery, and quiet surroundings makes it an appealing stop for travelers exploring the area’s smaller religious sites.
Jurinin Temple
Jurinin Temple is the 72nd temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, one of Japan’s best-known Buddhist pilgrimage routes. Pilgrims visit to pray and reflect, while the temple’s historic setting offers other travelers an opportunity to experience Shikoku’s Buddhist traditions.
Kamo Fudō-in Temple
Kamo Fudō-in is the seventh temple on the Shikoku 36 Fudō Pilgrimage, a route dedicated to Fudō Myōō, a powerful Buddhist deity associated with wisdom and the protection of Buddhist teachings. The temple’s solemn atmosphere reflects the importance of religious practice in the region.
Chōzen-ji Temple
Chōzen-ji is the eighth temple on the Shikoku 36 Fudō Pilgrimage. Its peaceful surroundings offer visitors a place to pray, reflect, and explore another aspect of the area’s Buddhist heritage.
Ganjo-ji Temple
Ganjo-ji is the 65th temple on the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage. This religious route links temples across Shikoku through a tradition of Buddhist devotion and cultural discovery. The temple provides a quiet setting in which to appreciate the region’s spiritual history.
Rinka-ji Temple, Also Known as Ohana Daigongen
Rinka-ji is locally known as Ohana Daigongen. Set in a quiet natural environment, the temple is associated with local religious traditions and offers a peaceful place to discover the area’s distinctive spiritual culture.
Mai-dera Temple
Mai-dera is a small temple surrounded by natural scenery. Away from the larger tourist destinations, it offers a quieter experience for visitors who enjoy discovering lesser-known religious sites and the landscapes around them.
Rurikō-ji Temple
Rurikō-ji is a historic Buddhist temple where traditional architecture and the surrounding natural environment create a harmonious setting. Visitors can take a quiet moment to appreciate the temple’s atmosphere and the Buddhist traditions it represents.
Ancient History and Archaeology
Tanda Kofun Burial Mound
Tanda Kofun is an archaeological site that provides a glimpse into the ancient burial customs of the region. Burial mounds, known in Japanese as kofun, were constructed during Japan’s ancient history and are important clues to the society, beliefs, and social structures of the time. Archaeological discoveries associated with the site contribute to our understanding of Higashimiyoshi’s historical background.
The Geography and Natural Environment of Higashimiyoshi
The town lies along the middle reaches of the Yoshino River, one of Shikoku’s major rivers. The Sansa Bridge, which connects the two sides of the river, is a recognizable local landmark. The northern part of the town is associated with the expressway and highway oasis, while the southern area is home to Kamo no Okusu and its remarkable natural heritage.
The surrounding mountains give the region a varied landscape. Notable peaks include Mount Hiuchiyama at 1,422 meters, Furoto at 1,401 meters, and Mount Hinomaru at 1,240 meters. The Yoshino River and its tributaries, including Kurokawara-dani River and Kamo-dani River, add to the area’s rich natural environment.
World-Class Agricultural Heritage
The steep slopes of western Tokushima have encouraged local communities to develop distinctive farming techniques adapted to mountainous terrain. In Higashimiyoshi and the surrounding Nishi-Awa region, farmers have maintained a traditional sloping-land agricultural system designed to make productive use of difficult terrain while helping to reduce soil erosion.
In March 2018, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations recognized the Nishi-Awa Sloping Land Agricultural System as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. This recognition highlights the value of the region’s traditional knowledge, farming methods, and relationship between people and the mountain environment. Exploring this agricultural landscape offers a different perspective on Shikoku, beyond its temples and dramatic natural scenery.
History and Development
Higashimiyoshi Town was established on March 1, 2006, through the merger of the former Miyoshi Town and Mikamo Town. The merger was intended to support regional development and improve public services. The process followed several years of discussions among municipalities in Miyoshi District, as neighboring communities considered different approaches to administrative consolidation.
Although the town has developed its commercial and service sectors in recent decades, agriculture and forestry remain important parts of its rural heritage. Today, its position in western Tokushima makes it both a local commercial center and a convenient base for exploring nearby mountain and river destinations.
Getting to Higashimiyoshi Town
By Train
JR Shikoku’s Tokushima Line serves the town, with Awa-Kamo, Mikamo, and Eguchi stations located in the former Mikamo area. Awa-Kamo Station is a useful arrival point for visitors heading toward the town center. Travelers should check train timetables in advance, as services in rural Shikoku may be less frequent than in major cities.
By Bus
Shikoku Kōtsū and local community buses provide connections within the town and to surrounding municipalities. Yoshinogawa Service Area also has a highway bus stop, with long-distance services connecting the region to destinations in the Kansai area, including Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto. Routes and departure times should be confirmed before travel.
By Car
The Tokushima Expressway passes through the area, and Yoshinogawa Service Area has an ETC-only interchange. National Route 192 is another important road, with shops and commercial facilities along the route. A car is a practical option for visiting attractions spread across the town and exploring the wider Oboke, Koboke, and Iya Valley region.
Experience the Natural and Cultural Side of Shikoku
Higashimiyoshi Town combines the dramatic landscapes of the Yoshino River with ancient trees, traditional religious sites, archaeological heritage, and distinctive mountain farming practices. From standing beneath the vast branches of Kamo no Okusu to enjoying the riverside scenery at Minoda no Fuchi, visitors can experience a quieter, more intimate side of Tokushima Prefecture.
For travelers journeying through western Shikoku, Higashimiyoshi is an appealing destination for a scenic stop or a deeper exploration of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.