Historic Streets and Traditional Architecture
Wakimachi Minamimachi Historic District: The Udatsu Streetscape
One of Mima’s most distinctive attractions is the Wakimachi Minamimachi Preservation District, widely known as the Udatsu Streetscape. During the Edo period (1603–1868), Wakimachi prospered as a center of indigo production and trade. Its convenient connections to overland routes and river transport attracted merchants who built impressive townhouses to reflect their wealth and status.
The district takes its name from udatsu, raised fire-resistant walls constructed between neighboring buildings to help prevent the spread of fires. These architectural features also became symbols of commercial success. Many traditional merchant houses remain standing today, creating an atmospheric streetscape that recalls the prosperity of the Edo and Meiji periods (1868–1912).
The district is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and has also been selected for Japan’s 100 Best Roads and the Japan Scenic Byway program. Walking along its historic streets is one of the best ways to appreciate Mima’s traditional architecture and commercial heritage.
Wakimachi Theater (Odeonza)
Built in the early Showa period, Wakimachi Theater, also known as Odeonza, preserves the atmosphere of Japan’s popular entertainment culture in the early 20th century. Its historic interior offers a glimpse into the days when traditional theaters served as important gathering places for local communities. The building is a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in Japanese performing arts and the cultural life of the past.
Ailand Udatsu Roadside Station
Ailand Udatsu is a roadside station where visitors can discover Mima’s local industries and cultural traditions. One of its highlights is the opportunity to experience traditional indigo dyeing, a craft closely associated with the area’s history. Visitors can also browse regional specialties and souvenirs, making it a convenient place to take a break while learning more about the city’s heritage.
Historic Houses and Cultural Heritage
Former Nagaoka Family Residence
The Former Nagaoka Family Residence is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This valuable historic house preserves architectural features from the Edo period and offers insight into traditional domestic life. Its structure and historical exhibits help visitors imagine how people lived in earlier centuries.
Miki Family Residence
Located in the mountainous Koyadaira area, the Miki Family Residence is a traditional wooden house dating from the Edo period. Its construction showcases the craftsmanship and practical ingenuity of traditional Japanese residential architecture. The property provides a glimpse into the lives and customs of people who lived in this mountainous part of Tokushima.
Aoki Family Residence
The Aoki Family Residence, located in the former Mima Town area, is another important example of a traditional Japanese home. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it preserves architectural and historical features that reflect the region’s traditional way of life.
Parks, Rivers, and Natural Attractions
De Rijke Weir and De Rijke Park
The De Rijke Weir is a notable civil engineering structure designed by Dutch engineer Johannes de Rijke, who contributed to the modernization of Japan’s river management and flood-control systems. The weir is both a practical engineering achievement and a feature of the local landscape. Nearby, De Rijke Park provides a pleasant setting for a walk or a relaxing outdoor break, making the area suitable for families and couples.
The Yoshino River
The Yoshino River flows through Mima and is one of the region’s defining natural features. Its broad waters and surrounding landscapes provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as rafting and fishing. During summer, visitors come to enjoy the riverside scenery, play in the water, and spend time outdoors with family and friends.
The Anabuki River
The Anabuki River, a tributary of the Yoshino River, is renowned for its exceptionally clear water. The river has been recognized as Shikoku’s cleanest river for 17 consecutive years, according to the source information. Surrounded by lush scenery, it is particularly popular during the summer months, when families visit to swim and play in the water. Fishing and riverside walks are other ways to enjoy this beautiful natural environment.
Waterfalls Around Mima
Several scenic waterfalls can be found in and around Mima City, including Dodo Falls, Kantei Falls, and Shinden Falls. Their rushing water and surrounding greenery create refreshing places to visit, especially during the hot summer season. These waterfalls are attractive destinations for travelers who enjoy nature photography and exploring less-urban areas of Tokushima.
Nakaozan Kogen Campground
Nakaozan Kogen Campground is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It features a grass-skiing facility recognized by the Japan Grass Ski Association, described in the source information as the only officially recognized facility of its kind in Shikoku. Visitors can enjoy camping, grass skiing, and hiking amid the area’s mountain scenery.
Other Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Mima offers a variety of parks and recreational areas where visitors can enjoy the outdoors. These include Seibu Health and Disaster Prevention Park, Yoshinogawa Riverside Exchange Plaza, Shikoku Saburo no Sato, Nakatorigawa Park, and Iketsuki Park. Depending on the location, visitors can enjoy walking, relaxing by the river, and spending time outdoors with family.
Temples and Shrines
Honrakuji Temple
Honrakuji is a historic Buddhist temple selected as one of the Eighty-Eight Scenic Views of Shikoku. It is particularly known for its Japanese garden, which uses the surrounding river landscape as a borrowed view, creating a distinctive relationship between the garden and nature. The peaceful grounds offer a tranquil place to appreciate traditional Japanese garden design and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection.
Saimyoji Temple
Saimyoji serves as the 33rd temple of the Awa Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage and the third temple of the Shikoku Thirty-Six Fudo Myoo Pilgrimage. With its long history as a center of local Buddhist faith, it is an appealing destination for visitors interested in religious traditions and pilgrimage culture. The temple is also associated with seasonal scenery, including the beauty of flowering bush clover.
Otaki-ji Temple
Located deep in the mountains, Otaki-ji is the 20th temple of the Shikoku Bekka Twenty Sacred Sites pilgrimage. Its secluded setting and long religious history give it a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. The journey into the mountains is part of the experience for visitors seeking a deeper connection with Shikoku’s spiritual heritage.
Nishiteru Shrine and Shiroudo Shrine
Mima is also home to historic Shinto shrines, including Nishiteru Shrine and Shiroudo Shrine. These sacred sites offer opportunities to discover the area’s traditional beliefs and local history in peaceful surroundings.
Visitor Facilities and Leisure Attractions
Mima City Community Exchange Center MIRAIZ
MIRAIZ is a community and cultural center that brings together local residents and visitors. It provides a venue for events, community activities, and the sharing of regional information. Travelers can use it as a starting point for learning more about local culture and activities in Mima.
Anmitsu-kan
Anmitsu-kan is a destination for visitors who enjoy Japanese sweets, particularly anmitsu, a traditional dessert made with ingredients such as agar jelly, fruit, and sweet syrup. It offers a chance to enjoy a familiar Japanese treat while taking a break from sightseeing.
Mima Motorland
Mima Motorland is a leisure facility popular with car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Visitors interested in motorsports can enjoy a more active experience here, making it a different kind of attraction from the city’s historic streets and natural landscapes.
Blue Villa Anabuki
Blue Villa Anabuki is a resort facility with hot spring bathing. Surrounded by natural scenery, it offers a relaxing place to unwind after exploring the city and nearby mountains. A soak in the hot springs is an appealing way to round off a day of outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Mountains and Mountain Scenery
Mount Tsurugi
Mount Tsurugi rises to 1,955 meters and is one of the major peaks of the Shikoku Mountains. Located in the southern part of Mima’s wider region, it is a favorite destination for hikers and nature lovers. A variety of trails cater to different levels of experience, while the summit offers expansive panoramic views across the surrounding mountains.
Spring and summer bring alpine plants and seasonal wildflowers, making the mountain especially appealing to photographers and visitors interested in Japan’s highland flora. As mountain weather can change quickly, hikers should check trail and transport conditions before setting out.
Other Mountains
The surrounding area includes numerous other mountains, such as Ichinomori and Marusasa-yama. Each offers its own scenery and opportunities for hiking and trekking. The changing colors of the seasons add to the appeal, from fresh greenery in spring to autumn foliage and winter landscapes.
Geography and Climate
Mima City stretches across the Yoshino River basin, with flatter terrain in the north and mountainous areas in the south. The northern lowlands generally experience a relatively mild climate with less rainfall, influenced by the Seto Inland Sea climate. In the southern mountains, the climate is more strongly affected by conditions on the Pacific side of Japan, bringing heavier rainfall and, in winter, occasional snowfall and icy roads.
This contrast between river plains and rugged mountains gives Mima a varied natural environment throughout the year. Visitors should take local weather and road conditions into account when planning trips to mountain temples, hiking trails, and remote outdoor attractions.
History and Local Culture
The Formation of Mima City
Mima City was established on March 1, 2005, through the merger of Wakimachi, Mima Town, Anabuki Town, and Koyadaira Village. The area developed through successive administrative changes, while its historic buildings, religious sites, and traditional industries continued to shape local identity. Today, the city seeks to preserve this heritage while developing tourism and supporting the modern local economy.
Traditional Events and Cultural Festivals
Mima hosts a range of cultural events throughout the year. Among the best known are Udatsu wo Ik eru, an event associated with the historic Udatsu streetscape, and festivals celebrating traditional Noh theater. In 2007, Mima also participated in the National Cultural Festival Tokushima 2007, which brought cultural activities to communities across the prefecture.
Tourism and Regional Development
Tourism is an important part of Mima’s local economy. In 2008, the wider Nishi-Awa area was recognized by Japan’s tourism authorities as a tourism zone, supporting efforts to promote the region’s natural and cultural attractions. The city has also introduced initiatives to encourage local spending and strengthen regional businesses, including the MIMACA digital regional currency.
Exploring Mima City
Mima is a rewarding destination for travelers who want to experience a less urban side of Japan. Visitors can stroll through the historic merchant streets of Wakimachi, explore traditional houses and temples, relax beside clear rivers, or venture into the mountains for hiking and outdoor adventures. The combination of preserved architecture, spiritual heritage, and beautiful natural scenery makes the city an excellent addition to a journey through Tokushima Prefecture.
Getting There
Mima is accessible from both Tokushima City and Takamatsu. Traveling by car is a convenient way to explore the wider area, with the Mima Interchange and major national highways providing road access. Railway and bus services are also available, although visitors planning to visit remote mountain attractions should check local transport schedules in advance.
Whether you are interested in historic streets, traditional Japanese architecture, mountain landscapes, or riverside activities, Mima offers a varied introduction to the history and natural beauty of Shikoku.