How the Scarecrow Village Began
The story began in 2002, when Tsukimi Ayano, a woman originally from the area, returned from Osaka to her hometown of Nagoro. She started making scarecrow figures for the village, initially creating them for practical purposes and gradually developing them into a distinctive local attraction.
Over time, more figures appeared around the settlement, transforming Nagoro into one of Japan’s best-known scarecrow villages. Today, the figures can be found throughout the community, turning an ordinary mountain village into a place filled with unexpected encounters and quiet charm.
Scarecrows That Seem Almost Alive
Nagoro lies east of Mount Miune, along the Iya River basin. Its beautiful mountain scenery provides a striking backdrop for the scarecrows, which are positioned in locations where people might naturally gather or work.
Some appear to be tending fields, while others sit together as though chatting beside a well or gathering in a village meeting. Their everyday poses make them seem like residents going about their daily lives. As visitors walk through the settlement, they may find themselves looking twice at a figure, momentarily mistaking it for a real person.
The village even has a Scarecrow Village Register, which assigns names and roles to individual figures. This imaginative detail gives the collection a sense of community and personality, making the experience more engaging than simply viewing a series of sculptures.
The Scarecrow Workshop
The Scarecrow Workshop is located on the former grounds of Nagoro Elementary School. The school’s gymnasium is used to display numerous scarecrow figures, allowing visitors to see more of the creative work behind this unusual village attraction.
Workshops on scarecrow-making are held periodically, offering participants the opportunity to learn the techniques and create their own original figures. These activities can be an enjoyable experience for families and groups, although visitors should check in advance whether a workshop is scheduled during their visit.
Explore the Surrounding Mountain Scenery
The area around Nagoro offers further opportunities to appreciate the natural and cultural character of Higashi-Iya. Nearby sights include Nagoro Dam, which is surrounded by mountain scenery and offers impressive views from its embankment, and Mizuyama Shrine, a quiet place associated with local history and worship.
Taking time to explore the surrounding area adds another dimension to a visit, combining the village’s whimsical atmosphere with the peaceful landscapes and traditions of the Iya region.
Access to Nagoro Scarecrow Village
The most convenient way to reach Nagoro is by car. The village is approximately 90 minutes by car from Ikawa-Ikeda Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway. The drive follows mountain roads through the Iya region, with changing scenery along the way.
Visitors traveling by public transport can reach Awa-Ikeda Station on the JR railway network and continue by taxi or rental car. The journey from the station takes approximately 90 minutes by car. As Nagoro is located in a remote mountain area, it is important to plan transportation carefully before setting out.
A One-of-a-Kind Experience in the Iya Valley
Nagoro Scarecrow Village offers an experience unlike that of a conventional tourist attraction. Its hundreds of carefully posed figures, peaceful mountain setting, and story of a local resident’s creativity give the village a distinctive character that is both surprising and deeply human.
Whether you are interested in rural Japanese life, unusual cultural attractions, photography, or simply discovering places off the beaten path, Nagoro is a memorable stop in Tokushima Prefecture. Wander through the quiet lanes, look out for the scarecrows in their unexpected locations, and enjoy the gentle, dreamlike atmosphere of this remarkable mountain village.