Countryside Stay JapanCountryside Stay Japan
Step Back in Time to Relive a Thousand Years of Nature

Nishi-Awa Area (Mima City, Miyoshi City, Tsurugi Town, Higashimiyoshi Town), Tokushima

Area Highlights

The Nishi-Awa area comprises two cities—Mima City and Miyoshi City—and two towns—Tsurugi Town and Higashimiyoshi Town. Located in western Tokushima Prefecture, this unique region boasts abundant natural resources, including the majestic Mount Tsurugi (Tsurugi-san) and the Yoshino River. It features unique sightseeing spots like the unexplored Iya Valley and Udatsu Townscape. Visitors can enjoy traditional produce such as Handa somen noodles and Iya soba noodles. Nishi-Awa is the only region in Japan to receive Tourism Region and SAVOR JAPAN certification and be recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage site. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the great beauty of this untouched natural paradise.

Access

From Tokushima Awa Odori Airport, take the limousine bus to Tokushima Station, then transfer to the JR train to Awa Ikeda Station (2 hours and 10 minutes)
From Takamatsu Airport, take the limousine bus to Kotohira Station, then transfer to the JR train to Oboke Station via Awa Ikeda Station (2 hours)
From Kochi Ryoma Airport, take the limousine bus to Kochi Station, then transfer to the JR limited express to Oboke Station (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Contact

Sora-no-Sato

Recommended Accommodation

Traditional Guest House Kajiya Iya Romantei

This 80+ year-old traditional Japanese house accommodates only one group per day. Popular among international guests with a deep knowledge of Japan's hidden gems, 80% of its visitors come from abroad. The inn’s allure lies in it offering a glimpse into Japan's historical past and a selection of sake from around the globe. Guests are welcome to bring their dogs and cats, and all food allergies can be accommodated.

  • Address :

    141 Higashiiyakyojo, Miyoshi-shi, Tokushima Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)90-5144-9277

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    A 40-minute drive from Oboke Station

  • Check-in :

    From 3:00 p.m.

  • Check-out :

    10:00 a.m.

  • Rates :

    Entire house (up to 8 persons) with 2 meals from ¥10,000 per person

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    None

  • Bedroom :

    Japanese futons

  • Bathroom :

    Bathtub available (from check-in until check-out)

  • Toilet :

    Western style

  • Meals :

    Dinner, Breakfast

  • Wi-Fi :

    Available

Recommended Accommodation

Farmer's Guest House Yuzu-no-Sato Izumi

This inn, nestled 300 meters above sea level, offers a breathtaking view of Mount Kotsu. On clear nights, guests can marvel at the beautiful starry skies, while rainy days reveal a mesmerizing sea of clouds stretching out below. A specialty of the inn is homemade yuzu miso paste, best enjoyed with vegetables freshly harvested from local fields.

  • Address :

    520 Nishiyama, Kuchiyama, Anabuki-cho, Mima-shi, Tokushima Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)90-1326-3407

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    A 20-minute drive from Anabuki Station

  • Check-in :

    3:00 p.m.

  • Check-out :

    10:00 a.m.

  • Rates :

    Entire house (up to 8 persons) with 2 meals from ¥10,000 per person

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    None

  • Bedroom :

    Japanese futons

  • Bathroom :

    Bathtub available (from check-in until check-out)

  • Toilet :

    Western style

  • Meals :

    Dinner, Breakfast

  • Wi-Fi :

    Available

Recommended Restaurant

Farmhouse Restaurant FUWARI

This farmhouse restaurant serves dishes prepared from local produce and World Agricultural Heritage ingredients. Dine on fresh vegetables against the backdrop of beautiful mountain views. Don’t miss the popular ¥1,300 Fuwari Set Meal, which offers array of flavors and dishes.

  • Address :

    307 Fuchimyo, Kuchiyama, Anabuki-cho, Mima-shi, Tokushima Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)883-56-0725

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive from Takamatsu Airport

  • Opening Hours :

    11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

  • Closed :

    Mondays and Tuesdays (occasional holidays; check the website for details)

  • Cuisine :

    Japanese, Cafe

  • Foreign Language Menu :

    Not available

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    None

Recommended Restaurant

Orimetei Yukai Handa Somen Noodle Restaurant

This establishment was opened in the hope of introducing traditional local flavors to the next generation, presenting innovative ways to enjoy centuries-old dishes. Located in the renovated 100-year-old Orimetei Residence, this restaurant specializes in creative Handa somen dishes served in traditional Handa lacquerware bowls.

  • Address :

    68-1 Higashiura, Sadamitsu, Tsurugi-cho, Mima-gun, Tokushima Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)80-6376-7328

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    A 60-minute drive from Tokushima Awaodori Airport, a 50-minute drive from Takamatsu Airport

  • Opening Hours :

    11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

  • Closed :

    Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays

  • Cuisine :

    Japanese

  • Foreign Language Menu :

    Available (English)

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

Recommended Experience

Iya Vine Bridge (Kazurabashi)

This amazing suspension bridge is made of kiwi vines (Actinidia arguta) vines that grow naturally in the Iya Valley region. Offering a spectacular view of the Iya River valley below, the bridge is replaced every three years due to aging and in order to pass down valuable skills, earning it the title as one of the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories in 2023.

  • Address :

    162-2 Zentoku, Nishiiyayamamura, Miyoshi-shi, Tokushima Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)883-76-0877 (Miyoshi City Tourist Information Center)

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese, English

  • Access :

    A 20-minute drive from Oboke Station

  • Duration :

    April to June: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; July to August: 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; September to March: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

  • Fee :

    Adults ¥550, Children ¥350

  • Languages Supported :

    Japanese

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    None

Recommended Experience

Sarukai Village Tourist Farm

Sarukai Village in Tsurugi Town is situated on a steep slope exceeding 40 degrees and has been recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage site for its traditional farming method known as ‘slope farming.’ Every year around October, the steep buckwheat fields are blanketed with white flowers. This breathtaking tourist farm is open to the public.

  • Address :

    Sarukai, Sadamitsu, Tsurugi-cho, Mima-gun, Tokushima Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)883-62-3111(Industry and Economy Division, Tsurugi Town Hall)

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    1 hour and 10 minutes’ drive from Takamatsu Airport

  • Duration :

    Late September to early October

  • Fee :

    ¥500 yen

  • Languages Supported :

    Japanese

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    None

Top