Village of Scarecrows (Kakashi no Sato)

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Village of Scarecrows (Kakashi no Sato)

Over 350 scarecrows are about in this deep mountain village. One woman handmade all of them and creatively placed them around the area: in the fields working, waiting at bus stops, dancing local dances, etc. You can walk around the village and enter the old school to see a glimpse of the past.

Basic information

Address: 徳島県三好市東祖谷菅生191

Parking lot: For cars, there is a big ground of the former Nagoro elementary school that is about 300 meter away toward the upper stream.
For buses, there is a parking lot called "Mt.Miune Climbing Trailhead Parking" that is about 700 meter away toward the upper stream.

Access: Take Shikoku Kotsu Bus from JR Oboke St. for Kubo （Change here at Kubo Bus Stop）→Take the Municipal bus bound for Mt.Tsurugi→Get off at Nagoro Bus Stop

[Note]
if the device has MAP-CODE function, please enter 497 362 349*36.

Tourist attractions in the "Oku-iya" area

Oku-iya
観光 Nature spot
Mt. Tsurugi
Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷菅生
Phone：0883-62-2772
The highest mountain in Tokushima Prefecture, and second highest in western Japan, Mt. Tsurugi rises to an impressive 1,955 meters above sea level. On a clear day, the mountain summit offers breathtaking views as far as the Kishu area, the Setouchi Inland Sea, and even Cape Ashizuri in Kochi. The panoramic views are truly impressive, and the sight of the morning mists gathering in the mountains is nothing short of magical. Many beautiful alpine plants grow here as well, such as Kirengeshoma palmata (yellow wax bells).The mountain's name, "Tsurugi", means sword in Japanese and originates from the legend of the Emperor Antoku, who is said to have buried his ruling sword in the depths of the mountain. Mt. Tsurugi is also believed sacred, and many come here on pilgrimages.
Oku-iya
観光 Nature spot History and culture
Oku Iya Double Vine Bridges
Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷菅生620
Phone：0883-76-0877
About 800 years ago, these vine bridges were built by the Heike clan as a means to access their riding grounds at Mt. Tsurugi, where they trained. The bridges also connect to the Oku Iya campgrounds. These two bridges have been named "male" and "female" respectively, hence are sometimes referred to as the "wedded bridges."The nature here is deep and immersive, and offers a different experience from the main Vine Bridge, so both spots are well worth the visit.※Oku Iya Double Vine Bridges is currently closed for the winter. Its next reopening will be on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 9:00 AM.
Oku-iya
観光 History and culture
Ochiai Village・Ochiai Village Observation Point
Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷落合
This community is located in the heart of the Higashi-Iya Valley; a beautiful hamlet built into the mountainside. The homes here were constructed during the middle of the Edo period (circa.1700), up until the Showa period (circa 1930). It is unknown when the first settlers arrived here, but there are many legends and folklore of the Heike clan and frontier settlers making their homes in Ochiai. Villagers live at an elevation of 390 meters on a steep hillside, and the village itself was formed by stacking stones to make walls. There is an impressive and ancient air to this mountain hamlet and a natural beauty you simply can't encounter anywhere else.Designated in 2005 as a national preserved heritage site.
Oku-iya
観光 History and culture
Higashi-Iya Museum of Local History and Folklore
Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷京上14-3
Phone：0883-88-2286
There exhibited many items from which you can imagine the old way of life of the fallen Heike Clan and also of village people with sentiment. There are also many relics exhibited at the Municipal cultural tradition and preservation institution to tell us the legend of Heike clan in Iya. On its second floor, they have a hall capable to hold 500 people and lavatory facility for the disabled.