Hokosugi (A Japanese cedar in the shape of Hoko-Pike)

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Hokosugi (A Japanese cedar in the shape of Hoko-Pike)

The legend says when Taira Kunimori built a shrine in Oheda community, he placed his pike inside and planted the cedar, wishing for the peace. It is over 800 years old, 11 meters round and 35 meters high. The tree trunk and branches also resemble a pike and name of Hokosugi was derived from it. It is said to be the second largest cedar in Shikoku and is also called Kunimori-sugi. (Designated as a prefectural nature monument)

Basic information

Address: 徳島県三好市東祖谷大枝４５

Parking lot: car：6

Access: Get off at Ikawa-Ikeda IC→Take the National route 32 bound for Kochi→Take the Prefectural road 45→Take the Prefectural road 32→Take the National road 439 bound for Mt.Tsurugi→Take the Municipal road→Hokosugi（Journey time is approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes by car.）

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
Village of Scarecrows (Kakashi no Sato)
Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷菅生191
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.