Nishi-Awa is located in the western part of Tokushima Prefecture and is the historical link between the four regions of Shikoku Island. Along the wild Yoshino River and between legendary mountains, there is a Japan to be discovered here that could have sprung directly from a Ghibli film. Experience the hospitality of the inhabitants of ancient mountain settlements, whose houses and fields were built high on the steep slopes. Climb to the top of Mount Tsurugi and watch the clouds roll over the mountainsides like waves, or take a boat to the rapids in one of the world’s best whitewater rafting areas.
The region’s history is strongly influenced by trade along the Yoshino River, and there are still many handicraft businesses here that make unique products. These include textiles dyed with the deep blue indigo dye produced here, traditional Japanese umbrellas made of bamboo and oiled paper, and the classic Japanese wooden Geta sandals.
For the curious, we will present a small overview of the Nishi-Awa region, a look behind the scenes of a real Geta factory, which is still family-owned, and even a live chat with the owners, Yuij and Michiyo SAITO, on the Nippon Connection livestream.
