Mima

This temple was constructed during the Nara period (710-794), and is home to the oldest dry landscape garden in Shikoku, which is believed to be constructed during the Nanbokuchō period (1336-1392). It has been constructed with ishigumi, the same stone arranging technique used in Kyoto's Tenryū-ji.

This Jōdo Shinshū temple was of a comparable status with the Anraku Temple during the Hansei period (1603-1867). A notable sight is the more than 200-year-old Hikaku Pine Tree, and one of the temples treasures is the over 750-year-old statue of St. Shinran, the founder of the Jōdo Shinshū sect.

This Jōdo Shinshū temple was built at the end of the Muromachi period (1336-1573). Next to the Chinese-style front gate there is a famous, large gingko nut tree, which turns a beautiful golden-yellow in late autumn.

This temple, also part of the Jōdo Shinshū sect, has a 1490-m² garden in front of the main entrance, called the Garden of Peace.

The Izanami shrine is one of the eleven shrines in the Mima region that were listed in the Engi-shiki. The Engi-shiki was completed in 927, during the Heian period (794-1185), and contained a summary of all the shrines throughout the country. There were seven shrines in the entire list that were named after Izanagi, but this shrine was the only one named after Izanami. It is thought that in many of the Izanagi shrines, Izanami was also worshipped, but the fact that the Izanami shrine is explicitly named after the goddess might have some special significance to it.

The park was named for the famous horse Ikezuki, which belonged to Shogun Yoritomo, and was ridden by commander Sasaki Takatsuna, during the Genpei War (1180-1185). The park features the gravesite of Ikezuki’s mother.

The Aoki residence was constructed in 1915, as a retirement home for the Aoki family. It sits on a 3,590-㎡ plot of land, which is surrounded by a 2-m-high plaster wall. On the premises are the main living building, a shed, and several two storied storage houses, made from both earth and wood. The main building is approximately 20 m long, and 11 m wide, and features a tatami room, a reception, a bedroom and an earthen floor, among other things. The gabled roof has been built in irimoya-style. In 1998 the residence was awarded the status of nationally designated Tangible Cultural Property.

Dan no tsuka-ana, or the Dan tombs, are two ancient burial mounds located on the point of a river terrace near Mima city’s temple town. Both burial mounds were constructed about 1400 years ago, in the late Kofun period (approximately 250-538). They were constructed 25 meters apart. The eastern, large burial mound is known as the Taiko-tsuka, or ‘Drum tomb’, and the smaller one is known as the Tana-tsuka, or ‘Shelf tomb’. Especially the Taiko-tsuka is remarkable in its construction, making the tombs invaluable for historic research into the Kofun period. In 1942 the tombs were awarded the status of nationally designated Historic Landmarks. The archeological findings and relics from the tombs are on display at the nearby Mima City Folk Museum, which is located on the premises of the Ganshō Temple.

The Honraku-ji was founded in 828 by the monk Sō-Keiun of the Buddhist Shingon sect as a place of meditation, and was initially known as the Rengesan Honraku Temple. In 1131, the restored temple was reopened by the monk Sō-Yūjun. Because of the temple's strategic position, where Mt. Takamaru and the Yoshino River meet, it was used as a fort during the Sengoku period (1467-1568). In the late Tenshō period (1573-1592) the temple, along with several precious objects, was burned to the ground by the Chōsokabe Clan. In 1863 the temple was again destroyed by fire. The next year the temple was rebuilt to its present state, under supervision of the monk Sō-Yūkei.

A shrine.

The Miki residence, a traditional wooden house with a thatched roof was built around the start of the Edo period (1603-1867). It shows characteristic elements of old samurai residences. Being the oldest surviving privately owned house in Tokushima prefecture, in 1976 the residence was awarded the status of Important Cultural Property. Furthermore, 45 ancient scrolls dating back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and Muromachi period (1336-1573) were found here. These scrolls were awarded the status of Prefecturally Recognized Cultural Property. According to several medieval texts, the Miki family had close connections to the Awa Inbe clan, which was responsible for ceremonial affairs at the imperial court. The Miki family takes care of the residence. Next to the Miki Residence is the Miki Residence Museum.

On the slope of the mountain, there are about 20 weeping sakura (cherry blossom) trees. Sakura blooming season is generally between late March and mid April. The weeping sakura trees bloom about one week after the regular trees (which aren't on a slope).

Old texts, tools and objects from the area are on display.

With a height of 1955 m, this is the second highest mountain in western Japan. At the top, there are splendid panoramic views of the area, and on clear days one can see as far as the Seto Inland Sea. Mt. Tsurugi opens on May first, as it is closed during winter. From the top of the cable car, it's about a 40-minute climb to the summit. From the Mt. Tsurugi summit, you can also walk to the summits of neighboring mountains. Ichinomori (1879 m) is about a 50-minute walk to the east. Jirogyu (1929 m) is about a 60-minute walk to the west. For more info on the mountain and area around it, see Iya Valley.

A cable car going most of the way up Mt. Tsurugi.

Beginner-level paragliding.

Advanced level paragliding.

Motorcross track. The track is 1.6 km long, and between 5-8 m wide.

Golf club.

Located on the Nakoyama Plateau (中尾山高原 Nakoyama Kōgen). In 2000, the Junior World Championships Grass Skiing were held here. Equipment can be rented.

Kayaking and canoeing on the Yoshinogawa River.

The entrance to the chestnut park is free, as is the amount of chestnuts you can collect yourself. Don't forget to bring barbeque tongs, working gloves and a collection basket.

In the Nakagawa apple garden, one can pick and taste "Ietake Tsuruga" and sour "Sansa" apples, while at Kanezaki apple garden, one can taste the sweet "Tsugaru".

Blueberry picking.

Blueberry picking.

According to an old legend, the samurai Minamoto Tametomo (1139-1177) visited emperor Sutoku Jōkō (1119-1156), who had fled to Sanuki in Kagawa prefecture after the Hōgen Revolt of 1156. Tametomo stood on the Aiguri ridge, on the border of Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures, and shot his bow. The arrow flew towards the Anabuki region, and finally landed at the Shirahito shrine. Nowadays, the bow in question is kept as a treasure at this shrine, and an archery contest is held every year.

Particularly the cherry blossom at the Yaoyorozu-no-kami-no-goten Shrine, and the shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of the Kawai Pass.

Buddhist memorial service for the former Buddhist teacher of Shinyama.

Mikagura (ancient Shinto music) at the Nishitera shrine, and a holy fire at the ōtaki temple.

Start of the climbing season for Mt. Tsurugi. Due to snow, Mt. Tsurugi can't be climbed during winter. Activities start around 10:30, and include the carrying of a mikoshi portable shrine.

People from all over participate in homemade rafts on a 5-km or 2.5-km course on the Anabuki river. Teams compete for fastest times and best-looking raft.

This event is held every year at the Yoshino Riverside Plaza, adjacent to the Shikoku Saburō-no-Sato, and features many events, from concerts to fireworks, canoeing and Awa-odori performances. Many families come here to enjoy the final days of their summer vacation together.

Events in the Udatsu street area. Some years, the popular television character Mito Kōmon (水戸黄門) participates in parades.

Pounding steamed rice into the dough that is used for making rice cakes, accompanied by shamisen. During the Edo period (1603-1867), when Wakimachi was a flourishing merchant town, merchants used to hire geisha to play the shamisen, and workers to pound the rice, while singing a mochi song. This was done at the end of the year. It is thought that this is how this tradition started. The current mochi-tsuki/shamisen group participates in various events.