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Awa Sand Pillars: A Million Years in the Making

Discover the Awa Sand Pillars: a rare geological wonder sculpted over a million years in Awa, Tokushima, Japan.

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The Awa Sand Pillars, also known as Awa no Dochū, are a unique geological formation in Awa, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. These sandstone and gravel pillars, shaped by over a million years of erosion, are a designated National Natural Monument and one of only three such formations in the world.

A brief summary to Awa Sand Pillars

  • 540 Awacho Kitayama, Awa, Awacho Kitayama, Tokushima, 771-1705, JP
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails around the Awa Sand Pillars.
  • Visit in the evening to see the pillars illuminated.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique landscape and panoramic views.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From the Tokushima Expressway, take the Wakimachi IC, then follow National Highway 193 and the wide-area farm road towards Takamatsu, following signs for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, the Awa Sand Pillars are a 10-minute walk from the Tokushima Expressway Awa Parking Area (PA). Parking is available. Note that the speed limit on the Tokushima Expressway is 70 km/h. Tolls vary depending on vehicle type and distance; expect to pay approximately ¥2,118-6,300 per 100km.

  • Public Transport

    From JR Tokushima Line, take a train to Awa-Yamakawa Station, then take a 15-minute taxi ride to the Awa Sand Pillars. Taxi fare from Awa-Yamakawa Station is approximately ¥3,210.

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Discover more about Awa Sand Pillars

The Awa Sand Pillars (阿波の土柱, Awa no Dochū), located in Awa, Tokushima, are a testament to the power of time and the artistry of nature. These remarkable formations are composed of sandstone and gravel, sculpted into unique pillar shapes by over a million years of erosion. The pillars stand within the Dochū-Kōtsu Prefectural Natural Park and are considered one of the 88 Sceneries of Tokushima. These hoodoos, as such formations are known, are created when a harder rock layer caps a softer layer, protecting it from the elements while the surrounding softer material erodes. In the case of the Awa Sand Pillars, the pillars are made from layers of ancient gravel and sand, later compressed into sandstone, deposited by the Yoshino River. Seismic activity uplifted the land, and subsequent erosion by wind and rain carved the pillars we see today. The Awa Sand Pillars are often considered synonymous with Awa City. Among the five stretches of pillars, Hatogadake is the largest and was designated as a national treasure on May 1st, 1934. Hiking trails and observation platforms offer vantage points to appreciate the landscape, with views stretching across the Yoshino Plain to Mt. Kotsu, Tokushima City, and Mt. Bizan. Visitors can explore the area via hiking trails, taking in views of the Yoshino Plain and surrounding mountains. The site is particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.

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