Nagoro Scarecrow Village: Where Dolls Outnumber People
Discover Nagoro Scarecrow Village in Iya Valley: a unique Japanese community where art, history, and memory intertwine with hundreds of lifelike dolls.
Nagoro Scarecrow Village (Kakashi no Sato) is a unique and somewhat eerie destination nestled in the Iya Valley of Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. What was once a thriving village has been repopulated with over 350 life-sized scarecrows, crafted by local artist Tsukimi Ayano, each representing former residents and adding a touch of whimsy and melancholy to the landscape.
A brief summary to Nagoro Scarecrow Village
- 629番地5 Higashiiyasugeoi, Miyoshi, Higashiiyasugeoi, Tokushima, 778-0201, JP
- +81883-72-7620
Local tips
- Visit the former Nagoro Elementary School to see classrooms full of scarecrow students and teachers.
- Check out the blue-roofed old Kindergarden, which houses Ms. Ayano's workshop and is filled with even more scarecrows.
- Attend the Scarecrow Festival on the first Sunday of October for a unique cultural experience.
- Take your time exploring the village on foot to fully appreciate the details and stories behind each scarecrow.
Getting There
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Car
The most convenient way to reach Nagoro Scarecrow Village is by car. From Miyoshi, follow Route 439 towards Higashiiyasugeoi. The village is located along the roadside, and you'll easily spot the scarecrows. Free parking is available near the Nagoro Lower Bus Stop or at the old Kindergarten across the bridge from the former Elementary School. Be aware that access may be difficult in snowy conditions.
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Public Transport
To reach Nagoro Scarecrow Village by public transport, take a train to Awa-Ikeda Station or Oboke Station. From either station, transfer to a Shikoku Kotsu Bus (Iya Line) to Kubo Bus Stop. From Kubo, take the Miyoshi City Bus (Nagoro Line) and get off at the Nagoroshita bus stop. The final bus from Kubo back down the valley may not connect to the main buses to Nishi-Iya or Oboke, so plan accordingly. Bus fares vary depending on the distance, but expect to pay a few hundred yen for each leg of the journey.
Discover more about Nagoro Scarecrow Village
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