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Nagoro Scarecrow Village

The village with more scarecrows than humans

Deep in Tokushima's Iya Valley, in Japan's smallest island Shikoku, lies a village inhabited by more scarecrows than humans — almost a 400 to 30 ratio.

Iya Valley on its own is quite an inaccessible place, with rental cars the best way to explore the winding roads that lead to Mt. Tsurugi, the second highest mountain in western Japan. Buses are few and far between — there are usually only four per day on average that run between Awa-Ikeda or Oboke station to the Kubo terminal, where further infrequent buses head up to Nagoro and beyond.

If you're taking the bus, the total journey from Awa-Ikeda Station to Nagoro lasts almost three hours. You'll know you're there once you alight as a throng of scarecrows laying about will greet you.

There are scarecrow farmers, woodcutters, children, and even of U.S. President Donald Trump.

These scarecrows were created by Tsukimi Ayano, who once lived in Nagoro when it had a little more vibrance. She moved back 17 years ago and decided to make these scarecrows in memory of the town's former residents.

Interactions with humans are rare, with the odd traveller equally as bemused as you are, and some residents who will look at you with some interest. Ayano herself seemed a little busy on that day so there wasn't a chance to speak to her, although she did invite us to the main hall where most of the dolls lay.

While more tourists are getting to know of this place, the sheer remoteness of this place deters most — a microcosm of Shikoku as a whole. Because contact with humans are minimal, the scarecrows seem creepier even in broad daylight. The dead silence with hundreds of button-made eyes trained on you makes the skin crawl on occasion.

There isn't much to do in Nagoro as you would expect, with the trip better combined with a visit to other attractions in the Iya Valley such as the Kazurabashi vine bridges, the Peeing Boy Statue, and Oboke Gorge.

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Elena Daurtseva 3 years ago
I think it can be pretty scary walking here alone in the night...
WANG FOOT TENG 4 years ago
What I would give to stay and become a permanent resident of this village. Move out from the busy town and cities and stay in the village with its residents, learn their trades, way of life and language.
Kim 4 years ago
I think it would be an amazing experience!
Sleiman Azizi 5 years ago
I'd never heard of this place until now. I think a visit would be most... interesting.
Sleiman Azizi 5 years ago
It's the kind of place that ticks a lot of boxes for those looking for experiences rather than cliche.
Shunichi Koyama 5 years ago
Ayano Tsukimi, who make these dolls, admits, "Not everyone likes my dolls". Yes, these dolls do scare humans.

I understand that this village of Nagoro became famous since Fritz Schumann's documentary film, 'The Valley of Dolls' got many people's attention.

Nevertheless, I still wonder why travelers keep coming to visit. They drive for many hours just to see these dolls...

I think that most people may agree to Tsukimi's accomplishment.
She has saved this marginal village. The village could have been empty if the other people in this village moved to elsewhere or were simply passed away.

Still, I felt sad to see the reality that we have so many other villages like Nagoro in this country.
At least, this article and Tsukimi's dedication make us realize how important it is to continue making your efforts to make changes.

Thank you for your support!

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