【Tokushima】Visiting a Village with More Scarecrows Than People – “Nagoro Scarecrow Village in the Sky”

What is Nagoro Scarecrow Village?

Nagoro Scarecrow Village, located in Tokushima Prefecture, is a small mountain village known for having more scarecrows than actual residents.
All of the life-sized scarecrows are handmade by one woman, and each one looks uncannily human.
The number of scarecrows continues to grow every year, now exceeding 300 figures.

I couldn’t stop thinking about this mysterious village, so I decided to go.

How to Get to Nagoro Scarecrow Village

As the nickname “Village in the Sky” suggests, the area sits deep in the mountains.
If you go by car, be prepared for winding mountain roads.
A light, compact car is recommended—it has enough power and handles narrow roads well.

Address:
191 Sugo, Higashi-Iya, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture

Arriving at the Scarecrow Village

The first shock upon arrival:
the scarecrows look far more human than expected.
It genuinely feels like you’re waiting for the bus together.

Even the “traffic officer” by the roadside… is also a scarecrow.
The atmosphere of the entire village is calm and peaceful.
I met only one actual resident—and it happened to be the creator of the scarecrows.
She kindly showed me around places like the community hall.
If you meet her, consider yourself lucky.

The Scarecrow Gymnasium

Inside the gym, a scarecrow couple was holding their wedding ceremony.
An “eternal bride and groom”—oddly romantic, with wedding guests attending as well.
You almost feel compelled to congratulate them.

I even played basketball with the scarecrows—definitely a first in my life.
Looking back at the photos, it’s honestly hard to tell which one is the real human.
You start to feel like they’re cheering for your shots.

The Community Hall

For some reason, I had the strange feeling that I grew up here.
That’s how detailed and lifelike the scarecrow scenes are.
It feels as if everyone is chatting, relaxing, and living their daily lives.

There are also spots where you can blend in and become part of the scarecrow world yourself.

Nearby Sightseeing Spots

You’ll need a car to move between sightseeing areas, though there may be limited bus service—be sure to check.

Iya Kazurabashi Bridge

One of the most thrilling suspension bridges in Japan.
It can be scary for some, but for those who enjoy heights, the river view from above is spectacular.

Oboke Roadside Station

A unique rest stop featuring yokai (Japanese folklore spirits) and wild-game cuisine.
They even sell a mysterious “yokai tea,” which surprisingly tasted good.
The area has many traditional yokai legends—perfect for folklore fans.

Thoughts on Nagoro Scarecrow Village

The village itself is small, but every moment you spend there feels rich and surreal.
Walking among the scarecrows, you feel as if you’re participating in village life or local events.
Though the number of residents is small, I hope this unique culture continues for many years.

Because the mountain roads can be tough, good driving skills are recommended.
If tours are available, joining one is a great option.

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