Ochiai Village (Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings)

Overview

Ochiai Village is located in Higashi Iya-son, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, and is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. Traditional houses built from the mid-Edo period to the early Showa period line the steep mountainside at an altitude of approximately 500 meters, preserving the traditional scenery of a Japanese mountain village. The elevation difference within the village reaches approximately 390 meters, with the village built on a steep slope. The origins of the village are unclear, but legends of Taira clan fugitives and pioneering traditions remain in the Iya region, hinting at its deep history. Terraced rice paddies, stone walls, and old houses are scattered throughout the village, creating a serene world where time seems to stand still. You can spend your time leisurely, feeling the breath of nature and the traditional way of life. Ochiai Village offers a glimpse into a traditional Japanese landscape rarely seen in the modern world. Be sure to visit!