Miyoshi City Ikeda: The Yoshino River Headwaters Area and History of Awa Ikeda Tobacco Industry

Miyoshi City Ikeda: A Shikoku Transportation Hub and Bounty of the Yoshino River

Ikeda District, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, is an important Shikoku transportation hub where the JR Dosan Line and Tokushima Line intersect, and the center of the upper Yoshino River area. Located near where all four prefectures of Kochi, Tokushima, Kagawa, and Ehime meet, it has functioned as a base for intra-Shikoku movement.

Former Tobacco Industry

Ikeda was nationally known for "Awa Ikeda tobacco" until the Showa period, with leaf tobacco cultivation actively conducted. While cultivation has now decreased, the history of the tobacco industry is passed down as regional pride. The roadside station "Nishi-Iya" introduces both local agricultural products and the history of that era.

Base for Oboke and Iya Sightseeing

JR Oboke Station and Awa-Ikeda Station are starting points for tourism to Oboke Gorge and Iya Valley. They are important bases when visiting these hidden realms by public transportation.

Yoshino River Ayu Fishing

The area around Ikeda on the clear Yoshino River is known as a prime ayu (sweetfish) production area, with many anglers visiting during the ayu fishing season after the season opens (June–July). Fresh ayu dishes from the Yoshino River can also be enjoyed at local restaurants.

Access

JR Awa-Ikeda Station is the transportation hub. Limited expresses "Nanpu" and "Tsurugi" stop here, with access available from Kochi, Takamatsu, and Tokushima directions.