Yuki Tanuki Festival: A Unique Festival Enshrining Tanuki, Rare Nationwide

Yuki Tanuki Festival: A Cheerful Unusual Festival Where Tanuki Are the Stars

The "Tanuki Festival" held in Yuki District, Minami Town, Kaifu District, Tokushima Prefecture, is a rare nationwide festival enshrining tanuki as a divine object. Born from the regional faith of revering tanuki as "animals that bring good fortune," it is a cheerful and unique festival.

Legends About Tanuki in Yuki

Legends related to tanuki have been passed down in Yuki District since ancient times, with tanuki venerated as the area's guardian deity. At the festival, local people wear tanuki masks and make tanuki goods to express gratitude to tanuki.

Minami Awa Nature and Tourism

The "Minami Awa" area around Minami Town features the appeal of a majestic Pacific coastline, ria-style inlets, and rich seafood. Also known for "Hiwasa sea turtles" (loggerhead turtle nesting site), the sight of turtles coming ashore on sandy beaches to lay eggs can be seen every summer.

Roadside Station Hiwasa

At "Roadside Station Hiwasa" in Minami Town, fresh local seafood and processed products can be purchased. A restaurant serving dishes using Minami Awa seafood is also attached.

Access

Accessible on foot from JR Yuki Station. Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by car from Tokushima city.