Kaifu Goes on Tour

Story

Roughly 700 kilometers south of the crowded streets of Tōkyō, Kaifu Town sits perched on the southernmost tip of Tokushima Prefecture. Facing the lapping wash of the ocean and surrounded by the rough nature typical of the prefecture, Kaifu enjoys a remote sort of beauty. Flowing unopposed through the center of the town is the Kaifu River whose crystalline waters have remained largely unspoiled and are still able to support the traditional fishing culture of the nearby Tomonoura Village. In addition to preserving local cultures, the point at which the river’s translucent waters fade into the crashing blue of the Pacific has recently become the scene for a new culture of surfers, divers, and salt water anglers.

Looming above the splashing flow of river and crashing waves of the coast are is the Todoroki Falls. Located deep in the mountains outside of Kaifu, the falls are hidden by a lush screen of foliage that refuses to give up its verdancy as the crashing mists sustain rocks and slopes rich with ferns, moss, and trees. The nearby Todoroki Shrine is said to be the home of the local gods and the people of the area have visited this area since ancient times.

Japan is a country rich in religious traditions centered around its native deities, the Kami. The Kami of Todoroki Shrine is an old one and has been revered by the locals for centuries. During this journey you will experience the traditional way of honoring these ancient deities and will witness a prayer ceremony conducted by a local priest. This ceremony is done to achieve the favor and blessing of the local Kami ensuring that your time here on Shikoku will be auspicious. Yet despite the continuation of this ceremony, the number of supporters of the shrine has been decreasing due to a decreasing population. However, even with the problem a family of priests has been serving the shrine for some 400 years and with the help of local representative is trying to keep these traditions alive. One of these representatives is Reki Nagahara, a local surfer and manager of the “In Between Blues” indigo dyeing studio. The other is Kensuke Iwamoto, who moved to Kaiyo Town after studying marine biology at the University of the Ryukyus and works toward establishing sustainable fish farming techniques in the area, in particular oyster farming.

Through this experience we hope that participants will grow to appreciate the importance of respecting and appreciating the natural environment as well as ancient traditions.

Tour Features

• A specialized local guide will be taking you to areas that are not always the most accessible.
• Experience the still natural beauty of small-town Japan and the rich history and culture of the area. State of the art eco-friendly brand E-Bike “MATE” will be used.
• The included meals will feature all local ingredients that reflect the freshness of the season.
• Interact with authentic local culture by taking part in a ceremony at Todoroki Shrine
• Nasa Bay Amabe Oyster Field
  A visit to the Amabe Oyster Farm located in the Nasa Bay, which has long been a source of the shellfish for the area. Here visitors will learn the surprising history of the local fishing culture as well as just how an oyster farm operates under the guidance of Kensuke Iwamoto.*Please note that the course and its contents may change due to weather or seasonality.
• Awa Indigo Dyeing at “inBetweenBlues” Indigo Dyeing Workshop and Café
  Indigo dyeing has been an important part of Japanese culture since the Edo Era and Tokushima has long been a top producer of naturally made indigo dye known as “Awa Indigo.”In this tour, you will have a chance to experience indigo dyeing at the inBetweenBlues, an indigo dyeing workshop and café with a view of the sky and sea run by Reki Nagahara. Here, visitors will learn about the rich history and culture native to the area s well as experience the traditional techniques of indigo dyeing to make a custom-designed handkerchief or hand towel. Afterwards, indigo inspired refreshments will be served.

Guide Infomation

Name: Leki Nagahara

Name: Kensuke Iwamoto

Itinerary

Mitsuguruma Tour

Wasaburo Lodging Plan

※Up to 2 people a standard taxi will be used・3 or more people a jumbo taxi is needed