Awa Earth Pillars: How Tokushima's Natural Formations Were Created
The Awa Earth Pillars (Awa no Dochū) are a natural landscape of earthen columns and curtain-like walls in Awa-chō, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture.
They are sometimes described as one of the world's 3 great geological curiosities, alongside the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Tyrol in Italy, and were selected among the 88 Views of Shikoku in 2017 (Heisei 29).
After taking in the whole landscape from an observation deck, look at the grooves on the surface to imagine how rainwater has carved the terrain.
Observe a Landscape Shaped by Rainwater Erosion
These formations developed over a long period as land containing accumulated soil, sand, and pebbles rose and was subsequently eroded by rainwater.
They were created by erosion of an old alluvial fan spreading along the southern foothills of the Asan Mountains.
From the front observation deck, you can see geological layers about 1 million years old up close.
Even the sections that resemble building columns were not carved by people, but are landforms left behind by natural processes.
Looking beyond the outlines of the pillars to the vertical grooves and uneven surfaces in the walls makes the meaning of "earth pillars" more tangible.
Hatō-ga-take: A National Natural Monument
The largest formation among the Awa Earth Pillars, Hatō-ga-take, was designated a national natural monument on May 1, 1934 (Shōwa 9).
Besides Hatō-ga-take, the earth pillars include formations known as Tachibana-dake, Mushiro-dake, Furō-dake, and Tōrō-dake.
Exposed to wind and rain, these natural formations continue to change gradually even today.
Rather than only searching for the shapes seen in old photos, observe how the pillars overlap and how the earth's surface looks on the day of your visit.
Knowing the terms used to explain the terrain makes it easier to understand how the landscape before you was formed.
| Term | Meaning | What It Helps You Observe |
|---|---|---|
| Sand and gravel | Sand and small stones | The materials that form the earth pillars |
| Deposition | The accumulation of sediment | How geological layers form |
| Erosion | The wearing away of the ground by water and other forces | The process that creates pillars and grooves |
Awa Earth Pillars Highlights: Observation Decks and Walking Trails
On a first visit, start with an overview from the front observation deck before deciding how far to walk.
Choose whether to focus on observing the landscape or also enjoy a walk along the mountain trails.
Compare Views from the Upper and Lower Front Observation Decks
There are 2 front observation decks, an upper and a lower one, allowing you to view the pillars from different positions.
Reached by following the walking path from the entrance, they offer a head-on view of the landscape that represents the Awa Earth Pillars.
Finding a recognizable feature on the same pillar and comparing it from both decks helps you notice overlapping formations and the depth of the walls.
Stop to take a closer look rather than watching the scenery continuously as you walk.
Choose Summit Views and Hiking According to Your Fitness
The observation deck at the top of Hatō-ga-take offers a thrilling view down over the earth pillars at your feet.
Another attraction near the summit is the chance to observe the geological layers that form the pillars up close.
There is also a gazebo at the top of the hiking trail that climbs the slope to the left of the entrance, with views in good weather over the lower Yoshino River plain, Mount Bizan, Mount Kōtsu, and other landmarks.
The gazebo is also recommended as a place to bring a packed lunch and take a break while enjoying the scenery.
Adjust how far you explore according to the ground conditions and your companions' fitness, rather than insisting on walking all the way to the top.
Look for Poetry Monuments Along the Walking Path
Along the path from the entrance are a monument inscribed with verses by Ujō Noguchi and a haiku monument honoring Hokuto Takai.
Ujō Noguchi was a poet known for children's songs such as "Nanatsu no Ko" and "Akai Kutsu."
Alongside the earth pillars themselves, this is a place to appreciate how the landscape has inspired people's creative work.
Even if reading the Japanese inscriptions is difficult, use the names and information signs as clues to discover the site's connection with local culture.
Awa Earth Pillars Photography and Nighttime Illumination
Visit during the day to study the details of the terrain, or at night to enjoy the atmosphere created by the lighting.
When taking photos, first look at the whole landscape with your own eyes, then choose the shapes you want to capture to make framing easier.
Photograph Both Wide Views and the Earth's Texture in Daylight
A wide photo of the continuous earthen walls and a close-up of pillars or grooves convey different features of the same landscape.
The walking path also offers nature in every season, so including the surrounding trees with the pillars adds a seasonal feel to your photo.
For detailed shots, consider using your camera's zoom from designated viewing areas rather than moving closer to the pillars.
If including people, check the footing before choosing where to stand, and do not step backward solely in response to the photographer's directions.
Check Illumination Plans and Your Return Route for a Night Visit
The Awa Earth Pillars are illuminated at night, revealing a different appearance from daytime.
The illumination runs from sunset to 10:00 p.m. in the summer period, May–August, and from sunset to 9:00 p.m. in the winter period, September–April.
Confirm whether the illumination will be operating before visiting, and familiarize yourself with the viewing areas and your route back before dark.
Treat viewing the illuminated pillars and walking mountain paths at night as separate activities, and do not push on into places where the ground is difficult to see.
How to Get to the Awa Earth Pillars and Plan Transportation
If traveling by train, the site is about 15 minutes by car from Awa-Yamakawa Station on the JR Tokushima Line, so connecting with a taxi from the station is convenient.
Allow around 50 minutes by car from Tokushima Station or Tokushima Awaodori Airport to Awa City.
Considering both the journey to the site and your return trip makes planning your itinerary easier.
Arrange a Taxi from Awa-Yamakawa Station
If you are not driving, asking in advance whether a taxi can meet your train's arrival time offers peace of mind.
To explain your destination to the driver, save the Japanese spellings of "Awa Earth Pillars" and "Awa-Yamakawa Station" on your smartphone.
If requesting a return pickup, confirm the exact meeting place and time.
Driving from Wakimachi Interchange
By car, the site is about 15 minutes from Wakimachi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway.
Parking that accommodates large buses makes it an accessible sightseeing stop for group tours too.
Enter the destination's official name in your map app, and follow local parking instructions on arrival.
Avoid scheduling your trip solely around driving times, and allow time to explore on foot after parking.
Plan Your Return Around How Far You Want to Explore
The time and energy needed differ between focusing on the front observation decks and walking to the summit or along the hiking trail.
Volunteer-guided tours are described as taking about 35–40 minutes for the front observation deck course, about 60 minutes for the Hatō-ga-take summit course, and about 70–90 minutes for the hiking course, providing a useful guide to the length of your stay.
Check your train's departure time first, then work backward from when you need to leave the site to decide how far to walk.
If planning a nighttime visit, it is important to confirm your return transportation before arriving.
Discover How the Earth Pillars Formed with a Local Guide
If you would like to hear about the terrain and local area as you explore, consider a paid tour by the Dochū Volunteer Guide Association.
The association was formed in 2017 (Heisei 29), and families with children are welcome.
A tour offers a chance to learn how the pillars formed and how they relate to the local area, details that may be easy to miss when simply admiring the view.
Book at Least 3 Business Days Before Your Visit
Bookings are handled by the association's office within the Awa City Tourism Association, and applications must be made at least 3 business days before your preferred date.
Bookings are accepted by phone, email, and fax; the Awa City Tourism Association answers calls at 0883-35-4211 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and the year-end and New Year holiday period do not count as business days, so inquire early once your travel dates are set.
Fees are per group with 1 guide; for groups of 1–10 people, the front observation deck course costs 1,000 yen, the Hatō-ga-take summit course 1,500 yen, and the hiking course 2,000 yen.
For groups of 11 or more, the respective fees are 1,500 yen, 2,000 yen, and 3,000 yen.
Cancellations for personal reasons are free until 3:00 p.m. on the previous day, after which the full fee is charged.
Confirm fees and cancellation conditions when booking.
Discuss Walking Routes and Available Languages in Advance
There are 3 guided courses: the front observation deck, the Hatō-ga-take summit, and the hiking course.
The front observation deck course includes an explanation at the deck and a walk; the Hatō-ga-take summit course continues to the summit afterward; and the hiking course visits both the hiking trail's high point and the summit of Hatō-ga-take.
The standard arrangement is 1 guide per group, with a suggested maximum of around 40 people for the front observation deck course and around 15 for each of the other 2 courses.
Explaining whether you want to spend time hearing about the landscape or also walk mountain trails makes it easier to find a suitable course.
If you are concerned about a tour in Japanese, ask about available languages and whether an interpreter is needed when booking.
What to Wear and How to Protect the Natural Landscape
Prepare for comfortable walking and take care not to damage the terrain when visiting the earth pillars.
Prioritize the day's weather and local signs, and be ready to turn back if conditions require it, even on a planned route.
Choose Shoes and Supplies for an Outdoor Walk
Familiar shoes with good grip, a jacket suited to the temperature, and rain gear will make walking more comfortable.
If heading for the hiking trail or Hatō-ga-take's summit, a backpack that leaves both hands free makes the mountain paths easier to walk.
A hat and insect repellent are useful in summer, while warm clothing helps with cold mornings and evenings in winter.
Prepare drinks before walking and check your smartphone's battery charge.
If footing feels uncertain, such as after rain, limit your viewing stops and avoid pushing yourself to walk farther.
Observe from Designated Areas Without Damaging the Pillars
Help preserve the natural formations by observing from permitted viewing areas without scraping the pillars or taking soil or stones home.
Avoid leaving the path for photos or approaching cliff edges too closely.
Here are suggested behaviors for observing nature and taking photos in different situations.
| Situation | What to Do | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Places with access restriction signs | Stay on the indicated path | Continuing beyond restrictions |
| Taking photos on a path | Make room for others to pass | Occupying a spot exclusively |
| After a break | Take your trash with you | Leaving food scraps behind |
Adjust Your Walk to Suit Your Companions
If visiting with children or someone who is unsure of their footing, choose a walking area that everyone can manage comfortably.
If you are considering using a stroller or wheelchair, ask the tourism association about accessible routes and steps before visiting.
Even when concentrating on photography, keeping track of your companions and people passing nearby helps everyone enjoy a relaxed visit.
Awa Earth Pillars Visitor Information and Nearby Accommodation
The following table summarizes essential information about the Awa Earth Pillars to check before visiting.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sakuranooka, Awa-chō, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture |
| Admission | Reported as free; volunteer-guided tours incur a fee |
| Illumination | May–August: sunset–10:00 p.m.; September–April: sunset–9:00 p.m. |
| Train | About 15 minutes by car from Awa-Yamakawa Station on the JR Tokushima Line |
| Car | About 15 minutes from Wakimachi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway |
| Inquiries | Awa City Tourism Association, 0883-35-4211 (weekdays, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) |
Confirm fees and hours with the Awa City Tourism Association before visiting.
Stay Near the Earth Pillars to Enjoy the Nighttime Illumination
Iyashi no Yado Dochū Land Shin-Onsen, an accommodation facility very close to the pillars, is described as being about a 5-minute walk from their front viewing area.
Staying nearby is an option if you would like to rest after seeing the illumination without a long journey afterward.
Check accommodation and bathing conditions directly with the facility.
Planning Your Visit to the Awa Earth Pillars
At the Awa Earth Pillars, you can view columns and earthen walls carved by rainwater from observation decks and learn how these formations, including the national natural monument Hatō-ga-take, were created.
Make the front-facing views the focus of your visit, adding walking paths, summit views, or a guided tour according to your fitness and the weather.
With transportation and return plans in place, and care for the natural formations, you can enjoy an unhurried exploration of Tokushima's landscape.
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