A Village of Scarecrows in Iya

Scarecrows hanging out

Iya, one of the three most unexplored areas in Japan, is located right in the middle of Shikoku. There is a village in the mountains called "Scarecrow Village" in the Nakoro district of Higashi Iya, the far side of the Iya area.

Iya area

The scarecrows can be found working in the rice fields or on the roadside, socialising with neighbours around a farmhouse, or attending a wedding at the community centre. You will be surprised because scarecrows are everywhere in this village, as if they are living there.

Scarecrows ‘working’ the land

Why are there so many scarecrows in Iya?

The village's older women started making scarecrows because the number of villagers decreased. Now, there are about 350 scarecrows, more than the number of residents.

It takes about an hour to travel there from Oboke Station on the JR Dosan Line, deep into the mountains, along a narrow road. On the way, you will see the Kazura Bridge in Iya and the Ochiai area where many old houses still remain. You can also enjoy a local specialty, Iya soba, for lunch.

Gathering of scarecrows

Please come and meet the legendary scarecrows of Iya!