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Watch the Shiozuka Highlands glow red as fire dances across the land and heralds the arrival of spring
Institute SORA-NO-SATO
Located at an elevation of 1,043 meters and spanning the border between Ehime and Tokushima Prefectures, the Shiozuka Highlands is the site of a dramatic event known as the "controlled grass burning,” or noyaki. Conducted once a year in the spring to preserve native vegetation, maintain scenic views, and support the growth of grass used for thatching, the fire spreads across roughly 20 hectares of open highland.
In the darkness of night, the flames slither across the expansive plateau like mythical dragons or serpents, creating a powerful and unforgettable sight. This annual tradition has become a symbolic seasonal event in the area, marking the arrival of spring and celebrating the close relationship between people and nature.
The Shiozuka Highlands attract many visitors in the warmer months with their rolling hills uninterrupted by trees and soaring views of both Tokushima and Ehime Prefectures. This is also an amazing spot for viewing hydrangeas in summer and the sea of clouds phenomenon in the fall, when low-lying clouds fill the valley below.
How to get there
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station (around 45 minutes), then take the JR Limited Express to Awa Ikeda Station (about 1 hour and 20 minutes). Shiozuka Highlands is about 1 hour by car from Awa Ikeda Station. Please carpool if possible, as parking is limited.
Shiozuka Observatory, Omata, Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi-shi, Tokushima-ken
