Minami, town in Kaifu district, Tokushima prefecture, Japan
Minami is a small town in southern Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island, situated directly along the coast. The town features narrow streets, traditional houses, and small farms surrounded by rice fields and mountains, creating a slow and quiet rhythm of life.
The region has been inhabited since the Jomon period, with the Tai Ruins showing early settlements through archaeological finds. In 726, Buddhist priest Gyoki built the Yakuouji Temple, and during the Edo period, the town became the administrative center of Kaifu District.
The name Minami means 'beautiful wave,' reflecting the gentle sea that surrounds the town. Residents maintain their bond with the ocean through local festivals, traditional houses with tiled roofs, and a daily rhythm centered on fishing and seasonal changes.
The town is connected by the Mugi Line railway, which offers train connections to other locations, and a highway provides easy access by car. Visitors can explore Ohama Beach and the area around Hiwasa Port, where fishing boats depart in early mornings and fresh seafood is available.
The town is known for the Hiwasa Hachiman Shrine autumn festival, where locals carry small shrines into the ocean waves and attempt to take them as far as possible into the water. The festival features fireworks, music, and dancing, attracting both residents and visitors and displaying the deep cultural connection between the town and the sea.
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