日本三大秘境のまち

Due to its central location, Tokushima’s Miyoshi City is often called the “naval of Shikoku”, and perhaps the naval of Miyoshi would be the Yoshino River, which flows right through its center. Within here the river forms the spectacular Oboke Gorge, and a great way to interact with and learn about this natural wonder is through a Geo-Tour offered in collaboration with the Miyoshi Geo-Guide Association, the Yamashiro Sengoku Kunizakai Group, and the Obokekyo Mannaka Pleasure Boats.

Developing the Miyoshi Geopark Project

On a recent weekend I visited Oboke Gorge in order to take part in a newly launched Geo-Tour at the Obokekyo Mannaka Service Area. 

Despite the cold wintery weather, several other participants were already at the venue when I arrived, and the popularity of this event was probably due to the unique combination of things being offered this day.

Miyoshi City already offers other Geo-Tours in other areas of town, but what was being held today in Oboke was a bit different and particularly suitable for an aspiring Geopark.

What is a Geopark?

A Geopark is a place where you can enjoy the geological wonders of the earth through the history and culture of that particular area in sustainable and interactive way.

Japan currently has over 40 nationally certified Geoparks, and Miyoshi City is currently establishing itself as a new Geopark location and seeking certification status.

Due to being a treasure trove of steep mountains and spectacular rivers with an overall abundance of nature, Miyoshi City is a prime candidate for being a Geopark. Additionally, people have been living here for untold centuries, and along the way, have developed a unique culture that is deeply connected to the land.

Accordingly, various efforts are currently being made to introduce to the world the fabulous geological and cultural abundance that Miyoshi holds.

A Class on the Side of a Cliff

As mentioned, the weather was pretty bad in Oboke on the day of the tour, but this did not prevent it from happening. So instead of walking outside, the first part of the lecture was held indoors at the Obokekyo Mannaka Service Area, which is right in the middle of the gorge.

Just outside the window the jagged rocks of Oboke Gorge blasted upwards, while down below the emerald Yoshino River flowed by.

Among the 25 or so participants, it was nice to see that many of them were fairly young, which suggested a growing interest in both geology and history.

Lively Guides

There were a few Geo-Guides on hand to give the presentation, and rather than being staid lecturers, it was clear that they not only had a vast understanding about the topics, but they offered it to everyone in a fun and enthusiastic way.

A slide-show was held where they explained the geological development of Oboke Gorge, and we were also introduced to the human history here and how the landscape influenced the local culture, from farming practices to various monster legends.

And everything was offered in an engaging way, with lots of photos, illustrations, and even several quizzes which allowed us all to participate. And judging by the amount of laughter, the guides certainly understood how to be entertaining.

In Part 2 we head down to the river for a stimulating boat tour through the gorge. 

For more about the Miyoshi Geopark Project, check their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/people/みよしジオガイドの会/100057168981171/

And info about the Yamashiro Sengoku Kunizakai group is available on their Instagram page: 

https://www.instagram.com/sengoku_kunizakai/

And for info about Obokekyo Mannaka Service Area and their Pleasure Boat tours, check their website:

https://www.mannaka.co.jp/restaurant/excursionship/excursionship.html 

(Text & Photos by: Shaun Lamzy)