The ratio of scarecrows to humans in the village is approximately 10 to 1.
Tsukimi Ayano created her first scarecrow to protect her garden's radish seeds from birds.
The village was once home to over 300 residents before the local dam construction and aging population led to a decline.
Each doll is documented with a name and personality profile by the creator.
The primary school, which closed in 2012 due to lack of students, now houses over 100 dolls posed as teachers and pupils.
The scarecrows are periodically repaired and replaced as their fabric and materials weather in the outdoor elements.
Nagoro, often called the 'Scarecrow Village,' is a remote hamlet in the Iya Valley where life-sized dolls outnumber human residents by a significant margin. Local artist Tsukimi Ayano began creating these figures, known as kakashi, to replace the shrinking population of the village. The dolls are placed in various lifelike positions throughout the town, including at bus stops, inside the old primary school, and working in local fields. As of 2026, the village remains an active, albeit sparsely populated, residential area in the mountains of Tokushima Prefecture. The dolls are crafted using wood, wire, newspaper, and fabric, often repurposing the clothing of former residents. The village serves as a poignant artistic commentary on the rural depopulation issues facing Japan. Visitors can walk the village streets to view scenes depicting daily village life from decades past. The former Nagoro Primary School acts as a primary display site for the collection.
Inside the former Nagoro Primary School classrooms, where the dolls are posed in organized groups.
Bring a rental car, as the village is located deep in the mountains and public infrastructure is extremely limited.
Carry cash for local drink machines or small shops, as digital payment is rarely accepted.
Stay respectful of the private property of the few remaining human residents.
Attempting to reach the village via public transport, which is infrequent and often requires long walks.
Do not touch or move the dolls, and remain quiet as the village is a functioning residential area.
