Nishi-awakura Son

Nishiawakura was established as a shoen, a privately-owned and governed estate, called the Awakura-so (粟倉荘). Nishiawakura was the western estate (nishi means "west"), and at the time there was a Higashiawakura (higashi meaning "east"), as well. Nishiawakura chose to remain its own village while Higashiawakura was incorporated into modern Mimasaka. There are no records of there ever being a united "Awakura".

With 95% of the village being forested, it's unsurprising that Nishiawakura is known for its scenic mountains and forests. Much of the forests (84%) were planted as artificial forests after World War II in order to help rebuild the war-torn country. Cedar and cypress are fast-growing trees that produce good wood for building. Over time, demand decreased as domestic woods became less preferable to imports which devastated the local economy. In 2008, Mori no Gakko (森の学校) was established to revitalize the lumber industry (and by extension the town itself) by selling affordable wooden tiles, called Yukahari Tiles, that is used in flooring. Their wood can also be used to make furniture and other products. Awakura Onsen's Motoyu uses local wood to heat the onsen, as well as using cypress wood to scent the hot spring water. The town is also at the forefront of Sustainable Development in Japan as they work to thin out forests to keep them healthy when they harvest lumber so that the forest can replenish itself. The Mori wo Taberu Project (森を食べるプロジェクト), which translates to the "Forest-eating Project", is another local group with the goal of incorporating local wood into edible products. They introduced Hinoki Beer in September of 2020 as a unique beer that was fermented with bits of cypress, which is said to add a fruity flavor. They also make smoked ham and breads using cypress yeast. Their products can be found at Awakurando and Awakura Onsen's Motoyu.

Tourist information site:

The village has a Japanese-only tourism section.

Nishiawakura is served by the Chizu Express Line via two stations, Nishiawakura Station and Awakura-Onsen Station. Although it is a private railway, they have a deal with JR West, so there are express trains from Okayama and Kamigori that will take you as far as Ohara Station where you can transfer (or take a taxi) to reach Nishiawakura. From Tottori, travel to Chizu where you can transfer. At certain times of the day, it may be faster to go past Nishiawakura to transfer and backtrack (ex: From Tottori/Chizu, taking an Express Train to Ohara Station to transfer rather than waiting for a direct train from Chizu Station).