iya valley bus tour

Full-day Kotobus Iya Valley Tour from Osaka

• Transportation's fee of Shinkansen and local train from Osaka to Takamatsu (round trip)
• Transportation's fee of Koto bus between Takamatsu and Iya area
• English Speaking Guide from Osaka
• Entry/Admission - Arde Shinosaka
• Admission fee (Iya Kazurabashi :500JPY/pax, River cruise :1200JPY/pax)
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Entry/Admission - Kazurabashi Yumebutai
• Entry/Admission - Michi-no-Eki Oboke
• Shin-Osaka Station, 5 Chome-16 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa Ward, Osaka 532-0011, Japan Shin-Osaka Station Shinkansen Central Exit Ticket Gate(中央口改札）
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• You'll start at Shin-Osaka Station 5 Chome-16 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa Ward, Osaka 532-0011, Japan Shin-Osaka Station Shinkansen Central Exit Ticket Gate(中央口改札） See address & details
• 1 Arde Shinosaka Stop: 5 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 Takamatsu Stop: 7 hours See details
• 3 Kazurabashi Yumebutai Stop: 60 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 4 Oboke Koboke Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 5 Michi-no-Eki Oboke Stop: 60 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• nohjt 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hiroshima is beautiful! Our guide was amazing. She was very enthusiastic and proud of her heritage. Even though the group was big, she attended to everyone's needs and spent time getting to know us. The only critique I have is that the order confirmation emails don't contain the departure location and time. We almost missed out on this great experience, but we are lucky to have been called to help us get to the train in time. Read more Written April 21, 2024
• Jose F 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Japan 2024 We had a great time. Kako was an awesome tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. She was able to guide us through the day and even fit in sometime for us to shop as well Read more Written April 5, 2024
• andykristiekappes 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Day Yet: Miyajima Bottom Line: Get to Miyajima! We book a private tour for flexibility with kids (5, 8, 8, 16). That’s exactly what we needed on this trip. Our Princess ship didn’t dock at the common Sea Port, but at a large ship international terminal west of the port. Our guide, Joe (Masahiko), was outstanding in communicating via WhatsApp before arrival. We figured out where we were and adjusted the plan to meet as close as possible, which was at Itsukaichi Station. It was just a 5 min taxi from the ship. Joe found us, got us our train tickets for the short ride, then got our ferry tickets to Miyajima. Wow! You have to get to Miyajima. It has everything: the gate in the water, the shrine, pagoda, beach, shopping, food, deer, and cherry blossoms (early April). Joe taught us about the history, culture, and customs as we walked. We bowed before the gate, didn’t walk down the middle as that’s where the deities walk, and washed our mouth with water at the shrine. He booked us a lunch reservation and sat with us to ensure my niece with Celiac got gluten free food. The chef/owner was so kind and grateful and went out of his way to speak English to us. We did all we could with trying to reply in Japanese to show our appreciation. We quickly realized we didn’t want to leave and Joe was so accommodating. We decided not to go to the Peace Park and just spent the day at Miyajima. Joe showed us the kids shop and a place for engraved chopsticks. We quickly ran out of time as we had to get back on the ship and will need to return. Joe then helped us back on the ferry, got us train tickets and rode with us back, then talked to the taxi drivers to ensure we made it back. Joe, thank you for a great day in Miyajima! Read more Written April 2, 2024
• H3864FZpaulm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful trip with guide Joe in Hiroshima. We had a wonderful tour today with Joe from HIS as our guide for our group of 8. He contacted us beforehand to check what we wanted to see and do in Hiroshima. He has a wealth of knowledge about the peace museum and bomb site. He was also excellent at the shrine on Miyajima explaining all the rituals. Would highly recommend his tour. Read more Written March 29, 2024
• anmariel2024 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Hiroshima tour The peace museum was such a moving place to visit. The tour overall was good. We had to wait for latecomers that advised they would be late but still didn’t arrive. This then put us back time. Tour leader okay but didn’t point out places of interest along the way. Read more Written March 22, 2024
• Navigate567085 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour Well organised and interesting tour. Guide was well informed and fun! Could maybe have done with more time in Museum but there was a lot to fit in. Miyajima was amazing and the weather was beautiful and views stunning. Read more Written March 17, 2024
• glee55 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent day tour This was an excellent tour of the Hiroshima pease memorial and Miyajima island. Okonomi lunch has something different. Our tour guided Azusa was knowledgable and also very funny - and very diligent in making sure the group was kept together and in getting the bus back in time for some of the groups return trips. Read more Written January 20, 2024
• rayd436 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Give us Tom or give us death!! Well there really are no words that could do justice to such a great experience. All because of the tour guide-Tom. To say he knocked it out of the park would be such an underwhelming way of describing our experience it's almost an insult. Tom was so knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip, bus routes, local culture, food, traditions...I could go on. At the end when parting ways both my wife and I had tears in our eyes. If you can request a specific guide Tom's the one for you and this trip was made a significant positive lifetime memory because of him. Read more Written January 9, 2024
• 218ellah 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Happy little tourist This was an excellent walking tour, everything was so close together when walking, so don’t stress if you think it is ages to walk. The tour guide had so much knowledge and stories about all the sites, was so nice for someone that isn’t massive into history in the tour group. Loved it and so glad I did this tour. Read more Written January 5, 2024
• Tavis L 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent one day tour The trip was well organized, and the experience of visiting the Hiroshima atomic bomb site was deeply moving. The tour guide, a female Japanese, was awesome. She not only provided insightful information about the history and impact of the atomic bomb, but also spoke English fluently. Her ability to communicate effectively in English made the tour even more meaningful and accessible to international visitors. The driver was polite too. Additionally, the tour guide had a great sense of humor, adding a touch of lightheartedness to an otherwise emotionally heavy experience. Her funny anecdotes and light-hearted moments made the tour both informative and enjoyable. Overall, my experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima was excellent. I highly recommend visiting these places, particularly with a knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide like the one I had. The trip provided a valuable educational and cultural experience, and I left with a deeper understanding of the impact of the atomic bomb and the resilience of the people of Hiroshima. Read more Written December 5, 2023
• vickicork 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice convenient tour Very nice way to see Hiroshima . We took the train to Hiroshima from Kyoto which was 2 hours , tour starts at 10 am from Hiroshima station itself . They said to wait at the exit so I walked out of station and waited there but no one showed for 5-10 minute and then everyone came with guide from inside station so I think if there was one negative it is there should be better instructions exactly on where to meet guide. The tour itself was very nice , beats trying to navigate Hiroshima on your own . The tour guide Kumiko was excellent , really enjoyed seeing the Peace museum , Hiroshima dome and then going over to Miyajima island , we left early back from Miyajima as we wanted to take the train we had already reserved back to Kyoto at 5.40 pm but really the tour reaches back at about 6 pm to the station again . Miyajima island too is very nice and if there was another thing I would suggest is some instructions on what to see there like we were given tickets to go inside shrine but not really what to do in Miyajima . Read more Written December 2, 2023
• V7977GXandrewl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Easy and quick way to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima Easy way to get to Miyajima Island but somehow the option has dropped off google maps. We went one way as we wanted to return after the last boat so came home the public ferry and JR train route. Thought price was reasonble considering the time saving and convenience. Also great to get views from the river of the dome and commentary on the way to the island. Read more Written November 29, 2023
• 599lanan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent! We took the afternoon tour on 11/16/2023. The tour was very good and very well organized. Our guide was very knowledgeadle about Japan culture and history and provided many interesting facts and information on various aspects of life in Japan, as well as religion, making this tour very informative, which was amazing. We had 2 stops to see 2 temples, one with the biggest bronze statue of Budda, and the deers in the park were adorable, all around and very friendly. We got to feed them and they bowed as we did. It was an amazing experience. We also had enough time at each stop to take photos. This was one of the best tours we took. I would highly recommend it. Read more Written November 25, 2023
• Maps15060702891 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hiroshima and Miyajima, Japan Well organized. A fantastic guide including lunch, a visit to the Memorial museum in Hiroshima and to the beautiful island of Miyajima. Memories to last a lifetime Read more Written November 17, 2023
• J1171ZEcandicel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend. Great all round experience Excellent tour. Guide and driver were professional and friendly. Packed a lot in to one day and all other costs of the day were included which made things easy. Read more Written November 15, 2023

More to explore in Osaka

Full-day Kotobus Iya Valley Tour from Osaka provided by H.I.S.Co., Ltd.

The Ultimate Guide to the Iya Valley on Shikoku, Japan – 9 Unforgettable Things to Do

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This remote river valley in the mountains of eastern Shikoku ’s Tokushima Prefecture is one of my favourite places on the entire island. The sheer isolation of the place made it a popular hiding place for political refugees, and during the 12 th century Samurai from the Heike Clan ostensibly fled to the valley to hide after being defeated in the Genpei War (1180 to 1185).

Today, the only people hiding in the Iya valley are travelers wanting to get off Japan’s tourist trail , and I can hardly imagine a better place to do so. Combining breathtaking nature with cute little villages and plenty of unusual sights , you could spend days exploring the area and still have enough reasons to come back.

If you don’t have a lot of time to spend, read on for descriptions of the Iya Valley’s must-see attractions as well as practical information for exploring this natural paradise.

This post may contain affiliate links, and I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more info, click here .

Organized Tours of the Iya Valley

If your time in the Iya Valley is limited, and you still want to see as much as possible, an organized tour might be the way to go. There are several options available, like this bike tour of the Valley or this half-day tour with a chauffeur . You can browse for more options below.

What to see and do in the Iya Valley

As the area of interest for the traveler stretches out over quite a distance, I’ve decided to list the most important points of interest geographically rather than by significance. The list starts in Oboke at the western end of the Valley and ends at the Double Vine Bridge close to Mount Tsurugi in the east.

Lapis Oboke – Demon and Mineral Museum

This gaudy museum is dedicated to an unusual combination of themes: Minerals and Yōkai, the demon-creatures of Japanese Mythology. There are some beautiful examples of crystal formations, but unless you are a geologist, the latter will probably be the main reason to visit.

The museum does a good job of introducing some of the more important Yōkai and explaining their origin and modus operandi , giving you important survival tips, should you encounter these often deceitful creatures😉. All kidding aside, it’s a lot of fun and an interesting glimpse into an aspect of the rich Japanese mythology. The entrance fee is 500¥.

The museum is located in Oboke, near the bus stop Michi-no Eki Oboje. You can also walk there from Oboke Train Station in about 20 minutes. Cross the river east of the station and then walk north along the highway running west of the river until you see a big parking lot on the right hand side. There’s a nice viewpoint on a platform over the river a little farther to the north.

Iya-No Kazura-bashi (Vine Bridge)

One of the biggest tourist draws to the Iya Valley, you’ll likely have to share the visit to this Vine Bridge in Nishi-Iya with plenty of other people. You’ll get the best view of the construction from the road bridge directly to the west, but if you want to cross it, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee of 550¥.

I found it to be an enjoyable experience but be advised: the gaps between the boards are quite big, so if you suffer from vertigo, you should probably stick to admiring it from afar. If you prefer your ancient vine bridges without hoards of tourist, you might want to consider visiting the more atmospheric Oku-Iya Niju Kazura-bashi further east (see below). You can easily reach it by bus (bus-stop Kazurabashi).

Buke Yashiki Samurai House

This preserved mid-18 th century house, located high above the village of Kyojo used to belong to a samurai of the local Kita Clan and inside you can get acquainted with the daily living conditions of this highly respected part of Japanese Society. You can explore the central living area as well as the kitchen and servants quarters.

There are some portrait photographs of the former inhabitants as well as some beautiful painted scrolls and plenty of utensils of daily life. Next to the house you’ll find a small shrine and a massive 800 year old cedar tree . The views of the surrounding peaks and the opposite slope of the valley from up here are splendid.

The entrance fee is 300¥ and the closest bus stop is Kyojo down in the village of the same name. To get to the house, you’ll either need your own transport or lug your way up the northern slope several serpentines on foot, like we did. Going by foot, it takes about an hour and really puts the isolation of the place into perspective.

Imagine walking up here every time you wanted to go home – I guess there’s always a price to pay for solitude. Watch out for Japanese Rat Snakes on the way up there – we spotted one hiding in the underbrush near the road. They’re non-venomous, so no need to worry.

Higashi-Iya Museum of History and Folklore

This small museum in the village of Higashi-Iya gives a nice impression of the daily routine of villagers in the valley over the last couple of centuries. Apart from several tools and objects of daily life, you’ll find a reconstruction of a traditional tatami -matted sitting room with a central stove and a fascinating complex figurine used for puppet theatre performances as well as several other interesting displays.

The museum is located right next to the Kyojo bus-stop and the entrance fee is 300¥.

Ochiai Traditional Village

Ochiai is a pretty little village full of traditional houses that lends itself for a great hour or so of exploration. The rows of houses are constructed on terraces across the northern slope of the valley and as you would expect, the higher you climb the better the views get.

Apart from a number of cute thatch-roofed houses, there is a small Shinto shrine set in a copse in the centre of the village. If you’re hungry, you should check out the small Soba Dojo restaurant at the eastern end of the village serving the traditional regional variation of Soba (buckwheat noodles).

There’s a bus stop at the foot of the village called Ochiai-Bashi.

Oku-Iya Sightseeing Tour Monorail

If you want to explore a bit of the natural surroundings of the valley but don’t feel up to a strenuous hike, this Sightseeing Monorail is the ideal solution for you. Little beetle-shaped cars sitting two people will gently transport you through the forest and up the slopes of the mountain at a surprisingly steep angle.

After you’ve left the forest, you’ll get some nice views of the valley and surrounding peaks before descending to the point you started.

Make sure your schedule isn’t too tight. If everything goes as planned, the whole trip should take about an hour, but we were in there for a bit longer.

The people in front of us had some technical problems, so we had to hit the emergency brake and wait for the guy in the maintenance beetle to come and kick-start us. Although I have to say, there are worse places to be stuck for half an hour than a beautiful Japanese forest full of fluttering birds.

The tour costs 2000¥ for adults and 1000¥ for children. To get there, you’ll have to take the bus to Sugeoi station, where you can walk across the river to the southern bank and then follow the road running west for about 20 mins.

Nagoro Doll Village

A museum full of demons and a beetle-shaped monorail isn’t weird enough for you? How about a village populated by dolls? The appearance of Nagoro is the brainchild of local artist Tsukimi Ayano.

There’s no entrance fee, and the village can easily be reached by bus (get off at the aptly named Nagoro (Scarecrow Village) bus stop). Coming from Kyojo or further west, you’ll have to change buses in Kubo.

You can find everything you need to know about visiting this unique place in my guide here .

Oku-Iya Niju Kazura-bashi (Eastern Iya Valley Vine Bridges)

This set of double vine bridges is located in the more remote eastern part of the valley, close to the foot of Mt. Tsurigi. As they take significantly longer to get to, the number of visitors they get is much smaller, and we were on our own to explore them.

Crossing them is a bit adventurous and lots of fun (if you’re not suffering from a fear of heights). Apart from that, the interesting way they are constructed is reason enough to check them out, as is the beautiful stretch of river they’re located at.

You can climb down to the water and admire them from below, and there’s even a small nature trail leading a few hundred meters east along the river. If you can’t get enough of unusual ways to cross the river, there’s also a small wooden gondola you can use to pull yourself across. The entrance fee is 550¥.

Further attractions in the Iya Valley

This is the farthest east we got in the valley – if you continue about 5km east, you’ll reach the foot of Mount Tsurigi. I can’t give you any first-hand info on that, but you can check out the information on the Iya Valley Tourism Website .

The Iya Valley is vast and you could spend weeks exploring the beautiful surroundings. There are some other attractions we didn’t make, which you could check out. For instance, there are several companies offering boat tours along the river in Oboke.

The undisputed emblem of the valley is the statue of a Peeing Boy situated atop a cliff somewhat close to Iya Onsen , a traditional bathhouse-hotel popular with domestic visitors. Both of these locations can be found along the road between Miyoshi in the south and Iyaguchi in the north.

Practicalities

How to get to the iya valley.

By far the best way to get around Japan is by using the country’s impeccable train system, which is fast, comfortable and efficient. A regional JR-Railway pass allows for unlimited use of Shikoku’s JR railways for 3 (9,000¥/68$), 4 (10,000¥/75$), 5 (11,000¥/82$) or 7 days (13,000¥/96$), which is a fantastic deal. You can order your pass online on this site.

Oboke, at the western end of the Iya Valley can be reached by JR train from Kochi in the south (about 50 mins. / 1,300¥) and Takamatsu (about 1,5 hours/1,800¥) or Kotohira (about 40 mins./1,100¥) in the north.

In Oboke you can board local buses traversing the valley from west to east (See How to get around section).

Where to stay in the Iya Valley

There are a couple of places to stay in the valley but budget options are somewhat scarce.

We stayed at Yoki Guesthouse in Miyoshi but at the moment they only seem to rent entire apartments, making it more of a mid-range to top-end option. If you do decide to stay here, you can sleep in the traditional way on mattresses atop the tatami mats on the floor. The guest-house is impeccably run by Usin, who speaks English and is very knowledgeable about the surrounding attractions.

Currently, the most affordable options seem to be Heso Camp or 4S Stay Awaikeda Ekimae in Miyoshi.

Mid-Range and Top-End options are a bit more frequent. One of the most popular ones is Hotel Iya Onsen , sporting beautiful views and warm springs to bathe in. Hotel Kazurabashi near the western vine bridge also famously features open-air baths with a view.

You can browse for more options here:

Where to eat in the Iya Valley

As there are no big towns in the valley, the numbers of restaurants are limited. One of your best bets is to eat at your hotel or guest-house. For example, Usin at Yoki Guesthouse cooks some super tasty dinner and there’s also a kitchen where you can do a bit of self-catering.

There’s a small grocery store in the village where you can get provisions. Apart from that there are some small restaurants and cafés in some of the villages in the valley. You could try Soba Dojo in Ochiai to try some of the local Soba Noodles served in a cold broth. There are also some cafés near the Iya-No Kazura-bashi vine bridge .

How to get around in the Iya Valley

The easiest way if you’re short on time would be renting a car in Takamatsu or any of the other big cities on Shikoku and drive yourself. If that’s not in your budget, it’s possible to get around the Iya Valley without a car – It just takes a bit of planning. We managed to see all of the above sights in two and a half days using only public buses.

Mainly, there are four buses going west to east per day and four going the other way. You can check out the current schedules here . You get a ticket while boarding the bus and pay the driver when you leave. There’s a constantly adjusting electronic display telling you the necessary balance of your ticket number.

At the time of writing, four buses a day make their way through the valley. To get to attractions in the eastern part of the valley (like Nagoro Village or the Double Vine Bridge), you’ll have to change buses at Kubo (where you won’t have to wait as the buses are timed perfectly).

Where to go next

Takamatsu, home to one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens

Kotohira, a cute small town featuring an impressive Shinto Shrine

4 thoughts on “ The Ultimate Guide to the Iya Valley on Shikoku, Japan – 9 Unforgettable Things to Do ”

Thank you so much. Planning to visit this spring. Wanted to stay there for a while

You’re very welcome, Daniela! This is definitely an area that rewards a longer stay, as there’s a lot to see. Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions:-)

Thank you. Where i can contact you Reinhard? My gsm 0032 472 907679 [email protected]

If you have any questions, you can drop me a mail at reinhard[at]perchancetoroam.com

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The Wildest Way Through Shikoku

August 27, 2023 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

The first time I visited the Iya Valley, Japan took on a new dimension to me. This was partially because of the experiences themselves, and partially because of the unique circumstances of my visit.

I was a guest of the JTB travel agency, who masterfully organized things to do in the Iya Valley, and integrated them with the rest of my group’s media trip to Shikoku . Thing is it was the middle of winter, a season that is tolerable in sub-tropical Shikoku, but still somewhat cold, especially given the Iya Valley’s altitude.

I’ll explain in another article whether or not this is best time to visit Shikoku (and what some alternatives might be). For now, however, allow me to explain to you why this wild pocket of mountains and forest should be on your Japan bucket list—and to gift you with a provisional Iya Valley itinerary.

How to Reach the Iya Valley

Getting to the Iya Valley is rather simple, at least from within Shikoku. It sits relatively equidistant between the cities of Tokushima and Takamatsu . If you plan to travel by train, you can ride the JR Tokushima Line to Awa-Ikeda Station. (Which direction you go depends on where you enter Shikoku—if you enter via Takamatsu you’ll be heading east; you’ll travel west if you’re coming from Tokushima.)

On the media trip I mentioned in the intro, I traveled from Tokushima to Iya Valley, but then continued on to Kochi, rather than heading straight through to Takamatsu. This is also possible for you, regardless of how you travel. Note, however, that if you’re exploring Shikoku via private car (which is certainly advisable within Iya Valley, if not on the island more broadly), your sequencing is slightly less important.

What to Do in the Iya Valley

Start where the iya river bends.

The most iconic spot in the Iya Valley, visually speaking, is a dramatic bend in the Iya River that most Japanese have come to associate with it. Interestingly, there doesn’t seem to be any thematic or mythological connection between the shape of this bend and the name I Ya , which translates to “Ancestor Valley” in Japanese. At any rate, looking down onto this landform will definitely be a highlight of your Iya Valley itinerary.

Say “Konnichiwa” to the Peeing Boy

Although the Peeing Boy of the Iya Valley seems to be an homage (or at least a reference) to the Pissing Boy of Brussels, I’m not sure this was intention. Rather the statue, which was erected in the late 1960s, is a monument to the tendency of local young men to relieve themselves high above the river below. Like the one in Brussels, this statue is pretty small and unimposing—I wouldn’t recommend spending more than a few minutes here.

Boat Through Oboke Gorge

Water adventures are among my favorite things to do in Shikoku, and the “pleasure boat” ride through Oboke Gorge is one of the most scenic. Note that if you decide to follow in my footsteps and visit during early February, it’s going to be extremely cold. I certainly wasn’t dressed appropriately; I paid the price as such. If you visit during summer (perhaps after hiking on Mt. Tsurugi) this might be rather refreshing indeed.

(Try to) Cross the Kazurabashi Bridge

There are several “rope” bridges in the Iya Valley, but my favorite is Kazurabashi, whose name actually directly translates to “vine bridge.” Walking across here requires a certain amount of mind over matter, in spite of being in Japan, which means you more or less know it’s safe. My advice is to move relatively quickly, and also to choose footwear that isn’t going to caught in any of the bridge’s holes or depressions.

Take a Bath at Iya Onsen

One of my favorite Shikoku hot springs is Iya Onsen, with various hotels offering baths bubbling with its waters at the bottom of the Iya Valley. This—that there are many hotels offering access—is the good news. The bad news? The onsen isn’t open to the general public, which means you’ll need to stay at one of the relevant hotels or ryokan in order to avail the warmth of their healing waters, a perfect conclusion to your Iya Valley itinerary.

Where to Stay in the Iya Valley

I’ll be honest; Many Iya Onsen hotels (including Hotel Iyaonsen itself) are expensive, outdated and prone to being sold out. To address this problem, I have an easy solution: Approach where you stay with ambiguity. This is advisable not only in the sense of your specific accommodation (simple lodging such as 4S Stay Awa-Ikeda Ekimae and Yamaya Base are perfectly accessible), but in terms of its location, particularly if you have your own set of wheels.

To be sure, nothing says you have to sleep a night in the Iya Valley, even if committing to do so will give you more time to explore the attractions I’ve mentioned above. You can absolutely visit on a day trip from Tokushima or Takamatsu—particularly, again, if you’ll have your own private transportation, and won’t need to be at the whims of the relatively thin bus schedules in this part of Shikoku.

Other Shikoku Destinations

Chances are very good that your Shikoku trip will neither begin nor end in the Iya Valley. Assuming you start in Tokushima and enter Iya Valley from there, here’s how to conclude your trip:

• Takamatsu (including Marugame Castle and Kotohira-gu )
• The “Art Island” of Naoshima

Other Iya Valley FAQ

How do i get to iya valley.

You can reach the Iya Valley by flying or traveling by bus to the city of Tokushima, on Shikoku island, than either riding the train (to Awa-Ikeda) or a bus or driving into the Iya Valley. Iya Valley is closer to Osaka and Kyoto than it is to Tokyo, although you’re likely to fly in from Tokyo; the journey time should be similar (about 3-4 hours, when all is said and done).

Which prefecture is Iya Valley?

The Iya Valley is in the western part of Tokushima prefecture, one of the four prefectures that makes up Shikoku island. However, it’s also relatively close to the city of Takamatsu in Kagawa prefecture; some travelers begin their journeys here.

In which prefecture can you find ancient vine bridges?

There are ancient vine bridges throughout Japan, although the most common one is Kazurabashi, located in the Iya Valley, in the western part of Tokushima prefecture on Shikoku island.

The Bottom Line

Should you visit the Iya Valley? Japan certainly offers more accessible natural experiences, and ones that are more traditionally popular. On the other hand, whether you walk across a rickety rope bridge or ride a boat through a rock-walled gorge, Iya Valley is one of the wildest places in Japan. With this being said, if you plan to be in Shikoku anyway, it’s easy to integrate this Iya Valley itinerary into your trip—it sits roughly halfway between Tokushima and Takamatsu; you can also visit it on your way to Kochi. Here’s to hoping we can all enter Japan again soon—and that you can see for yourself!

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See & Do

Experiences like no other, adventure, fun,  and a wealth of culture.

Don't miss out with all that's on offer!

These are our ways to do it right in the Iya Valley and Oboke Gorge Areas!

Vine Bridges & More

Rafting & canyoning, outdoor fun, hot springs, viewpoints & nature, art & weirdness, historical sites, festivals & events, classes & tours, iyatime is an ad-free website made by the people of the iya valley.

Got a question? Check our FAQs page for some answers.

Iya Highlights Tour

A half-day tour of some legendary points

A collection of special places

On this half day tour you can see and experience a selection of the Iya Valley’s most notable sights. First you will visit some panoramic viewpoints within the undeveloped Iyakei Gorge , including Hi-no-Ji Bend and the precariously perched Peeing Boy Statue. Next, at the famed Kazurabashi Vine Bridge , test your mettle by crossing this massive back-country construction which sways above the emerald waters of the Iya River. Nearby, walk with your guide to the tranquil Biwa Waterfall and opt to taste some Iya-style snacks roasting over coals at the surrounding shops.

Afterwards, head deeper into the valley, taking a side trip along the cliff-faced original road of Iya with a stop at its stunning wire suspension bridge, and then have in-depth walk along the ancient footpaths of the historic Ochiai mountainside village where you also get to tour the inside of a traditional thatched-roof farmhouse.

 4 hours

• N ot available on Wednesdays .
• Fixed Route Itinerary.
• Lunch stop time not included (but it is possible, see below)
• Includes pick-up and drop-off from any Iya Valley or Oboke Area accommodation, or via JR Oboke Station. But if traveling both to and from Oboke Station and/or Oboke area accommodations , you may want to add an extra 30 minutes of taxi time due to the extra driving distance needed.
• Add On sights possible, see below.

 Prices:

Standard Taxi (1-3* people)   ¥ 35,200

Jumbo Taxi (3-8 people)     ¥ 45,600

• This is total price per private group (not per person)
• All prices include tax.
• Includes vehicle, driver, and English speaking local guide.
• 3 people in Standard Taxi is only recommended if 3rd person is a child or if you are all 3 small adults
• Meal fees not included.
• Entrance fees not included (¥550/person Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, children are discounted).

 Itinerary (fixed route) :

• Start anytime between 8:00am and 1:00pm
• Pick-up from any Iya Valley accommodation or JR Oboke Station
• Iyakei Gorge Viewpoints (Hi-no-Ji Bend, Peeing Boy Statue)
• Iya-no-Kazurabashi Vine Bridge
• Biwa Waterfall
• Ryugugake Park and Manpu Gorge Wire Bridge
• Historic Ochiai Village Walking Tour
• Nagaoka-ke Historic House
• Drop-off at any Iya Valley accommodation or JR Oboke Station

Details About this Tour

• This is a Fixed Route Tour. If you would like to change the locations for this itinerary, please see one of our Custom Tours.
• This tour can start anytime between 8:00am and 1:00pm.
• We are generally not available for this tour on any Wednesday.
• Pick-up and drop-off can be from any Iya Valley accommodation or JR Oboke Station. Other locations that are not in Iya can also be arranged but may include an additional fee and require extra time.
• On heavy rain days, it may not be possible to walk through some places such as Ochiai Village (but we will provide umbrellas), so we will just tour these places by car and extend time at other points. Also, the guide and driver will do their best to accommodate anyone who may be physically unable to handle the walking tours.

Lunch Options

• Time for a lunch stop is not included with this tour, but if you wish, some extra taxi time can be added (see Add Ons  below) and we can take you to a restaurant for a great meal. Please ask when reserving this tour.
• Alternately, if you wish to just bring some food to eat along the way instead, no problem. There is a small grocery store near Oboke Station which sells snacks and bentos. Also, at the Kazurabashi Vine Bridge there are some vendors which have some local snacks available. 

+ Add On options for this tour:

This 4 hour Iya Highlights Tour is great for those who don't have a whole day available, but we can Add On some additional points to this tour if you are looking to do a little more!

Rates for every 30 minutes of extension:

  Standard Taxi with guide + ¥4300 

  Jumbo Taxi with guide + ¥5600

*these extension fees are per group, not per person.

List of Services

+Add 60 (or 90*) minutes of taxi & guide time

Convenient for those traveling to/from Oboke Station and/or hotels in the Oboke area, this tranquil boat cruise goes through the center of Oboke Gorge, with fantastic up-close views of the beauiful rock formations.

- Boat tickets are ¥1500 per person (please pay for your guide's ticket).

- 9am - 5pm (last boat 4:30)

*  If both starting and ending your tour from accommodations in the Iya Valley, then including the boat cruise will add 90 minutes of taxi & guide time. 

+ Add 30 (or 60*) minutes taxi & guide time

This tour does not include time for a lunch stop, but if you want, your driver and/or guide can take you somewhere for a great meal either before, during, or after the tour, depending on when you start. Just let us know and we'll recommend a few of the best places.

*Due to the extra driving time needed, if both starting and ending via Oboke area accommodations and/or Oboke Station, we really recommend adding 60 minutes to the tour (so 5 hours total) when including lunch.

+ Add 30 minutes taxi & guide time.

This small but very well curated museum is full of interesting artifacts regarding Iya life, customs, and its legends connected to ancient samurai and the former Emperor of Japan.

- Tickets ¥410 per person, children discounted.

- Closed on weekends in winter.

+ Add 60 minutes of taxi only time**

For a bit of natural relaxtion, choose to include one of the valley's soothing hotspring (onsen) as a final stop on your tour, where you are sure to tranquilly forget about all of your life's troubles.

- Entry fees range from ¥1000 to ¥1700 per person depending on onsen location, children discounted

**Having a guide is not necessary if bath is taken at the end of the tour, so the fee would be for 60 min. extra taxi time only ( +¥4900 / 60 min standard taxi, +¥7500 / 60 min jumbo taxi)

Other One Day Guided Tours

All Iya Tour

Fixed Route

Iya Architecture Tour

Iya Yoga Tour

Flexible Route

Etegami Workshop Tour

7 - 7.5 hours

Custom Iya Tour

4 - 8+ hours

Mountain Hiking Tours

7 -9 hours to 2 Days

Iya Valley Tours  

Discover the Wonders of Our Hidden Home

Iya Valley Tours

See our Reviews and Testimonials

 © Iya Valley Tours 2024

 A division of the Kazurabashi Taxi Co. Ltd.

• [email protected]

SHIKOKU TOURS

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• Sightseeing

Booking a Holiday with Shikoku Tours

We offer a range of preplanned tours, based on years of experience. These tours are designed to show you the best of Shikoku, efficiently and in comfort. We’ve found that a charter vehicle with your own driver is the best way to get around – you won’t get lost, you don’t have to carry your own luggage, and you can go to the many places in Shikoku not served by public transport. Where public transport makes sense, we use it. Our tours are ideal for couples or small groups.

Popular Multiday Tours

These are some of our popular multiday tours. There are more in the Multiday Tour section. Please note that where departure dates are not shown, these are private tours where you can set the date at your own convenience.

88 Temple Pilgrimage

Visit all 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage in a comfortable private vehicle, staying at a variety of accommodation.

88 Temple Pilgrimage and Mt. Kōya

Visit all 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage in a comfortable private vehicle, finishing your Ohenro journey at Mt. Kōya.

Shikoku for Solo Travellers

A tour of Shikoku for single travellers visiting the most interesting sights of Ehime and Kagawa, and islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

Shikoku Pilgrimage with Walks

Visit the most beautiful and interesting temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and walk the toughest trails.

Best of Shikoku Pilgrimage

Experience the most beautiful and interesting temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage in seven days.

Best of Shikoku Taxi Tour in June

Experience the best that Shikoku has to offer in five days. Starts March 30.

Shimanami Kaidō Cycling

Cycle the islands and bridges of the Shimanami Kaidō over the Seto Inland Sea.

Best of Shikoku Taxi Tour

Experience the best that Shikoku has to offer in five days.

Unique Accommodation of Shikoku

A tour for families or friends, staying in the most characterful kominka and ryokan of Shikoku.

Shikoku Castles and Culture Tour

Visit Shikoku’s well-preserved castles and experience the best of the island’s culture.

Best of Shikoku by E-bike and SUP

This adventure takes you from the Seto Inland Sea to the Pacific by e-bike and SUP.

Ehime Gourmet and Sake

Explore the wonderful food and sake of Ehime

Popular Single Day Tours

These single and half day guided tours are an ideal introduction to Shikoku. Please note that   these are private tours where you can set the date at your own convenience.

Shimanami Kaidō Experience

Cycle the Shimanami Kaidō and cruise the Seto Inland Sea.

Pilgrimage Trail in Ehime

Hike the most strenuous pilgrimage trails to the best temples in Ehime.

Matsuyama Castle and Dōgo

A day trip to explore two iconic places in Matsuyama.

Matsuyama Geisha Entertainment

Experience traditional geisha performing arts and hospitality in Dōgo, Matsuyama.

Pilgrimage Trail in Kagawa

Hike the most strenuous pilgrimage trails to the best temples in Kagawa.

The Silk Road in Western Ehime

Learn about silk manufacture in the western towns of Nomura and Yawatahama.

Pilgrimage Trail in Tokushima

Hike the most strenuous pilgrimage trails to the best temples in Tokushima.

Pilgrimage Trail in Kōchi

Hike the most strenuous pilgrimage trails to the best temples in Kōchi.

Reliable & Transparent

We prioritize transparency and reliability, ensuring that you can confidently rely on us for accurate information and exceptional customer satisfaction.

Competitive Rates

We understand the importance of offering competitive rates and exclusive deals, providing you with the best value for your money without compromising on quality.

Flexible Options

Whether you have fixed travel dates or require flexibility, we provide a range of options to accommodate your schedule, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free travel experience tailored to your needs.

Memorable Experiences

We are passionate about creating memorable experiences that touch your heart. We go the extra mile to recommend unique local adventures and personalize your trip, ensuring that your travel experience is truly unforgettable.

Regional Focus

Shikoku Travel Blogs

Shikoku Castles

Katsuo no Tataki at Kuroshio Ichibankan

The Uchiko Bamboo Festival

Upcoming Attractions

Uwajima Ushioni Festival

Niihama Taiko Festival

Saijō Festival

Yosakoi Festival

Testimonials.

We were a family group of two couples, following the "Unique Accommodation of Shikoku" itinerary, customized for our needs. The accommodations were unique as promised; several on a very small scale where we could connect to the proprietors who were uniformly enthusiastic hosts. All (or most) meals were included, and we were treated generously to regional specialties. My vegetarian requests were fulfilled with delicious options.

We were able to get e-bikes to make a morning on the Shimanami Kaido bike path, a delight on our first day. We spent two nights in the Iya valley in a renovated farmhouse with a large hearth where we gathered for food and fun with the proprietor's family. Schedule changes forced by weather were as much fun as the original plans, including a river boat ride, and visit to a traditional indigo factory. Our driver spoke English and answered a million questions.

We added an extra, the geisha dinner for the night before our trip started, and were blown away with how much fun we had. Our "geiko" was the consummate hostess, and we even got to try out the musical instruments (we are musicians). We left exhilarated; it was the perfect start to our adventure. Shikoku Tours really delivered the goods, and I recommend it highly.

Shinsuke, Mari and Kumiko welcomed me in their Kominka during 3 amazing days. This experience appears to me as the highlight of my Japanese trip. We cooked soba and sushi together. They took me to their favorite places in the Iya Valley, where I discovered very peaceful and charming viewpoints. Their traditional home also offers a spectacular view where no one can disturb you apart from the birds. My heartfelt thanks to ShikokuTours who organized this trip with great professionalism and support all along the way!

I just completed half of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage through Shikoku Tours. Beforehand they worked closely and patiently with me to meet my needs. Everything went perfectly, from my driver who ensured that I was always comfortable, to the carefully chosen lodgings and thoughtfully scheduled temple visits.

My wife and I enjoyed cycling the Shimamanai Kaido route, there is enough time to go explore some of the intermediate and advanced routes. The accommodations were great. We had good communication and support from the company when we had a misunderstanding about a reservation. Rod was easy to deal with and shared good suggestions we used about places to eat and drink at and we enjoyed our tour.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to learn about Japan and do not want to be around tourists. By traveling this lovely island and experiencing temples, castles, gardens, seashore, mountains without other tourists is wonderful. The tour is perfect for open-minded travelers who don't mind seeing as many temples as they have time for - each one is different, beautiful, old, and differently located. If speaking English is important, this is not the tour.

Thanks for arranging such a unique tour.

Rod provided an exceptional tour. He was friendly, informative, flexible, and very easy to work with. He had great suggestions on best sites and best itinerary. We would recommend him without any reservation. Thanks Rod for a great day!

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with Shikoku Tours and the interactions with the agent, Rod Walters, and our driver. The trip was customized to meet our desire to visit several of the temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route and our driver had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited and areas we traveled through. This was a great value for the money spent and we will recommend them to others and use them when we return.

My wife and myself would like to express our thanks and appreciation to you and your team for a well thought out itinerary that gave us a full flavor of Shikoku from all aspects. Key is the varied accommodation that you guys have arranged. It’s was so awe inspiring. My wife favorite is the modern one just inland from shimantoand my favouriteis the one in iyavalley. I will be recommending my friends to you guys for in future.

If it weren't for the tour we would not have been able to navigate the region on our own. Our intent was to do a mini pilgrimage not knowing Tokushima and Takamatsu are urban areas and you need to go a good distance to reach certain temples in the back of beyond. Views in that hill country were spectacular --Tairyuji cable car, the riveting blue of the river, ancient cypresses -- and hair raising. Glad my sister was not driving!

Once the driver understood our serious intent we got tips about special views, proper spots for prayer and an introduction to the priest at our last temple. Our earlier impression was that most pilgrims have little interaction with temple staff much less entry into temple inner spaces. The priest gave us a full tour replete with explanation of Shingon lineage and significance of the small temple.

Yes, it was as they say Sugoi!

Everything went fine. The cloud cover stayed in place in the mountains and the heat was much easier to bear. Climbing to Iwayaji was a bit of a struggle for me but I trudged along patiently. I was surprised by how much I remembered from last year, recalling temple 44 as soon as we approached it on the road. We passed the inn where I stayed last fall.

I want to put in a good word about our driver. He did an excellent job. He was most helpful to us throughout the day in ways I am sure were more than what could be expected. He made things easy and enjoyable.

And I want to express my gratitude to you. Despite the heat, we enjoyed our day with you very much. And because of you I have been able to visit the pilgrimage temples which is quite important to me. I hope to have the chance to see you again soon.

And so tomorrow we move on the Hiroshima and a baseball game. There's still much to see and do before we return to our everyday lives.

All our best wishes.

Once the driver understood our serious intent we got tips about special views, proper spots for prayer and an introduction to the priest at our last temple. Our earlier impression was that most pilgrims have little interaction with temple staff much less entry into temple inner spaces. The priest gave us a full tour replete with explanation of Shingon lineage and signi

Safe and sound in Onomichi after returning from Habu by ferry to Imabari and bussing back here. Sal’s rear end was not able to face too much more cycling and by going from Habu we only missed one bridge to the end and about 15 km of the Shimanami Kaido. We thoroughly enjoyed the cycling and the accommodation.

Thank you for your arrangement of this part of our holiday. Going off the beaten track and exploring parts of Shikoku Island was wonderful and the stay at Suminoe Ryokan was a delight. You provided real highlights of our Japanese holiday.

We propose giving your name to a few friends in Australia that are contemplating Japanese holidays in the near future and hopefully you may be able to assist them plot out a holiday; hopefully without the constraints of Golden Week.

Thanks again for the arrangement and support along the way.

Cheers, John

It was a very enjoyable trip. My wife and I will surely remember it for many many years. The itinerary was carefully drafted, the hotels were nice, the food was delicious and the temples were cherry-picked. Our driver Mr Katou is very professional. He is punctual, hardworking and attentive to details. In fact, his English is not bad at all.

Everything is simply fantastic.

We have to thank you again, Rod, for giving us such a memorable trip. The only criticism is that you sent too many colleagues to receive us at the airport! But thank you anyway.

Mary and I very much enjoyed the sea kayaking today. Our guide was excellent and even swam off to find us some local sea life to look at (including an octopus!).

Our guide had given us a CD with photos on that he took on the trip, once we are back from our holiday next week I'd be glad to look through and share.

Thanks for organising this for us,

I was a difficult customer: I got in touch with Shikoku Tours just over two weeks before our visit, with a list of demands: the art festival, serious hiking along the Henro and Mt Tsurugi, the 24 Eyes movie village - and all appropriate for my young sons too. Rod rose to the challenge, and spent hours with me crafting our week, providing details down to bus and train times, and unerringly picking interesting, great places for us to stay. Thank you, Rod, for a wonderful week.

Google Reviews

It was really easy and convenient to book with Shikoku Tours, just a few exchanges of ideas via emails, and our trip was finalised. Payment was hassle free too. Clear ... Read More instructions and information were given. On the day of the trip, we were greeted by the most pleasant and courteous driver, Mr Horai, outside our hotel. He drove skillfully and carefully through the winding mountain road, we felt very safe with him. We were able to complete the itinerary due to his precise time management and superb driving. Special note of thanks to our coordinator, Ms Ayaka. She was so helpful and patient with our enquiries. Thank you Shikoku Tours, for making our trip a memorable one! :)

A big thank you to the team at Shikoku Tours for putting together the perfect tour of Shikoku. During the planning phase we shared that we’d like to bike ... Read More the Shiminami Kaido, hike parts of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage and explore the Iya Valley. Our final itinerary included all this and more! With Shikoku Tours we saw so much more than we would have on our own. Rod, our hiking and biking guide, is a wealth of Shikoku, Buddhism and Shinto knowledge. Shimizu-San, our driver, safely shuttled us to the starting point of each day’s activity and patiently waited for us at the end. Rod and Shimizu-San made a great team. Our accommodations were all very comfortable and most had stunning views. The included meals were some of the best we had in all of Japan. We highly recommend Shikoku Tours!!!

We loved our customized tour with Shikoku Tours. Our guide, Fujisan was fun and engaging but not too much. Just right. We went from west to east and stayed in ... Read More a variety of accommodations. Fujisan is a multi talented guy and loved coffee as much as we did. We wanted to learn more about Sake and we did. We changed the itinerary a bit depending on our interests and the weather. It would have been impossible to experience the variety of places without Shikoku Tours. Thank you!!

Rod Walters put together an amazing custom trip for us. We started our correspondence asking if we could modify a cab tour, and in the end Rod understood our ... Read More interests, timeline and travel style and put together a fantastic tour with drivers and guides. He understood our interests and even suggested things we were not previously aware of but loved. In a short, yet comfortable time frame, we saw the Noguchi Museum, Kompira Shrine, Ritsurin garden, Teshima and Kurashiki and more. His choice of lodgings delighted us too. We could not recommend Rod and Shikoku Tours more highly.

Last July, we decided that we wanted to hike a portion of the 88 Temple walk in Shikoku, Japan, in the Fall. After researching available tours on the internet, we ... Read More contacted Shikoku Tours and discovered that we could customize a tour with a guide and a van with a driver. We worked directly with Rod at Shikoku Tours by email and agreed on a tour to include over 20 temples in all prefectures of Shikoku over an 8 day period in October at a price that was acceptable for all of us. We booked our own flights over on Japan Airlines to Tokyo Haneda with a 2 hour layover and connecting JAL flight to Matsuyama. The connections were flawless and the hotel in Matsuyama which was booked by Shikoku Tours was an excellent choice. We enjoyed a free day there and then met our guide and driver the next morning. Tomo was our guide and Toshi was our driver for the next 8 days. Tomo was the best individual guide we had ever worked with in many years of travel all over the world. She was very knowledgeable, organized, friendly, caring, and helpful. Toshi was an excellent driver and the new van was always spotless. We hiked every day between temples and visited on average 4 temples a day with our extensive hiking and rides in the van. It was all an incredible and flawless adventure and so amazing to visit remote temples hundreds of years old and with hardly any visitors. In fact, with Tomo’s help, we exceeded our goal and visited 28 temples and really were introduced to so much more in Shikoku, including a stay in a 200 year old house in a small fishing village on the coast. . Shikoku Tours did an excellent job in arranging everything for us, in supplying a truly excellent guide and in making us really want to return to Shikoku to visit more of the 88 temples with Shikoku Tours. Highly recommended!!!

I had such a wonderful time in Shikoku! The whole adventure was put together so well, with every little detail well thought out and executed perfectly.

If you are going to Japan, please do not miss out on visiting some of the beautiful places that are beyond the usual tourist sites. The island of Shikoku is ... Read More special. You will see why when you go there, and find an incredible amount of diversity in the landscapes, the food, and the culture in each region of the island. Though I have traveled around many parts of Japan, it is the people who I met on Shikoku who I left feeling the most connected to, thanks to their warmth, kindness, and sense of humor. Shikoku Tours will be the perfect people to guide your explorations here. While you can find details online about things to do and places to stay on Shikoku, you'll will have a richer experience if you allow Shikoku Tours to do your planning. On a recent trip, Shikoku Tours sent me to a small seaside town that has nothing written about it in any of the Japan travel sites or blogs. At first I wasn't sure why I was going, but Shikoku Tours knew my interests and recommended a night there. I stayed in a beautiful private home with the most incredible host, met several interesting local people who are focused on revitalizing the area, and had one of the most memorable meals with the local people I met. Nothing beats local knowledge when it comes to travel, and the first-hand insights and relationships that Shikoku Tours has will take your trip from the typical tourist track to an unexpected discovery that opens you up to something new.

We had a wonderful week with Shikoku Tours, touring Washi paper making facilities and learning in depth knowledge about the paper making craft. Rod was the perfect host, and he ... Read More was very knowledgeable about the culture, the language, the areas we visited and all of the things we needed help with. I cannot imagine how different our trip would have been without his top-not interpreting skills and excellent guidance. I am so happy we mad the decision to see Shikoku before the other parts of Japan. I think some of the more rural and historic areas in Shikoku were definitely the most beautiful parts of the country at large. Rod was very knowledgable about the area's history, and shared in depth details that really helped us get a full understanding of the people and places we visited. I cannot imagine a better fit for a tour of this area. He had special connections to some of the business owners and restaurant owners that were very helpful. And the accommodations he recommended were top notch. We were extremely happy with Shikoku Tours!

Shikoku Tours arranged a private tour for us that covered four corners of the island. Our driver/guide paid attention to every detail and made sure everything went smoothly. The ... Read More island is rich in culture, history, and unspoiled natural settings. It was a great experience!

Great tour with Fuji-san. We were promptly picked up at our first location and ushered along a 3 day tour of the Shikoku region. Each location had a different unique ... Read More experience ranging from busy city to rural town, all places were well picked and curated for our enjoyment. Along the ride we were treated to various mini stops ranging from a spectacular view to a small hike and even a stop at the fantastic vine bridge. We ended our tour with a deeper knowledge and appreciation for this part of Japan. Many thanks to Shikoku tours and Fujiyama-san for making this a memorable experience.

What a great trip . The walking was demanding , but very satisfying. Our guide Tomoko & driver Fuji were absolutely fantastic they helped make the trip very memorable.They were ... Read More great fun and so accommodating. Definitely 5 star plus

Shikoku Tours did a fabulous job of picking just the right locations on Shikoku, picking our wonderful driver/guide - Fuji-san. From arranging our amazing Geisha dinner in Matsuyama, to ... Read More the Iya Valley, to the vine bridge, exploring the beautiful coast and visiting beautiful shrines and temples. The choice of lodging was always excellent. We had some rain, and Fuji-san was able to rearrange some of our activities that needed to be inside rather than outside - with apparent ease. We loved our time on Shikoku and highly recommend Shikoku Tours.

We did a self-guided walking trip with private transport. Well organised, with lots of detailed information on sites/sights. GPS system needs prepping but works well once set up properly. Our ... Read More driver was reliable and amiable too!

Our trip with Shikoku Tours was a wonderful experience and gave us a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Shikoku’s sites, the spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage, culture and food. ... Read More Our Shikoku Tour guides were amazing. They had extensive local knowledge and were easy to get along with, personable and fun. Not to mention, their very impressive photography skills. We have some of the best travel photos ever. The drivers/guides took good care of us, and we felt safe at all times. The itinerary and the guides were adaptable to options and our requests. Our Shikoku food experiences compared to our previous experiences with Japanese food were nothing short of extraordinary. You must try the Bonito Fish experience in Kochi. And you must definitely try Shikoku Tours.

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A Complete Guide to Visiting the Iya Valley in Shikoku, Japan

Created On: October 19, 2023   |   Updated: October 25, 2023   |   Leave a comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links from which we may make commission from. As always, we only recommend places and products we love! In addition, we try our best to keep our articles up-to-date with current prices, locations, and hours of operation however we always recommend double-checking when planning a trip as these items can change frequently.

The Iya Valley is a remote mountainous area in the less visited Shikoku Region of Japan. Logan and I first visited the Iya Valley when we were living in Japan and it quickly turned into one of our favorite places for outdoor activities. 

Historically, the Iya Valley was most notably populated by members of the Heike clan who were rumored to have lived in this area after losing the Genpei War to the Minamoto clan in the 12th century. The vine bridges you’ll find in the Iya Valley were used by the Heike clan to get from place to place in the valley and as a security measure so they could cut the bridges down if they were attacked. 

The scenic beauty in the Iya Valley, although growing more popular, is still mostly untouched and today you can view stunning mountain valleys, visit thatched-roof farmhouses, walk across the historic vine bridges, and admire the emerald river cascading through the landscape.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Iya Valley

• Higashi-Iya Post Office ATM
• Ochiai Post Office ATM
• Nishi-Iya Post Office ATM
• Oboke Post Office ATM
• If you are driving keep in mind that the roads are narrow, windy, and at times one-lane only. Take your time and make sure to learn about Japanese driving rules before you go. 
• Bring or wear layers, even in the summer. The temperature can range drastically in the Iya Valley throughout the day depending on your activities. For example, the temperature on Mt. Tsurugi is going to most likely be cooler than at the vine bridges because of the elevation change. 
• You can’t always rely on Google hours for restaurants and grocery stores can be difficult to find. I will cover more places to eat in the Iya Valley but one recommendation I have before visiting, especially if you are driving, is to stop at a grocery store on the way to get at least some snacks and drinks. 

When is the Best Time to Visit the Iya Valley?

Most of the time when people ask me when is the best time to visit a specific place in Japan I always say “It depends on what you’re looking for and what you want to do” because each season has its own unique charms. But in the Iya Valley, I am more specific. I personally believe that the best time to visit the Iya Valley is in the early summer or fall. 

In the summer the Iya Valley has lush green landscapes and you can cool off with the many water activities like canyoning and rafting. It’s still hot, but since this is a mountainous area, there are usually ample places to find shade. Even when we hiked Mt. Tsurugi in the heat of the summer wasn’t too bad although we did chug two Pocari Sweat each once we reached the top! Summer is also Japan’s rainy season so it can rain in the Iya Valley during this time I would try to go mid-May through June to avoid the summer typhoon season. 

In autumn, the Iya Valley is bursting with color starting in October through mid-November and it makes for even better scenery. It is also a great time to relax in an outdoor onsen and have less humid, cooler weather for hiking and other outdoor activities. 

Spring is also a great time to visit the Iya Valley but can still be pretty cold until mid-May making it slightly less picturesque because the trees don’t start blooming until late May, although the sakura season here is usually late March.

Winter is the time I would advise against visiting the Iya Valley for a number of reasons. For starters, the scenery isn’t as pretty with the leafless trees and a lot of businesses and even some hotels are closed from December-March. Inclement weather can be unpredictable during this time and close some of the mountain passes as well. 

How to Get to the Iya Valley

Because of its remote location getting to the Iya Valley isn’t as simple as visiting places like Kyoto but there are a few ways to get to the Iya Valley by bus, train, or car. 

How to Get to the Iya Valley by Bus

The most cost-efficient way to get to the Iya Valley is by bus and it also allows you to travel to even more remote areas of the Iya Valley without a car. However, the downside of traveling to the Iya Valley by bus is that the rides are long so this is something to keep in mind if you are pressed for time and only have a day or two to spare in your itinerary.

The Hankyu Bus travels between Hankyu Umeda Station (Osaka) and the Awa-Ikeda Bus Terminal . You will then take a local bus to complete the journey to the Iya Valley area for around ¥600 yen or transfer to a local train, either the Dosan Line or Dosan Limited Express. 

It takes around four hours to get to the Awa-Ikeda Bus Terminal and costs around ¥5,000 one-way. Tickets can be booked in advance on the Hankyu Express Bus website or Japan Bus Online searching between Osaka and Awa-Ikeda. 

The JR Shikoku Bus is another bus service that goes from Osaka and Kyoto to the Miyoshi Bus Stop . Tickets for this bus also cost around ¥5,000 one-way. The only trouble with this route is that it does not directly take you to Awa-Ikeda which has more transportation options to the Iya Valley and local buses can be inconvenient at times, only have seasonal hours, or randomly are non-operable so if you decide to take the JR Shikoku Bus, I would instead recommend transferring from the bus to a train at Tokushima Station so you can take the Tokushima Line to Awa-Ikeda. However, if you do decide to travel to Miyoshi Bus Stop be sure to look at the bus timetable in advance. 

How to Get to the Iya Valley by Train

Getting to the iya valley from osaka.

From Osaka you will take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station and then transfer to the Dosan Limited Express Train from Okayama Station to either Awa-Ikeda Station or Oboke Station, these are the two stations that allow for easy transfers or are the closest stations to many of the things to do in the Iya Valley. This part of the journey takes around 3 hours. You will then transfer to a local bus to get from place to place in the Iya Valley (see transportation in the Iya Valley in the next section below) . 

Getting to the Iya Valley From Kyoto

From Kyoto, the fastest way to get to the Iya Valley is by taking the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Okayama Station and then transferring to the Dosan Limited Express Train from Okayama Station to Oboke Station (or Awa-Ikeda Station). The entire journey takes around 3 hours. You will then transfer to a local bus to get from place to place in the Iya Valley (see transportation in the Iya Valley in the next section below) . 

Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari Train

If you want a unique luxury experience consider riding on the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari Train . This luxury train includes a bento lunchbox and comfortable seats facing special viewing windows to enjoy the scenic journey.

From Okayama Station take the Dosan Line Limited Express Train to Tadotsu Station. The journey takes around 1 hour and costs approximately ¥2,940 one-way. You will then transfer to the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari Train to travel from Tadotsu Station to Oboke Station with a stop at Kotohira Station. Alternatively, you can also depart from Kotohira Station which is one stop from Tadotsu Station. 

Bookings on the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari Train are available up to 30 days in advance and it is best to book early, especially in peak times. Bookings are available online in English for both the fare and lunch box only at around ¥10,000 or you can book in person at one of the Green Windows of any major train station which omits the online handling fee of ¥870 and you can also opt out of the lunch which makes the fare-only cost around ¥3,600. 

If you have an All Shikoku Rail Pass , the base fare for this train is included and you’ll only have to pay the reserved green car seat fee of around ¥2,400 in person with an active rail pass. 

Book the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari Train

How to Get to the Iya Valley by Car

Depending on where you are driving from in Japan there are a number of ways to get to the Iya Valley. However, regardless of where you travel from, you are bound to cross the Onaruto Bridge (coming from Osaka), the Seto Bridge (from Okayama), or the E76 Bridge Route (from Onomichi). 

Tolls in Japan can be quite expensive and the expressway bridges range from ¥2,500-¥10,000 depending on if you have an ETC card and are not usually covered in Expressway Passes. If you are driving in Japan, I always recommend getting an ETC card with your car rental. It usually only costs around ¥1,000 to rent and allows you to pass through toll booths without stopping and can give you a discount on tolls.

If you plan to travel around Shikoku make sure to look into the San’in-Setouchi-Shikoku Expressway Pass (SEP) which in combination with the ETC card will allow you to use nearly all expressways in this region for a fixed price. Passes are available for 3-10 day periods and are available to purchase at one of the car rental stations outlined on their website. 

More Information About Driving in Japan

Transportation in the Iya Valley

Because of the remoteness of the Iya Valley public transportation is infrequent and sometimes difficult to navigate which is why we usually opt to drive in the Iya Valley when visiting. However, there are still some public transportation options you can utilize. There are two bus companies you can use in the Iya Valley, the Shikoku Kotsu Bus and the Local Miyoshi Municipal Bus.  

The Shikoku Kotsu Bus starts at the Awa-Ikeda Bus Terminal and travels to many destinations in the Iya Valley. Additionally, there are a few buses that start at Oboke Bus Terminal and travel to Kazurabashi. As for the Miyoshi Municipal Bus, these buses are often seasonal and do not travel every day making it a little more difficult to navigate. 

The best resource for navigating local buses in the Iya Valley is by using the current bus timetable provided by Iya Time. There are currently no trains in the Iya Valley. 

If you decide to drive to Miyoshi and the Iya Valley area there is parking near most of the things to do in the Iya Valley or pull-off spots for quick views of the scenery. 

Iya Valley Day Trip Guided Tours

For those who don’t want to drive in the Iya Valley and are unsure about public transportation is the Oboke-Iya Sightseeing Tour . This 6-hour tour starts and ends at Awa-Ikeda Bus Terminal and costs around ¥9200 for adults and ¥8900 for children. 

The tour is given by an audio guide and will take you through the many Iya Valley sights as you drive by or stop along the way. The fare includes your transportation, entrance fees, a lunch made with local ingredients, an Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Cruise, and sightseeing stops to the most popular Iya Valley destinations including the vine bridges.

Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance on Japan Bus Online (English).

Taxi Services in the Iya Valley

Another option for getting around the Iya Valley without a car is to hire a taxi by the day. There are a few taxi services in the Iya Valley that offer metered service to and from specific points of interest or you can arrange a touring course for a flat rate. This is the most expensive option with rates starting at ¥4900/hour but it does allow you to have a private tour and more free time at each tourist destination. 

Taxi Service Companies in the Iya Valley:

• Iyakei Taxi
• Kazurabashi Taxi & Tours

Places to Stay in the Iya Valley

The Iya Valley has many unique places to stay including hotels, affordable guesthouses, traditional farmhouses, campsites, and mountain cabins. Here are some of our recommendations for places to stay in the Iya Valley.

YOKI Guesthouse

We stayed at Yoki Guesthouse during our first visit to the Iya Valley and found it to be the perfect place for our first time in the Iya Valley for a number of reasons. First, it is centrally located to many of the popular Iya Valley destinations making it easy to visit them and take day trips to nearby destinations. Second, it is an affordable place to stay and offers room and board options so you can add on breakfast and dinner. 

YOKI Guesthouse also has partnerships with some of the rafting and ziplining companies so arranging those activities is a breeze. Last, YOKI Guesthouse also has parking on-site although because of the remoteness of this area, you’ll find that most places to stay in the Iya Valley have parking available.

Location: 375-3 Nishiiyayamamura Ichiu, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0101, Japan // MAP

Kazurabashi Camp Village

If you want to go camping in the Iya Valley, Kazurabashi Camp Village is the closest campsite to some of the most popular vine bridges and many other Iya Valley attractions. It has campsites and cabins with shower facilities. Campsites are available for around ¥1,000/night while cabins are ¥5,200 and can accommodate four people.

Location: 233 Nishiiyayamamura Kanjo, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0102, Japan // MAP

For a truly unique experience, you can stay at Kouya , a renovated and preserved traditional home that is over 100 years old. Here you can truly connect with nature while enjoying the scenic area as well as local cuisine prepared over a traditional hearth. Kouya also offers traditional soba-making classes and other activities on-site. 

Location: 311 Higashiiyakubo, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0202, Japan // MAP

Hotel Kazurabashi

Hotel Kazurabashi is a beautiful hotel just minutes away from some of the vine bridges and other popular attractions. They have full room and board available for their guests as well as many other amenities including indoor and outdoor onsen, tea lounge, and souvenir shop. 

Location: 33-1 Nishiiyayamamura Zentoku, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0102, Japan // MAP

Hotel Iya Onsen

If you are looking for a luxurious place to stay in the Iya Valley check out Hotel Iya Onsen . This hotel is a short distance away from the Statue of the Peeing Boy and near other Iya Valley attractions. 

Like the other hotels, it also has its own indoor and outdoor onsen and even a new private cable car to get you to their onsen located by the Iya River. You can also get guest rooms with private open-air baths! With your room, I recommend adding on a dining plan option that features local cuisine kaiseki-style. 

Hotel Iya Onsen also offers its guests transportation accommodations for hotel guests to get to and from JR Oboke Station to the hotel. Arrangements must be made ahead of time.

Location : Matsumoto-367-28 Ikedacho Matsuo, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0165, Japan // MAP

Places to Eat in the Iya Valley

As you might have guessed based on its remote location, finding restaurants in the Iya Valley is not always simple. While there are some terrific restaurants to choose from, many of them are open at various hours and close early so you might arrive at a restaurant based on its Google hours only to find it closed for the day.

This happened to us on a number of occasions during our time in the Iya Valley but don’t let that discourage you from trying, especially for lunch! There are so many small, hospitable family-owned restaurants that are worth visiting in the Iya Valley.

You might also be surprised to find that while a konbini like 7-Eleven or Lawson is on nearly every corner in cities in Japan, the closest one you’ll find is in Oboke.

During our first trip to the Iya Valley, we relied on getting most of our meals at our guesthouse. The majority of accommodations in the Iya Valley have the option for adding half board (breakfast only) or full board (breakfast and dinner) making it easy to account for. 

The meals you will have at your accommodation will likely be full of local ingredients because the residents of the Iya Valley depend greatly on their agricultural heritage, hunting wild game, fishing for ayu (sweet fish) and amego (salmon trout), and even distilling their own sake and shochu. A meal at a guesthouse, ryokan, or minshuku in the Iya Valley truly brings a whole new meaning to “farm to table.” 

Restaurants in the Iya Valley

One of the most popular restaurants for lunch in the Iya Valley is Senkichi ! The lovely owners of Senkichi prepare the fresh soba noodles throughout the day and it is also a great place to try other Iya Valley specialties including iwa-dofu (stone tofu) and iya konnyaku (a sticky potato cake). 

Location: 323-3 Nishiiyayamamura Oinouchi, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0101, Japan // MAP

Nakatoyoya is a small cafe that serves a variety of comfort foods like omurice (omelet over rice), karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Japanese curry with choice of fried cutlet, hamburg steak, and chicken nanban (fried chicken with tartar sauce).

Location: 139-4 Okubo, Otoyo, Nagaoka District, Kochi 789-0248, Japan // MAP

Yanamoto is a local restaurant owned by the Yanamoto family who makes fresh soba, udon, and other traditional Iya Valley dishes.

Location: 345-4 Higashiiyakyojo, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0204, Japan // MAP

Kazurabashi-tei

Kazurabashi-tei is a small restaurant inside the Kazurabashi Yumebutai rest stop. It serves local cuisine including soba and udon. It’s a great spot to stop at in a pinch because their hours are usually always correct online!

Location : 345-1 Nishiiyayamamura Imakubo, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0102, Japan // MAP

Things to Do in the Iya Valley

Take a ride on the okuiya kanko shuyu monorail.

Currently, the Okuiya Kanko Shuyu Monorail is closed for maintenance.

The Okuiya Kanko Shuyu Monorail is a 5km path that takes you on a one-hour journey through the mountains and deep into the forest so you can experience the natural beauty of the Iya Valley and its wildlife. This is a great option if you are tired from other activities, don’t have time to hike, or simply just want to relax and enjoy nature. It is especially beautiful to visit during the autumn months when the fall foliage is at its peak but it’s terrific in the spring and summer too.

Location: Japan, 〒778-0201 Tokushima, Miyoshi, Higashiiyasugeoi, ２８ // MAP

Take in the Views of the Hinoji Valley

The scenic views of the Hinoji Valley from the Iya River Bend Observation Point are a quick stop on this Iya Valley guide. From this viewpoint, you can see the emerald-green waters of the Iya River in a V or U-shaped valley surrounded by stunning foliage. 

Again, the autumn months are the best time to take in the view here because the mountain turns fiercely red but when we visited in the summer the view was stunning too! It is worth a quick stop to check out this striking area before heading to your next destination.

Location: Japan, 〒778-0101 Tokushima, Miyoshi, Nishiiyayamamura Tanouchi, 国ヶ滝 // MAP , no parking available, pull-off spots are close by

Visit the Cheeky Statue of the Peeing Boy

Near the Iya River Bend Observation is the Statue of the Peeing Boy. The legend of this statue goes back to before its existence when it was said that travelers, local children, and adults would climb on the ledge as a dare or thrill and pee off the ledge to show their courage. 

I had heard about it prior to visiting but couldn’t believe it when I first saw the ledge because it is extremely narrow and one unsteady step could easily lead to your death! Honestly, just thinking about it again is dizzying. Apparently, the statue was placed there to deter more “pee offs” and tell this comical story of local lore. 

Location: Japan, 〒778-0165 Tokushima, Miyoshi, 池田町松尾 //   MAP , more accurate spot , no parking available, pull-off spots are close by

Walk Across the Infamous Bridges of the Iya Valley 

Perhaps the most notable thing to do in the Iya Valley is visit the infamous vine bridges . These vine bridges were originally created by members of the Heike Clan around 1180-1185 after they sought refuge in the valley after losing a war, a story very similar to the one we heard in Gokanosho . 

These bridges acted as a safe passageway for crossing the gorge while also allowing them to be cut down should a threat arise. At one point there were 13 bridges to visit but today only three remain. When you cross these vine bridges you’ll still feel them bend and sway deeply, but have no fear, they have since been reinforced with cables and are replaced every three years for safety.

Vine Bridges to Visit in the Iya Valley

• ¥550 adult, ¥350 child

Other Bridges to Visit in the Iya Valley

• Higashiiya Suspension Bridge : This suspension bridge offers beautiful views of the narrow Manpu Gorge and leads to Ryugugake Village. 

Take A Journey to the Nagaro Scarecrow Village

Nagaro is a unique, tiny town in the Iya Valley where dolls outnumber the people who live there. These dolls are created by Japanese artist Ayano Tsukimi who moved back to the village she grew up in once she found out that most people in the village had moved away or passed – in fact, less than 40 people now live in Nagoro.

After creating a Kakashi (scarecrow) that looked like her late father she had an epiphany – she could create life-size dolls modeled on former locals. She has now created over 350 doll citizens that can be found all over the town; outside and in buildings as well. While at first it may seem creepy to some, I found it incredibly charming and bittersweet. The dedication that Tsukimi has is inspiring.

Location: 629番地5 Higashiiyasugeoi, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0201, Japan // MAP

READ MORE: The Story of Nagaro Doll Village

Hike Mt. Tsurugi

Hiking Mt. Tsurugi was actually completely unplanned in our Iya Valley itinerary but I’m glad decided to make the trek because it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. We happened to be driving through the mountains of the Iya Valley when we saw a chairlift from a distance going up a mountain path. We had some extra time so we decided to pull over and see where the lift led to.

At first, we thought the chair lift would take us all the way up to the top of Mount Tsurugi, but it only took us part of the way. Because we weren’t prepared to go hiking that day we didn’t have the right supplies but since the hike to the rest center was short (and after Logan spent some time trying to convince me) we decided to continue up the path. 

The hike to the rest center was only about 30-45 minutes one-way. The hike isn’t extremely difficult despite being named “Sword Mountain” and the view from the top is exceptional making it worth the pitstop!

Mt. Tsurugi Chair Lift Information

• Hours: 9am-4:30pm (summer hours start at 8am). Open from mid-April-November
• Cost: One-way – ¥1050 adult, ¥520 child, round-trip – ¥1900 adult, ¥900 child

Location: Higashiiyasugeoi, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0201, Japan // MAP

Shop at Kazurabashi Yumebutai

Kazurabashi Yumebutai is a rest stop next to the Iya River and the Iya Kazura Bridge that has tourist information inside and is also the perfect place to purchase some local souvenirs and traditional goods from the Iya Valley. Inside there is also Kazurabashi-tei, a restaurant serving local cuisine. 

Book A Soba Making Class

The Iya Valley has its own special kind of soba and you can learn how to make it at Tsuzuki Soyaten . You start by learning the traditional Higashi-Iya soba method which involves grinding your own flour with a stone mill. Traditional songs are sung during the process making it a unique cultural experience as well!

After you make your soba you’ll get to enjoy it alongside local, wild vegetables, tempura, and other small sides. Make sure to reserve in advance.

Location: 84-1 Higashiiyawakabayashi, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0204, Japan // MAP Cost: ~¥3500

Go Rafting or Canyoning on the Yoshino River

If you are a thrill seeker and are visiting the Iya Valley between March and November, cool off by going rafting or canyoning on the Yoshino River! These Class 3 & 4 rapids have been highly regarded by locals and tourists, even making them the home of the 2017 World Rafting Championship. Local guides and companies have experiences for beginners to those more advanced as well as half-day and full-day tours. 

Rafting and Canyoning Tour Companies

• Packraft Adventures : Offers half-day and full-day courses.
• Oboke Koboke New Yard Rafting : Offers morning and afternoon rafting courses.
• Amici Adventures : Offers a leisurely small boat cruise on the calm part of the river.
• Shikoku Lion Adventure : Offers short and long tours as well as rafting tours geared towards families and SUP tours. 

Take A Leisurely Boat Ride on the Oboke Gorge

If you want something a little more low-key than river rafting you can also take a 30-minute pleasure cruise on the Yoshino River. Tickets for the riverboat cruise can be purchased at the Oboke Gorge Center on the day of your ride. 

After purchasing your ticket you will receive a waist or regular life vest to wear during your ride then you’ll head off! As you begin the journey, your guide will provide you with details about the significance of Oboke Gorge (there are translations available in a number of different languages). 

You’ll see many stunning sites along the way including the emerald waters of the river and the beautiful cliffside edges of Oboke Gorge. There is also a lot of wildlife in this area so be on the lookout for a vast variety of birds, monkeys, and possibly even deer, ​​Japanese serow, or wild boar!

Hours: 9am-5pm (last departure 4:30pm) Cost : ¥1500 adult, ¥750 child 

Go Ziplining Across the Iya Valley 

Zipline across the Iya Valley with stunning scenic views! Most companies offer different courses including tree trekking journeys through the forest and ziplining courses where you can zipline across the Iya River or Oboke Gorge. 

A Few Zipline and Tree Trekking Companies:

• Forest Adventure : Offers tree trekking and zip lining including the longest zipline in the area!
• Amici Adventure : Offers tree trekking and bungee. 

Take A Dip in Hot Springs

What better way to wind down after outdoor adventures than by soaking in the Iya Valley’s hot springs? The Iya Valley has many hotels in the area that offer their scenic onsen to their guests but many have day passes for those who are not hotel guests. 

Onsen in the Iya Valley are available indoors and outdoors but my favorites are the ones that are outdoors facing the lush trees. 

Here are some places to enjoy hot springs in the Iya Valley:

• ¥1200 adult, ¥600 child
• 7:30am-6pm (last entry 5pm)
• ¥1700 adult, ¥900 child
• 10am-9pm (closed Tuesdays)
• ¥1000 adult, ¥500 child

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Iya Valley | Tokushima Travel Guide

The Iya Valley region is a scenic area known for its dramatic mountain valleys and old vine bridges. Situated in the western part of Tokushima and nearly in the center of Shikoku, the Iya area is one of the large ‘hidden mountain regions’ in Japan. Although access has improved in recent years, the Iya Valley and the inner parts of Shikoku have historically been remote and difficult to reach.

In modern times, the Iya Valley has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Deep in the bosom of Mt. Tsurugi, the second tallest mountain in Shikoku, the region is surrounded by the mountains of the Shikoku Mountain district. With a deep valley formed among the mountains cut through by the Iya-gawa river, a tributary of the Yoshino-gawa river.

The Vine Bridge

The vine bridge over the Iya-gawa river, called ‘Iya-no-Kazura-bashi’, is a 45 meter-long and 2 meter-wide suspension bridge with a height of 14 meters above water level. It is one of Japan’s 3 rare bridges and designated as a national important folkloric property. In order to keep the bridge safe to use, the bridge is rebuilt every three years.

There are some legends about why this bridge was made. One is by the famous monk Kobo-Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism . When he visited the village, local people had a problem because it is very difficult to go to the other side of the river, so he created the bridge. Another story is related to the Taira clan .

The Taira were completely defeated by the Minamoto clan in the late 12th century, during the Gen-Pei war. It is said that some of the members of the Taira clan survived and started living in Iya, deep in the mountains to hide from the Minamoto clan. The Taira people made the bridge, but just in case they were attacked by Minamoto, the bridge was made in such a way that it can be cut down easily.

Oboke Gorge Cruise

The scenic Oboke Gorge is surrounded by rocks, crystalline schist from sandstone. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery from a sightseeing boat. Many rocks have special names, for example, one rock looks like a lion, so it is named ‘Lion Rock’. One rock’s tilt is different from the others, so it is named ‘Bigoted Rock’.

The cruise lasts about 30 minutes and costs 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen from 3 years to elementary student age.

Chiiori Trust

The Oku-Iya area is nicknamed the Japanese Tibet because of its inaccessible location. In Oku-Iya, there is a 300-year-old folk house. American writer and Japanologist Alex Arthur Kerr bought the house in 1973. He restored the house to a liveable state, including re-thatching the kayabuki roof using traditional materials. The house was given the name Chiiori, or “House of the Flute”. The restoration of Chiiori was a project that was started by Kerr and others to preserve Japan’s vanishing arts, culture, and traditional lifestyle.

In 2007, Kerr decided to become more personally involved with Iya. He expanded and reorganized the board of directors of the project and closed the house for a few months for renovations. It reopened in November 2007. You can now stay at the house, or you can visit it by reservation. Be aware that there is no public transportation to Chiiori, so you will have to take a taxi from Oboke station.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like the Iya Valley. Check out our group tours and private tours , or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Iya Valley Information

Access to Oboke station (25 minutes walk to the Oboke Gorge Cruise Terminal):

From Takamatsu, take JR Lines to Udatsu, then change the train to Oboke. (about 2 hours)

From Oboke station, you can take a bus to the Vine Bridge (30 minutes).

Iya Valley Travel Map

Recommended Articles

Iya Valley: Getting there and around

How to travel to the iya valley.

The Iya Valley can be accessed via Awa-Ikeda and Oboke stations along the train line between Okayama and Kochi . Hourly JR Nampu limited express trains travel directly from Okayama (1.5 hours, about 4000 yen one way, how to get to Okayama ) and Kochi (1 hour, about 3000 yen one way). Alternatively, Awa-Ikeda is connected by JR limited express trains to Takamatsu (1 hour, about 3000 yen one way, one transfer required) and Tokushima (75 minutes, about 3000 yen one way, one train every 2 hours).

By highway bus

Several bus companies run multiple direct highway buses per day between Osaka (Shin-Osaka and Hankyu Umeda stations) and Awa-Ikeda Bus Terminal. The trip takes about four hours and costs 4750 yen. A round trip ticket is available for 8600 yen. Online reservations can be made via Japan Bus Online .

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

The Iya River flows from Mount Tsurugi down the Iya Valley until it joins the Yoshino River around Iya-Guchi Station. The valley is commonly divided into two areas, Nishi Iya (West Iya) and Oku Iya (Inner Iya, also known as Higashi Iya or East Iya). Nishi Iya is relatively well connected by buses from Awa-Ikeda and Oboke stations, as well as by a major bypass road from Oboke . Oku Iya, on the other hand, is difficult to explore by public transportation as bus service is very infrequent or non-existent.

Accordingly, a rental car is recommend for exploring the Iya Valley. Rental car outlets are available around Awa-Ikeda Station, Oboke, Takamatsu and Tokushima . Just be aware that the roads are very narrow, often barely wide enough for one car, and there are frequent blind curves that make driving both hazardous and slow.

Buses operate from Awa-Ikeda and Oboke stations to the Iya Kazurabashi (some via Iya Onsen) and Kubo. At Kubo you can transfer to another bus further into the valley. Buses go as far as Mount Tsurugi only on weekends and during peak seasons outside of winter.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Shikoku kotsu, miyoshi city, hotels around iya valley.

• TripAdvisor

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Moscow Metro

Introduction of moscow subway system (metro).

Nowadays the Moscow Metro has 12 lines, light subway and monorail. All stations are unique and beautiful in their own way. Unfortunately, in order to visit them all, you need to spend many days. I invite guests to visit the ones that have the greatest cultural and historical interest from my point of view. Among them are the Revolution Square, Arbatskaya, Kievskaya (Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line № 3); Kievskaya, Belarusskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Komsomolskaya (the Ring line number 5). Let us dwell a bit on each.

Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line

Subway station "revolution square".

Most recently - in the year 2008-2010 – the Eastern lobby was renovated. Because of the terrorist attacks in the Moscow subway that took place several hours before the planned opening of the East lobby after renovation, the solemn part of the event was canceled.

Subway station Arbatskaya

Subway Arbatskaya is located on the same subway line as the station "Revolution Square." It was founded in 1953. It received the name in honor of the Arbat Street. It has one ground lobby (Western). Initially, the lobby was in a separate building, but the new building of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense started, the lobby appeared to be in its atrium. The old exits were bricked up; a new entrance was built into the building of General Staff of the street Vozdvizhenka. There is a huge frame with a missing portrait in the ground lobby - until mid-1950 there was a portrait of Stalin. According to some reports, it survived, but closed with plaster.

The lobby was restored and partially reconstructed in 2007-2008.

The depth of the station is 41 meters.

Pylons are finished with red marble at the bottom, decorated with bouquets of flowers made from ceramics. The floor is laid out with gray granite. The walls lined with glazed ceramic tiles, white top and black bottom. The station hall is illuminated by massive bronze chandeliers in the form of rings.

Subway station Kievskaya

There are several subway stations "Kievskaya" in Moscow, located on different branches. This name is quite popular. It comes from the capital of Ukraine - one of Russia's nearest neighbors - the city of Kiev. The name is fully consistent with the idea of the subway station. The interior the station devoted to Soviet Ukraine and the reunification of Ukraine and Russia. The station is decorated with a large number of paintings .Twenty four murals depicting workers of Soviet Ukraine are placed on the arch above the pylons. The wall from the side of platform also contains frescos, mainly with images of fantastic plants. Pylons are decorated with light marble and additionally decorated with colorful ceramic cornice. The butt of the station has a large mosaic, depicting festivities to celebrate the 300 anniversary of the reunification of Ukraine and Russia.

Opened in 1953, this subway station for a long time was the final (1953-2003).

The station has one lobby, combined with the station ring line and located in the building of the Kievskaya railway station. The diameter of the central hall station is 9.5 m, the diameter of side one is 8.5 m. The depth of the station is 38 meters.

= Ring Line Subway =

It opened in 1954. The station received its name after the Kiev station, and locked the Ring line. During the construction of the station many projects were proposed, but the victory in the competition won the Kiev architects who made the construction of the station. It is the only station of the Ring Line which is not located in the Central Administrative District of Moscow.

The station has a pylon structure. Eighteen pylons are decorated with mosaic panels of glazes, decorated on the theme of Ukrainian history and friendship between the Ukrainian and Russian peoples, which started in the mid-17 century.

On the front wall of the central hall of the station a large panel with molding in the form of flags and a mosaic portrait of Lenin in the center are located. There are lines of the Soviet national anthem around the portrait, and under the portrait - the words of Lenin. One of the ways out of the station was designed by French architects modeled on the Paris Subway in 2006.

At one of the mosaics – “The Struggle for Soviet power in Ukraine "- modern passengers observe a mobile phone and PDA in the hand of one of the guerrillas, and on his knees - a laptop. In fact, he uses a field telephone, which was really a heavy thing (guerrillas holds it in two hands), and thing that people see a laptop is the lid of a box with a telephone. However, these phones have begun to produce only in the second half of the 20-ies of XX century. We must assume that the mosaic depicts a foreign field telephone transmitter.

Subway station Belorusskaya

The founded of the station was in 1952. It received the name after the Belarusian railway station nearby. The station has two ground-based lobbies. The Western one goes to Tverskaya  Zastava. It is decorated with beautiful carvings. The Eastern one leads to Butyrskiy shaft and Forest Street. The Eastern lobby is known for its majolica panels.

The station Belorusskaya is located at a depth of 42.5 m below ground. The diameter of the central hall is 9.5 meters.

Pylons are faced with light marble. The walls lined with white ceramic tiles, the floor is covered with ceramic tiles, gray, white and red colors. Lamps placed on pylons, in the form of vases made of glass and marble. The theme of decoration is economy and culture of Belarus. Decorative pattern on the floor repeats the theme of traditional Belarusian embroidery. Decorations of the ceiling consist of stucco decorations and 12 mosaic panels depicting the life of the Belarusian people.

Subway station Novoslobodskaya

Built in 1952, Subway station Novoslobodskaya got its name from the eponymous street:  the station is located at the very beginning of it.

Novoslobodskaya is pylon station of deep foundation (its depth is 40 m) with three arches.

Exit to the street is through the ground lobby with column portico, located on Novoslobodskaya Street lined with gray marble. Pylons of the underground station are faced with marble from the Urals. Thirty two spectacularly illuminated stained-glasses, placed inside the pylon and bordered by steel and gilt brass are splendid decoration of the station. A remarkable mosaic "World Peace" is located at the end of the central hall. The picture depicts a happy mother with a baby in her arms; it was the face of Stalin at the picture: the child gave a hand to him. But in times of Khrushchev the face of the former leader of USSR was removed from the panel. The walls are lined with bright marble; floor is covered with white and black granite slabs, placed in a checkerboard pattern.

Subway station Komsomolskaya

The station was built in 1952 and named in honor of the Komsomolskaya Square, which is situated nearby.

This subway station is the station of the deep bedding. Its depth is 37 meters. The station has column and three- arched design. Cast iron decoration is used in the construction, monolithic slab used as a tray for a collapsible finishing. The length of the boarding hall is 190 meters; width of it is 10 meters. There are 68 octagonal columns at station.

The main theme of the interior of the station is the fighting of the Russian people for their independence. The ceiling is decorated with eight station mosaic mural made from glazes and precious stones. Six of them represent the Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry Donskoy, Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, Alexander Suvorov and Mikhail Kutuzov, the Soviet soldiers and officers at the walls of the Reichstag.

 Two other panels, depicting Stalin ("Victory Parade" and "Presentation of the Guards Banner"), were replaced after the dethronement of Stalin's personality cult in 1963. New panels depict Lenin's speech in front of the Red Guards and the Motherland on the background of the Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower.

The yellow ceiling is decorated with mosaic and moldings. The hall is illuminated by massive chandeliers hanging between the panels; platforms are illuminated with smaller chandeliers. The columns are decorated with marble capitals and trimmed with light marble, as well as the wall station. The floor is laid with pink granite. There is a bust of Lenin at the end of the hall. At the opposite end of the escalator is a large Florentine mosaic of the Order of Victory with red banners on the background. The ground lobby of the station is decorated with bas-reliefs.

In conclusion...

Each of the stations of the Moscow subway is attractive and interesting in its own way. Each has its own long and fascinating history and is beautifully decorated. The Moscow subway is a whole world, which can be talking about for hours. I suggest you short - no more than one hour and a half - and a fascinating journey through the world of the Moscow subway. The pleasure is guaranteed!

Sculpture Park "Art Muzeon"

Mausoleum and necropolis.

• Bombing in Moscow Metro On March 29, 2010, another tragic event happened in Moscow that shocked not only the citizens of the Russian Federation, but also many people from countries that oppose the threat of terrorism. In the early morning rush hour, two women bearing suicide weapons blasted themselves in the subway trains of the Moscow Metro.
• The Best Redesign of Moscow Metropolitan Map 2013 Russia's leading internet and graphic design agency has won an online vote for the best redesign of the Moscow Metro map. Art. Lebedev Studio is a design company in Russia, founded in 1995 by Artemy Lebedev. They redrew the Moscow Metro map for a second time in three years, with even cleaner graphics and a raft of new details and won more than 50% of the online vote.

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My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

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Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case).