Iya Valley

祖谷渓

4.4Est. 120Miyoshi, Shikoku

Local Pick

Overview

Deep mountain gorge with vine bridges, emerald river, and hot springs, one of Japan's three hidden regions.

One of Japan's three great secluded regions, Iya Valley is a dramatic gorge carved deep into the mountains of western Tokushima. Known for its vine bridges, emerald river waters, steep forested slopes, and the Peeing Boy statue perched on a cliff edge, the valley offers hiking and hot spring retreats far from urban Japan.

Local tips

A deep mountain gorge in western Tokushima formed by the Iya River, with valley floor at 200 meters surrounded by ridges reaching 1,700 meters. Historically remote enough to shelter defeated Heike clan warriors after the 1185 Genpei War. The main access is by car or rental along Route 32 from Oboke Station on the JR Dosan Line. The Kazurabashi vine bridge and Biwa Falls are the most-visited points. The Oku-Iya district 45 minutes further into the valley is noticeably quieter, with traditional thatched farmhouses and the double vine bridges.

Practical info

Japanese name: 祖谷渓
Nearest station: Oboke Station (5 min walk to valley edge)
Payment: Cash only
Reservations: not required

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