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Valley in Japan
Photo: 京浜にけ at Japanese Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Iya Valley (祖谷 Iya) is a remote mountain valley deep in the heart of Shikoku. One of Japan's Three Hidden Valleys, Iya has dramatic mountain scenery, traditional thatched roof homes, and historic vine bridges. Iya largely remains stuck in a time-warp compared to the rest of modern Japan and most of the valley remains remote, unspoiled, and traditional: the Iya Gorge section at the start of the valley remains unmarred by development, the overall natural splendor of the valley proves to be a great escape while soaking in the bounty of its hotsprings, the tall peaks offer some of the finest hiking in Shikoku, and many of the less-visited mountainside hamlets offer glimpses into a past way of life that somehow still clings on here even though it has utterly vanished elsewhere in Japan.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The most popular vine bridge is in Nishi-Iya and known simply as "Kazurabashi", fairly close to the main village, and sole destination for 90% of visitors to the valley. There is a rather large operation going on here due to the number of visitors, and the bridge itself is not particularly scary or atmospheric. Entrance costs ¥550 adult, ¥350 child, and the bridge's operating hours are sunrise to sunset. Adjacent to the vine bridge is a very large parking area made to handle the loads of tour buses, with several souvenir shops and places to eat. (Parking fee is ¥300, this is the only point in the valley which charges to park.) There are also several small inns and a campground within walking distance.
For considerably more atmosphere and far fewer crowds (if any at all), the Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi (奥祖谷二重かずら橋 Deep Iya Double Vine Bridge) can be found at the eastern end of the valley, before the final ascent to Mi-no-Koshi.
三所神社
This shrine is in the center of Ochiai Hamlet (not along the road, but accessed by walking path from every direction) and the site dates back to the Edo era. Surrounded by towering cedar trees, the doors of the shrine usually remain closed, but the structure is of traditional wooden style and is a calm, cool spot to take a break during a warm summer afternoon. Adjacent to the shrine is a small open field, where twice a year (June 8 and August 5 on the Lunar Calendar, or around early-mid July, and early-mid September) a local festival takes place. Participants wear traditional robes as they carry and throw to one-another long bamboo poles, while children wear traditional face paint and play drums and are pulled around in a covered wooden cart. A special portable shrine weighing about 100 kg (220 lbs) is also brought out and carried on the shoulders of four men. Outside visitors are warmly welcomed (there are usually very few, if any) and may even be asked to partake in the activities. Usually the events start at the shrine about 14:00-15:00 (rain or shine).
長岡家
It is a thatched roof farmhouse and one of the oldest still standing structures in Ochiai. A culturally protected building, it has been cleaned up nicely for visitors to walk through and see the interior. With its floor hearths, paper doors, and antique chests, it's a nice place to relax and view the valley. Local information is available here. It is in the center of Ochiai along the hamlet road, about 150 meters below the San-jo Shrine.
なこち
It's about three or four minutes up the path from San-jo Jinja (to the right/northeast) or from the road just above. Nakochi is a cafe and event space situated in a restored traditional farmhouse. Usually only open on weekends and national holidays, it's a good place to take a break and enjoy a meal or cup of tea while exploring Ochiai hamlet. The house has nice views through the valley and is arranged with antiques and a traditional floor hearth. Various events are also held throughout the year here (potato harvesting, tea ceremony, art exhibition). Other activities can be arranged by request and include soba making, yoga, sausage making, guided Ochiai tours, star-viewing, and mountain hike guides. See Eat for more details about the cafe.
落合峠
If you follow the road up through the hamlet, and then continue heading up for another 20 to 30 minutes by car, you will reach Ochiai-toge (Ochiai Mountain Pass). At 1520 m, it is the highest driving road in the Iya valley (and actually 4 m shy of the highest driving point in the entirety of western and southern Japan) and offers fantastic views of the southern ridge line, peaks, and valley floor exactly 1000 m below. For those with a car, it is the easiest/laziest way to gain a mountain-top view of the valley. Stairs from the pass top lead 30 meters down to a toilet, and along the road 100 m below the pass top is a large, newly paved parking area. A further 150 m below the parking area is a small mountain hut (free to sleep) but not exactly 5-star accommodation (bring absolutely everything). The hut is surrounded by a mountain shrine area that is used for a small festival annually, and across the road here are some benches and a panoramic area that would be nice for a picnic. Water can be gotten from one of two streams a further 400 m down the road (the 2nd lower stream is better). From the pass top a hiking trail heads off to the east for Mt. Yahazu (great view, but a fairly tough hike) or to the west for Ochi-hage (short easy hike, with better views than the pass). See 'Mt. Yahazu / Ochi-hage' under the Hiking section of Do for hike details.
A mountain-side thatch-roofed, traditional Japanese farmhouse, restored at exorbitant cost by way of public tax money and described in Alex Kerr's books Lost Japan and Dogs and Demons (where he complains extensively about Japan's misappropriation of public money for private use). Sadly, for those who remember, Chiiori's previous days as a drop-in spot, cultural experience workshop, and volunteer project are over (known as "The Chiiori Project" back when the place was not directly managed by Kerr), and it is now only open to visitors as a private, fee-based guest house by reservation only (See 'Stay' below). A 'tour' to see the house must be booked in advance (you may get turned away if you just show up without contacting) is not particularly worth the ¥500 charged per person.
剣山, Tsurugi-san, also known locally as Ken-zan, sometimes spelled 'Turugi'
(1955 m) It is Iya's most popular hiking destination and the 2nd tallest in Shikoku (#1 being Mount Ishizuchi). One of Japan's "100 Most Famous Mountains", the name may mean "Sword Mountain", but this is a singularly inaccurate description of this gently rounded fell, and you can even take a chairlift up most of the way (¥1000). From the chairlift terminal, it's a half-hour climb to the summit. Alternatively, if you choose to hike up or down the long way (2 hours or so), you can stop at Otsurugi Shrine (お剣神社) along the way for a free sip of holy sake and a quaff at a clear mountain spring with drinkable water. On July 15–17 every year a special shrine festival takes place, culminating on the 17th when processions clad in white robes head to the summit. There is a staffed mountain hut with meals and accommodation on the summit, and camping is available near the upper chair lift station. The main access trail-head starts in Mi-no-Koshi.
三嶺
Another popular trip, but less crowded and maybe prettier than Mt. Tsurugi. At 1893 m, locals say it is the best hike to see the autumn foliage, but it's nice any season. The main trail starts at the hamlet of Nagoro (follow signs) with lower and upper parking areas (the upper area follows the crumbling road about 1.5 km, not recommended if you love your car) and takes about 2½ hours up. Miune can also be accessed in a very long day hike from Tsurugi-san along the ridge line (see above), or to/from the Iyashi-no-Onsenkyo hotel in a rough 3½- to 4½-hour climb. It can also be accessed to/from Mt. Tenguzuka in the opposite direction of Mt. Tsurugi. At the top of Miune is a large emergency hut which can also be used for overnight staying free of charge (bring your own sleeping and eating equipment, and seal up food due to hungry mice). There is a spring for replenishing your drinking water near the summit, but it can be easy to miss. It is along the Nagoro trail right below the summit, look for a small wooden sign with a kanji for water on it (水) pointing to a small path branching off the trail.
天狗塚
This tall, pyramid shaped mountain peak has fine 360° views from its 1812-m pointed top. Along the ridge below the peak itself, a broad expanse of sasa (short bamboo grass) fields curve gently over the mountain top, allowing for a fairly flat long walk around the area (eventually the path here just goes down the other side of the mountain). A very nice mountain hut is nearby in the opposite direction of the sasa grass fields. This is a fine hike and peak, and you will see relatively few people compared to Tsurugi or Miune. To access, it is about 2½ hours from Miune along the ridge, or 3½ to 4 hours from the Kubo trail head (From the Kubo public bus stop, cross the bridge, follow the road up for 10 minutes by foot or 1 minute by car. Bear left at the first turn off to go over the small bridge, and access the path soon after that on the right at crumbling sign). If driving, there is also a higher access road above Kubo (saving about 1 to 1½ hours of uphill hiking) that can be reached via the small road a few minutes past the Ochiai area on Rt 439 (turn to the right at the brown sign for "Tenguzuka" in English) and follow about 8 km, or get there the other way by going through the Iyashi-no-Onsenkyo Hotel parking lot (about 7 km after the hotel). If coming up this trail (either from Kubo or the access road), once at the top of the ridge, the peak will be clearly visible to the right, with the sasa fields just beyond, and the hut is 20 minutes down and around the ridge to the left towards Miune.
矢筈山
On the other side of the valley, Mt. Yahazu peak can be accessed from Ochiai-toge 落合峠 (Ochiai mountain pass). The summit is about a 2- to 2½-hour hike from the parking area near the pass top (if going up from Ochiai, the path would be on the right). This is fairly steep, but the panoramic views from the peak top are fantastic as this is the highest point on the northern side of the valley (1848 m). You'll most likely see few if any people. It is also possible to only hike the first ten minutes or so towards Mt. Yahazu to the first overlook if one wants a much better view than what is offered from the pass. There is no bus to Ochiai-toge, so you need a car or a lucky thumb (see the "Ochiai Pass" listing under See).
with Mt. Kanbo and Mt Eboshiyama
For those looking for a little less effort but a rewarding mountain experience (and who have a car), Ochi-hage (1683m) is only a 30-40 minute hike from Ochiai-toge (Ochiai mountain pass) and visible from the road here (take the path going to the left on the pass top if heading up from Ochiai, the opposite direction of the Mt. Yahazu trail). The beginning of the path is a gentle climb through the sasa-grass with lots of views, and the final 10-15 minute climb is a bit steeper but not too strenuous. The valley view is grand here, with Miune and Tenguzuka directly across the valley here, Tsurugi-san far off to the left, and the peaks of Nishi-Iya to the right. On a clear day, the Seto Sea and Takamatsu can be seen to the north. A further 4-km hike (2 to 2½ hours) past Ochi-hage leads to Mt. Kanbo (also spelled "Kanpou", 寒峰 1604 m). If looking west, it's the higher sasa-grass covered peak to the left, and from there paths also go down to the village of Kurisuto (between Ochiai and Kyojo). Looking west and to the right is the wedge-like peak of Mt. Eboshiyama (烏帽子山 1670 m) which can also be scaled in about 1 to 1.5 hours if you take the trail turn off to the right about 30 minutes after Ochi-hage towards Mt. Kanbo. There are parking, toilets and a small mountain hut (free) near the Ochiai pass top. See the Ochiai Pass details in the 'Ochiai Hamlet' section under See for more information. There is no public bus to here.
松尾川温泉
The simple baths are in a traditional setting.
祖谷温泉
The pretty river-side bath smells of sulfur, but the temperature is not very hot (nice in warm weather, but only just manageable on a colder day). The indoor bath up at the hotel is basic and sparse. The cable car down takes nearly 15 minutes each way, so if you just miss its departure or the car is full, you might need to wait 40-45 minutes before getting in the bath.
ホテル秘境の湯
The large indoor baths are elaborate and refreshing (by far the best indoor baths in the valley), but the outside stone-lined pools don't offer as nice of a view as elsewhere.
ホテルかずら橋
The indoor bath is minimal, but the stone-lined outdoor baths up the mountain via the short cable car are award-winning. Overlooking the valley and designed with charming rustic appeal, there are men's and women's baths, and a mixed-sex bath. Small, traditional wood heated baths in private huts are also available for additional cost by reservation, but allow for an experience of cooking oneself in an iron cauldron. The adjacent thatched-roof tea house has a floor hearth for relaxing, or one can go outside to the foot bath on the broad balcony to take in the awesome view. Available for non-guests 10AM-4PM, closed Wednesdays.
いやしの温泉郷
the indoor and outdoor baths here are thorough enough, and mostly made of local cypress wood. A good option if coming from one of the mountain hikes or if visiting the double Oku-Iya vine bridges. Views are better from the ladies' side.
ラ・フォーレつるぎ山
This small hotel's simple baths in a quiet secluded setting are the closest to the Mt. Tsurugi trail head area.
西祖谷の神代踊
It is a traditional folk dance festival and considered a protected cultural asset for its long history and unique style. Costumed participants dance to beating taiko drums at the grounds of a shrine hidden in the forest atop a small mountain. Held annually on June 25th of the lunar calendar (approximately mid-end July), the turn off for the shrine is a couple hundred meters from the Kazurabashi bus stop on the main road in Nishi Iya.
An annual jazz concert that includes a buffet dinner of various local foods is held the first Saturday night of October starting at 18:00 at the large thatched roof Bukeyashiki house on top of the hill far above Kyojo in Higashi Iya. Tickets can be bought at the door and run about ¥4,000-5,000. The event runs till about 21:00. See listing for Bukeyashiki under "See (other)" for directions.
Scarecrow Festival
On either the first or second weekend of October (usually) the small hamlet of Nagoro hosts a small festival to celebrate the scarecrow artwork of Ayano Tsukimi. With food vendors, workshops, and some performances, this very local affair is open to anyone. See the "Scarecrow Village" listing under See for more info.
雪合戦
("Snowball Fight Competition") It has become a major event at a time when few visit the valley. Not simply a free-for-all, this event is team-based and participants often practice for months to coordinate their skills in the tightly ruled sport. There are several classes of participation including children, women's, men's, and 'just for fun' leagues, and the winners of the main event get to advance to the national competition annually held in Nagano Prefecture.
Within neighboring Matsuogawa Valley, go about 20 minutes up Rt 140/149 from Deai past the Matsuogawa Onsen (a fairly desolate road through the narrow valley). The huge 4-km-long Ryugatake cliff face here is famous for its awesome red maples that explode up this impending wall. It begins just past the public restroom along the roadside.
The entirety of the gorge, from Deai to central Nishi-Iya, has lots of brilliant leaves and several viewpoints to enjoy them.
Drive or walk along the old road here (that bypasses the tunnel) and then stroll across the wire suspension footbridge into the park around Ryugugake Cottages for a splendid autumn view through the valley.
The drive up to this mountain pass 30 minutes above Ochiai hamlet overflows with color, and the broad view at the top looking down into the valley is delightful in the autumn season.
The isolation in the forest here is great for feeling immersed in the colors, and the dual vine bridges lurking in the bounty only add to the other-worldliness.
Known as the locals' favorite mountain for autumn leaves, the colors only add to the rewards of the hike.
In early October a week long maple leaf festival is held here (though it isn't much of a "festival"), as the mountainside is the first in the valley to explode with color.
If looking for somewhere special, this soba noodle restaurant also serves various other local specialties, including rice dishes, tempura, and fish. It's easily spotted by the ninja climbing up the outside of the building (If coming from Oboke, you see the ninja only after passing the entrance, so u-turn and go back 50 m). Inside it's beautifully decorated with rustic style furniture, old house beams, and even a traditional sunken hearth. Antique lovers will rejoice. Great views abound down into the valley. The owner can speak basic English to help explain the food or local sights.
A large restaurant and hotel perched on the side of the valley in a new (but traditional looking) building, offering fine views and lots of local specialties. Known for its soba.
おのみ家
This small pub along the main road is instantly recognizable due to being painted like an old style orange and yellow bus (it's also the site of the Kazurabashi Taxi and Bus Tour). Though mostly set up as a drinking place with lots of side dishes, there are also some main meals to be had and its open for lunch and dinner. Not your typical tourist fare or clientele, but you'll surely be welcomed. English menu available. (see full listing under "Drink")
If you've had your fill of soba, or are just looking for a light snack or creamy gelato, then this is the place to head. With a nice woodsy feel, you'll find a variety of hot sandwiches, fries made with local potatoes, fruit smoothies, and even waffles drenched in Iya honey. Free Wi-Fi brings you momentarily back into the modern world, and the owner can speak a bit of English to help you along (with a menu in English too). Have a seat on the balcony, where tiny local birds are semi-trained to swoop in to pick sunflower seeds out of your hand (if not too busy, the owner will show you how, or just follow the how-to pictures on the wall).
古民家喫茶 きむら
Set in the valley's oldest recorded house (and thus regarded with historic protection) the Kimura family house is a great place to soak up the traditional lifestyle while enjoying some tea. The over 300-year-old thatched roof house has twin sunken fire hearths around which you are served and is styled the way of days gone by. Tea sets (or coffee) come with a sweet pastry and cost ¥700. It's tucked away up a hillside hamlet and a bit hard to find, but can be see on a map here It's easy to miss if driving by. On arrival, beat on the large drum on the balcony (seriously) to summon Mr. Kimura to serve you.
おのみ家
The aptly named Onomiya (best translated as "A place to have a drink") is the Iya Valleys only izakaya pub, though it isn't very big. Lots of side dishes are available, though the drink selection is mainly beer, sake, and shochu. Catering mainly to locals, you'll probably be the only tourist, though don't feel put off as they'll welcome you warmly. Some main dishes are also available, but probably best to go for the Days' Special Set if wanting a full meal. A private room can be had for larger groups (equip with a karaoke player). The place is easily recognizable as its painted outside like an old fashioned orange and yellow bus, and a real one is usually parked out front since this is also home to the Kazurabashi Taxi and Bus Tour (which is convenient if one overindulges and needs a ride back). English menu available.
祖谷渓キャンプ村
Set within the undeveloped section of the Iya gorge, this campground allows for tents or has small bungalows to rent. The river is easily accessible here, with lots of cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful leaves in the fall. It is also called "Iya Valley Campsite" on some signs.
Easily accessed by bus and instantly recognizable for its giant gray 'concrete rainbow' bridge, the quiet campsites are down below the parking area near the river and set among some shrubs and grass. A very convenient walk to either the hotsprings at Hikyo-no-yu or all the thrills of downtown.
祖谷かずら橋キャンプ村 Iya kazurabashi kyanpu-mura
A campground. The view of the river is nice enough but the hillside riverbank has been bricked-over and developed. Toilet facilities and hot water shower are provided. Reservations absolutely required.
奥祖谷かずら橋キャンプ
A rather basic, but magnificently placed campground across the Oku-Iya vine bridges at the eastern end of the valley. There is a separate cargo pulley system, so you can shift your supplies across the river without carrying them across on the precarious vine bridge. Picnic tables and BBQ pits are here, but there are only very basic toilet facilities and no showers. You can ask the owner of the minshuku across the road to use their bathroom for a small fee (about ¥300). Reservations recommended.
Above Mi-no-Koshi, there are a few camping sites available along the side of the trail to Mt. Tsurugi peak, just below the upper chair-lift station. They are high (about 1,700 m) and somewhat exposed, and not advisable if the weather outlook is less than fair. (Head to one of the huts at the summit if the weather turns sour, or retreat down to a minshuku in Minokoshi.)
祖谷渓キャンプ村
Cabins available starting from ¥3600 for up to five people. No restaurant, so bring your own food. See the full listing under Budget "Camping" for more info.
龍宮崖コテージ
Not in the Iya Valley, but on a side valley a few minutes from the hamlet of Deai at the base of the western gorge area. The facilities are neat, traditional Japanese style, and the simple hot spring bath is refreshing. There are no meals included (there is a separate cafe for lunch), but a large shared kitchen is here for guest use. At ¥3200 per person which includes the bath, this simple but beautiful place is a bargain indeed, and for stays of 3 days or more there are reduced rates. The river is easily accessed here for swimming or splashing about. A hike of about 30 or 40 minutes from here brings you to Kurozo Marshlands, a famous place for flower lovers and bird watchers.
民宿いや荘
Just a few dozen meters on the road down from the Kazurabashi bus stop on the way to the Kazurabashi bridge. Looks like a house, with a yellow sign out front. Nice, welcoming owners.
祖谷観光旅館
Nicer than most, this homestay-like place is just around the bend a few meters from the Kazurabashi bus stop.
龍宮崖コテージ
This collection of seven modern cabins is in the forested Ryugugake Park. One of the best deals in town, as the quiet mountain setting in the Manpu Gorge lets one feel like they are camping, but the comfortable cabins are each set up with kitchens, bathrooms, living/dining rooms, bedrooms, balconies, and even washing machines! Smaller cabins hold up to four, with the biggest holding eight people. There are no meals offered or restaurant here, but at just ¥4000 per person one shouldn't mind the task of cooking for oneself. If you are feeling carnivorous, a large covered barbecue pit is available (¥200 per person additional, great for parties, bring your own meat) and yoga classes are also offered (in English) in the main building most weekends.
旅の宿 奥祖谷
Basic but charming rooms. For an additional ¥1000 one can sample the valley specialty of hirarayaki or for a total of ¥10,000 one can opt to have a locally hunted deer meat course. Guest meals are usually served in one of the stylish banquet rooms, but there is also a classic-looking cafe along the roadside offering a variety of meals. English menu available. The food is delicious.
カジヤ祖谷浪漫亭
Located on the hillside overlooking Kyojo, this homestay is one of the most interesting places in the valley. The main building is a traditional wood house uniquely and beautifully restored and run by a quirky but very welcoming man who loves to talk about (in Japanese) his vast collection of antiques, tell stories of the valley life, and explain whatever local culinary treat he is cooking up for the evening (however he will do his best to speak in his very basic English as well). Meals are cooked over the large irori (floor hearth) around which drinks are also drunk well into the night. He has also built a rather neat outdoor/indoor bath house with valley views and an adjoining chill-out balcony. This is one of the only places in town (or even most of Japan) where one can take a traditional goemonburo bath from days gone by, which is essentially a large iron pot heated from below by wood fire. Bring your own alcohol if desired. Only one set of guests (up to 6) stay at a time.
民宿 まつうら
Bed & breakfast 100 m from the Minokoshi lift station. Enough room for groups.
霧の峰
Bed & breakfast close to the chair lift station.
ラ・フォーレつるぎ山
Just north of Mt. Tsurugi base area (7min by car, 30min by walk), this cozy yet very pretty hotel is a nice upgrade from the standard minshuku offerings of Minokoshi. Set in deep forest on a peaceful little pond, the rooms are tidy and well appointed, and meals feature local specialties. There is also a hot spring bath available, very soothing if having just hiked. Per person room rates with dinner and breakfast are ¥7700, dinner only is ¥6800, breakfast only ¥5500, and just the room without meals is ¥4600. Definitely an excellent value for what you get. Expect lots of peace and quiet. (closed in winter)
秘境の湯
A large and lavishly appointed onsen (hotspring) hotel near to the Michi-no-Eki (道の駅) in Nishi-Iya. The valley views mostly look out across to quaint, tiny central Nishi-Iya. The rooms are modern and plush, and the meals are elaborate with local specialties. It's easy to access via public transport and walkable to points nearby. About 15 minutes by vehicle to Oboke and 5 minutes to the vine bridge. Prices start at about ¥9000 per person without meals, ¥12,000 with. Transport service also offered. For non-guests, entry into the baths costs ¥1000.
ホテル 祖谷温泉
Feeling like you're about as far away from it all as you can get in Japan, this precariously placed hotel is in the Iya gorge at the west end of the valley and famous for the cable car that takes guests to the not-particularly-hot spring baths in a beautiful spot beside the river. But there's a price to pay: ¥14000 and up per head, to be precise.
祖谷美人
This is a relatively newly built but traditionally styled hotel with a view of the forested mountain directly opposite (nicely lit with spotlights in the evening). Rooms are stylish and include a private onsen bath on the room balcony overlooking the valley. The food is an excellent selection of local delicacies.
ホテルかずら橋
A modern ryokan with hot spring baths. Most guest rooms have mountain views and the staff are very accommodating. The open-air baths above the hotel (reached with a cable car) are probably the nicest in the valley, if not Shikoku, and include a traditional thatched roof tea house with burning floor hearth for taking a break in. The views from the baths are breathtaking (non-guest baths cost ¥1300). Dinner and breakfast are top-end kaiseki cuisine using local ingredients. About a 2-minute drive or 10-minute walk to the Kazurabashi.
祖谷の宿 かずらや
This traditionally styled hotel with hotspring baths is on quiet set of isolated grounds. Meals include several of the unique Iya dishes. The baths are made with the local river stones, and include outdoor and indoor pools, both with lovely forest views.
桃源郷祖谷の山里
In the historic Ochiai hamlet, these half dozen or so thatched roof homes have been beautifully restored and outfitted for guests. Visitors have the whole house to themselves, and some can accommodate groups of up to 8 people. Each has its own unique characteristics, and all have pleasant views with idyllic atmosphere. Modern kitchens allow for self-catering, or arrange meals to either be delivered or cooked/eaten together in the home of one of the neighborhood residents (additional fee for meals). Prices vary on season or day of week, but can be quite affordable and start from about ¥8,000 to 10,000 per person (based on at least two people) and reduce with increased number of guests or longer stays. Local guides are also available for various courses.
いやしの温泉郷
This large secluded complex doesn't get the loaded tourist buses found in the Nishi-Iya area, providing a bit of peace and quiet. Offering hot spring baths, restaurant, tennis courts, and various types of accommodation including standard hotel rooms, small separate cabins, and even traditional thatched roof guest houses to stay in. The hot spring is open for non-guests daily. This is also the location of the Oku-Iya Monorail and Miune mountain can be hiked to/from here. Room prices start at about ¥8000-9000 per person, but depend on the type of accommodation, meals, and number in group. Transport service offered to Oboke if reserved. Two additional thatched roof homes are also on display here and open free to visitors.
篪庵
House of Japanese-aficionado Alex Kerr, this tucked away thatched-roof farmhouse has undergone a thorough restoration and is now available for overnight guests or day-use. Though Kerr hasn't ever really lived here for any real length of time since acquiring the place in the 1970s, he now runs the house from his homes in Kyoto and Thailand as part of an NPO dedicated to restoring crumbling old Japanese architecture. The place is quite stunning and is now equip with modern amenities that balance out the traditional floor hearths and collection of antiques. However staying in such well-kept tradition comes at a price: minimum overnight fees are 21,000 for the house off-season and some weekdays, and go up for holiday times, weekends, and with increased number of guests. Meals can be arranged at additional costs. The neighborhood hamlet has very little going on, and the view down the valley in front of the Chiiori house is rather obstructed by tall cedar trees. A newer staff house is next to the main building.
By plane
The central location of the Iya valley makes Shikoku's four airports viable options. Cars can be rented at any airport.
By train
The nearest train station to the main sights of the Iya Valley is at Oboke, which is along the JR Dosan Line between Kochi and Takamatsu.
By bus
From either Osaka or Kobe, Hankyu Bus runs several a day that go to Ikeda's Awa Ikeda Bus Terminal (阿波池田ＢT) just near JR Awa-Ikeda station. The trip takes about 4 hours and runs at about ¥4500.
By car
Having a car for touring the Iya valley is probably the best for flexibility and convenience due to limited public transport.
By bus
Although options are limited (and confusing), going deep into the valley is possible by bus, but one must have both patience and an attention to making a realistic schedule.
By taxi
By rental car
To get the most out of your experience in the Iya Valley, it is highly recommended to have your own vehicle.
By bicycle
It is possible to cycle the Iya Valley, but you'll need a good bike (you can carry bicycles on Japanese trains if you put them in a bike bag), a healthy pair of lungs and a genuine sense of adventure.
By foot
Distances are far in the Iya valley, so it may be best to try your luck at hitchhiking along the main road. As there are practically no sidewalks, be careful of vehicles barreling around turns.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to global tourist taxes and access fees. Compare entry fees in Venice, Bali, Bhutan, Kyoto, and Edinburgh, and learn how to pay them.
8 min read
ItinerariesPlan a trip to Japan with kids in 2026. Discover a family-tested 10-day itinerary with theme parks, bullet trains, and practical parenting tips.
8 min read
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