Deep in the heart of the little visited Shikoku Island hides a land that until fairly recently was cut off from the rest of Japan. Enclosed by steep mountains, roaring rivers, and the perilous gorges of Oboke & Koboke, for centuries the residents of the Iya Valley's small hillside villages had only limited contact with the outside world.

Though one no longer needs to trek over misty mountain passes to access this long lost region, the Iya Valley and Oboke Gorge are still not the easiest places in Japan to reach. The narrow roads that carve and climb their way through the steep valley walls are part of the reason why much of this area remains undiscovered.

With swaying vine bridges, steamy hotspring spas, thrilling white-water rafting, and broad mountain vistas, both adventure and serenity await those who visit this rugged and remarkable land... where old world traditions still live on, where natural beauty engulfs every visitor, and where the humble residents charm everyone they encounter.