Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on what you consider to be good. As far as weather, we try to explain the "best" times here.

But every time of year has other great things on offer besides weather, including festivals & events, a variety of seasonal foods, and natural phenomenon (like autumn leaves, summer fireflies, star gazing, and unkai & kiryu).

Japan doesn't have a specific dry season, so rain can happen at any time, with rain storms lasting about a day or two, usually once or twice a week throughout the year. But it can also be common to not have any rain for 2 weeks or more, particularly in May, early June, August, or just about any other month.

The so-called "rainy season" when rain is most likely (when there is maybe only one or two clear days per week) would be from mid/late June to about mid July, but every year is slightly different*, and often at this time it isn't heavy storms, mainly just on and off light rain and cloudy. (*in 2021 the rainy season began in mid-May, a month earlier than usual and the earliest in recorded history).

Also, rain sometimes happens for extended periods of several days in a row in early September, but again, every year is different. 

Typhoons (hurricanes) can occur between late July to early November and the Iya Valley area will usually have 2 or 3 typhoons (at least) per year. You should not try traveling much during a typhoon, and roads in Iya often close when happening. 

You can find more weather, typhoon, and seasonal condition info here.

Winter is mainly from early December to late March. It is cold and a bit grey, and snow is possible, especially in Oku-Iya. The main roads are usually cleared for driving (see the next question below), but mountain passes will not be plowed, so roads going over mountain passes are usually closed. 

Also, some places have limited opening schedules in winter, and many places close completely for the season, including all rafting and water sports, mountain hiking and camping facilities, and many places in Oku-Iya (including historic houses, some places to stay, the mountain monorail, and the Double Vine Bridges). Seasonal buses to the deepest points in Oku-Iya also do not operate in winter.  

If snow occurs, the main road through the valley is usually plowed and/or salted between Oboke and as far as Nagoro (Scarecrow Village), though the farther you go in the valley, the more chance that there will be still uncleared snow if it does happen to snow the day or so before you go. So if just going to main sights like the Iya-no-Kazurabashi or a Nishi-Iya hotel, then snow tires (or 4WD or chains) are probably not necessary, but having them would be wise if planning to head into Oku-Iya.

Do realize that the main access route into Iya of Rt45 between Oboke and central Nishi-Iya goes up and over a mountain (and through a long tunnel at the top) and this road can often have some ice at night or early morning and/or it can be rather troublesome if it is currently snowing. The hill here up/down is steep and curvy, but effort is made to always keep Rt45 open in winter.

Most years, for about 95% of the winter the main roads have no trouble with snow, with heavy snow not very common for much of Iya, especially in lower elevation areas like along the main road in Nishi-Iya and most of Oku-Iya, but every year is different and unpredictable. Some years there can be lots of snow, other years (especially with global warming) there will be none. There has also been years when heavy snowstorms happen in November and April as well.

Usually any snow that does happen will melt within a day or so along the main road regardless of plowing, but on roads going up into the hillside villages (as you gain elevation) the depth of snow will increase and they may not be plowed. Also, the mountain pass roads in Oku-Iya are not plowed and will often be closed, including the main road from Nagoro Scarecrow Village and beyond.

Having snow tires, four-wheel-drive, or just a set of tire chains would be advisable and give reassurance, especially if driving much into Oku-Iya. If renting a car, maybe ask about getting a set of tire chains just in case, and be sure to understand how to install them. 

**But if you have no experience with driving on snow or ice, then the cruvy, steep, and often one-laned cliff-side roads of Iya are NOT the place to learn!!

The easiest and most common way to reach the Iya Valley from elsewhere is via train to JR Oboke Station. Limited Express trains go to/from here about once an hour and most local buses head out from here.

The nearest airport would be either at Takamatsu (north of Iya) or Kochi (south of Iya), each about 1.5 hours to the area.  

We give full details of various travel methods to many places around Japan (including Kyoto, Osaka, Okayama, Tokyo, and all points in Shikoku) on our Transport Page, including via bus, train, car, airplane, and even ferry.  Check under Travel To and From Miyoshi and use the filters on the map to choose your method and location!

Although having a car can be great for getting around the Iya Valley, some may not feel too confident with driving on the narrow, curvy and often one-laned roads. Several other transport options are available.

Most people enter the area by train via JR Oboke Station. From here you can take a public bus into the valley, hire a taxi, have your pre-arranged tour or taxi meet you, or have your accommodation pick you up if arranged beforehand (some hotels offer their own shuttle buses, and some guest houses may also do pick ups... but not all).

See the questions below for more specific details about local transport options and how to utilize them.

Using public buses to explore the area is possible if just looking to visit some of the main sights, but its not overly convenient and can be a bit time consuming, so try to make a plan.

Buses are not that frequent, going about once every hour or two within Nishi-Iya and Oboke, and even less often for deeper into the valley to Oku-Iya, so giving yourself enough time is important. And some sights (particularly hillside villages and historic houses) are not along the main road and would require a good bit of walking. Buses into Iyakei Gorge are also just a few times per day, so it could be a nice experience to walk one way from Central Nishi-Iya, either to or from the Peeing Boy Statue.

Also, buses to the deeper points in Oku-Iya are operated by a different bus company (these are Local Municipal Buses), so it is necessary to transfer along the way (but the times are arranged for a convenient transfer). And the final two points out in Oku-Iya (Double Vine Bridges and Mt Tsurugi) are seasonal stops, mainly on weekends and only everyday during certain times of year.

We give full details about using the public buses on the Transport Page under Local Travel by Bus, as well as a full breakdown of bus timetables and seasonal buses. However, due to the difficulty and limited access of using buses, in order to properly encounter the Iya Valley, we really reccommend either using a rental car or using a private taxi tour. 

Oboke Station may have a waiting available taxi, but this is certainly not guarenteed. It would be best to contact a taxi company at least the day before (or sooner) to be sure one is there for pick up,  especially if coming late in the day. If coming on a weekend or holiday you really should contact as far in advance as possible.

Awa-Ikeda Station has a much better chance of taxis being available on arrival at most times, but contacting one beforehand could also be helpful.

For other train stations, especially one that is for local trains only, there are usually no waiting taxis ever, so you must contact in advance. 

We have a list of the local taxi companies on the Transport Page under Local Travel by Taxi.

The only group bus tour you can openly join goes once a day (at limited times of the year) on a route to some of the main sights of Nishi-Iya and Oboke, including the Peeing Boy Statue, Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, and Oboke Boat Cruise. This bus starts and ends from the Miyoshi Bus Terminal in Ikeda town. The tour takes about 6 hours with a commentary that is only in Japanese (but anyone is OK to join). 

Its a good deal if alone or maybe a couple and if you stay in Ikeda, but a 3 or 4 hour taxi tour to/from Oboke goes to all the same sights and is way more flexible. 

This seasonal tour operates April to November mainly on weekends, holidays, and daily during certain times of the year. Tickets can be bought up to 3 months in advance. More info can be found at the Shikoku Kotsu Bus Company here, and their English ticket reservation service can be found here.  

All local taxi companies can be hired for multi-hour tours of the area. (see Local Travel by Taxi for listings) To see just the main sights of Oboke and Nishi-Iya, it takes about 2 to 4 hours, but if looking to explore secluded points in Oku-Iya, it would require 5 to 7 hours. However, few taxi drivers speak any English, and those that may don't really speak all that much. 

For a private tour with an actual English speaking guide, you should check out Iya Valley Tours. They can arrange custom tours and give an in-depth and rewarding experience.

The local taxi drivers know the area well and all are reccommended, but we do not reccommend using a taxi and/or guide that is not locally based. Outside operators do not usually understand details about sporadic road closures, can not give local insights, don't personally know the local people, and often give incorrect explanations that are more based on here-say than facts.

There are no major car rental chains in Iya or the Miyoshi area. Only large cities and airports in Shikoku (Takamatsu, Tokushima, Kochi, Matsuyama, etc) have major rental agencies.

However, there are a few local car rental agencies. The Mannaka Service Area in Oboke has a couple cars available, and a few small agencies also operate in and around Ikeda. Check the Local Travel by Car & Bike section on the Transport Page to see a listing of all area car rental companies. 

We give detailed and specific road driving information about each area on the Transport Page under Local Travel by Car & Bicycle including safety tips, road closure info, and gasoline station info.

Please realize, Iya's roads are infamous for being curvy, steep, and often on the edge of steep cliffs (but there are guard rails... usually). Almost every road (except for parts of the main road through of the valley) is entirely one-laned, and even the main road is often one-laned in the Oku-Iya area. Side roads going up into villages, aside from all being one-laned, are also often crumbling and rough.

For many people who are just interested in visiting the main Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, its no problem since from Oboke to the Kazurabashi the main road (Rt45 from Oboke to Central Nishi-Iya and then Rt32 onwards to the Kazurabashi) is entirely two-laned, fairly wide, and well paved (but it is rather curvy and sometimes steep).

But beyond the Kazurabashi going into Oku-Iya the main road becomes occassionally one-laned (about 25% of the time) until Ochiai, and then beyond Ochiai its about 80% one-laned on to Nagoro Scarecrow Village. Beyond Nagoro to Mt Tsurugi its entirely one-laned. Also, the road (Rt32) through Iyakei Gorge in Nishi-Iya is about 90% one laned and very curvy, but the cliffside views are pretty spectacular.

When driving on a one-laned road there are usually large circular mirrors on the blind curves to see if something is coming at you. Drive with caution and always watch the road. Also, there is usually no sidewalk or shoulder on the road, so always be alert for people or bicycles. If you come head-to-head with another car on a one-laned section, it is almost always better for someone to reverse to a wider point than to try to squeeze past eachother (however, only locals realize this, and out-of-town visitors usually do not).

Also, if there is a severe storm or typhoon, then many roads will often close, with either limited or no detours possible. 

For details on winter driving, see the question above under Seasonal Travel.

If you are not a confident driver, or have little experience with driving on the left side of the road, then Iya is probably not the best place to learn. Consider taking a bus or hiring a taxi instead.

Again, we give detailed and specific road driving information about each area on the Transport Page under Local Travel by Car & Bicycle including safety tips, road closure info, and gasoline station info.

Similar local driving information can also be found on the Map & Listing of each Area Page:

• Nishi-Iya & Iyakei page, 
• Oku-Iya page, 
• Oboke & Koboke page, 
• Ikeda & North page

Being that this is the deep Japanese countryside and in many ways stuck in a time-warp, many places don't offer English websites (or simply no website at all) and if you call on the phone they only speak Japanese.

But sorry, we can not help you as an interpretor or make reservations for you. If you are hiring a guide then perhaps they can help (see question below), but IyaTime is not a booking or translation website.

For English speaking local guide service you should contact Iya Valley Tours. Even though they offer Iya's only English speaking guides, their English is suprisingly good and they know the valley and its people far, far better than any guides based outside of the Iya Valley (their guides often advise IyaTime for our information). They can also help arrange activities, transportation, and other plans for your stay in Iya.

Also, a few guesthouses have owners that speak some English (or use translation smartphone apps) who can possibly go with you to tour some sights on request. You should ask directly if this is possible when trying to reserve.

Some taxi companies also have a couple drivers that may speak a bit of English (but not really guide level), but if hiring a taxi for a tour they will usually give you English brochures or play recorded English messages that explain things.

And if simply looking for a Japanese-English interpretor (for research, journalism, etc), again, try contacting Iya Valley Tours about your needs. Their main website is here.

Many (but not all) restaurants will have English menus, however, like elsewhere in Japan, the English can often be a little off. But the friendly people of Iya will do their best to make you satisfied. But please, try not to be too picky with what you request, and simply try to enjoy things the way the locals do.

Certainly the answer to this depends on the person, but there is no doubt, if looking for one of the biggest possible contrasts to the high-tech, over-crowded, hyper-developed, and generally mind-boggling insanity of Tokyo, then the Iya Valley is it.

For a typical visitor to Japan who is staying one or two weeks in the country, by seeing and experiencing only the cities it does not give a proper impression of Japan. Aside from the physical landscapes and natural beauty, the people, food, and culture of the countryside are quite different. And though the majority Japanese may live in urban areas nowadays, most city residents still have their roots in the countryside, and any Japanese person will attest that the people who live there have distinctly different personalities and values. 

Some visitors to Japan may fulfill a "countryside experience" by staying in an onsen hotspring town or stopping by a place like Shirakawa, and though wonderful in their own way, such popular spots do not represent true countryside life due to the number of visitors they recieve and how most things are geared towards tourism.

On the other hand, many countryside places can be rather undeveloped for visitors, especially people from abroad who don't speak the language and are experiencing Japan for the first time. And some places don't really have all that interesting things to offer, making the challenge of visiting there indeed, not really "worth it".

But in regards to all these considerations, the Iya Valley is different. For Japan, its exteremely countryside, in many ways a superlative. Its somewhat developed but certainly not "touristy" and definately not crowded. Its full of natural splendor and rugged beauty with inviting residents who aren't specifically focused on tourism. And as far as interesting things on offer, well it definately boasts sights, experiences, tastes, and a lifestyle that are not only unique but often found nowhere else.

So as far as "worth it", well, while its not the easiest place to get to, perhaps the isolation is what makes the Iya Valley unlike anywhere in Japan and also what makes it somewhere you won't forget.

One full day is usually enough for seeing the main sights and a few smaller yet interesing ones, but it would require either having a car or hiring a taxi. But you will not get to spend a great deal of time at the sights if trying to pack it all into one day, so it can be much better to spread out your visit to two or more days, allowing you to get a proper feel of the remote enviroment and the unique living culture.  Also, using only a bus to explore the area will severely limit what you can see or do, particularly in just a day.

Also, many people try to "do" Iya in a day trip without staying the night, with coming to and from an accommodation somewhere else like in Ikeda, Takamatsu, or even Okayama. Though this is physically possible, many people don't realize the time and effort required, and how they will probably be already run-down (and still maybe jet-lagged) from the previous part of their Japan trip. So it is really reccommended that you stay the night locally to best enjoy your time. 

For many people, their stay in the Iya Valley is the highlight of their trip since it is such a relaxing contrast to the high-density cities of the rest of Japan or the massive hotspring "onsen towns" which are often overdeveloped and not very personable. (Iya's hotspring hotels, guesthouses, and traditional farmhouse stays are noted for their beautiful views, tranquil natural atmosphere, and warm hospitality).

The main areas to stay would be in Central Nishi-Iya or in the nearby Kazurabashi Area (around the main Vine Bridge). Its fairly easy to access, about a 15-20 minute drive to these areas from Oboke Station, and buses go between here and the station about once every hour or two, with most places to stay being located close to a bus stop. 

However, though these parts of Nishi-Iya have a large selection of offerings including hotspring hotels, boutique guesthouses, and even camping, it accordingly gets more visitors, so it doesn't feel as isolated as deeper in the valley (which can be both good and bad depending on the person). Also, while this section is centrally located for exploring the valley, if you do not have a car then going anywhere can be a challenge with using only a bus, so many visitors staying here choose to hire a taxi for sightseeing, particularly for the sights in Oku-Iya (only 4 buses per day go to Oku-Iya, and many sights are not next to a bus stop).

Conversely, staying in Oku-Iya usually gives a more authentic, country-side feeling that is uniquely Iya, and best enjoyed when staying more than just one night. However places to stay in Oku-Iya can be spread far apart (so its great if looking for some nature-enclosed isolation), and most are traditional farmhouses which may not be high-class enough for "delicate" visitors (though there is one hotspring hotel way out here). Also, direct access by bus to these places can be difficult and/or require lots of walking, so its best to either have a car, hire a taxi, or connect directly with the accommodation to see if they can pick you up from the closest bus stop. But most visitors certainly agree, the seclusion of Iya and its countryside lifestyle are part of its charm, so the effort is worth it.

As for other parts of Miyoshi, the Oboke & Koboke area also has a variety of accommodation options including hotspring hotels and farmhouse stays, and is convenient for rafting and going to/from the train station, but realize that you are not actually in Iya here, so you will need to travel via car, taxi, or bus to see Iya's sights, and most accommodations here are in the opposite direction of the valley, so this will add to travel time (on top of the time it takes to get to Iya from Oboke Station) of anywhere from 5 to 45 extra minutes.

Up north in Ikeda there are also several accommodations choices, including many budget ones, but travelling to Iya is pretty far from here, about 45 minutes to one hour+ just to get to the start of the Iya Valley, so being based here isn't so optimal without your own car (and if you do have a car, then you'll be wondering why you didn't stay closer to the valley since you're driving the distance anyway). Also, though the town has its own sights, its a pretty typical small town for the most part and can feel a bit dull to some people, and for sure, it is rather different than Iya's natural splendor.

We try hard to give helpful information on the IyaTime website for knowing how to get around in the Iya Valley on your own, but we can not give anywhere near the amount insight that a local guide can provide.

If you are just interested in visiting the main sights and having a quaint bit of discovery, then going on your own would be just fine (but please read our info about using buses and/or driving to know how to get around safely and convienently). 

But do realize that the Iya people don't speak much if any English, so you will have only limited encounters and interaction if you can not speak Japanese. An English speaking local guide can certainly bridge this gap while also giving first-hand explanations about Iya's dynamic history, rich culture, and unique lifestye as they take you places you may not find on your own.

Please also understand that a guide not based in the area will not have as much connection or knowledge as one that is based locally, so we suggest contacting Iya Valley Tours if seeking an English speaking local guide.

Getting vegetarian food in the Iya Valley area or anywhere in Japan can be a challenge because of the common use of dried fish in making broth ("dashi") that is used for the base of many Japanese meals.

So while Iya soba noodles are indeed vegan, the soup they are served with probably isn't. The same can probably be said for many other dishes, but on request things can (maybe) be altered. Do realize though that Japanese people generally are not vegetarian or ever too particular with their food requests, so at small restaurants, the more picky that you are, then the more bothered you will make the staff and cook, and the more time it will probably take.

Many hotels and guesthouses do understand this, so when making a reservation, try asking for vegetarian if meals are included in your stay (and try to state whether fish-based dashi broth is OK since its so common). And when you check in, follow up on making sure your request was understood. We do not reccommend making your vegetarian request at the time of being served a meal at an accommodation, because this will be both a nuisance and challenge for the staff, and it will also delay and/or limit your meal. So asking such a request is best to do as far in advance as possible.

The biggest mountains with the most extensive network of trails would be located at the deepest point in the Iya Valley. Here you can find Iya's highest mountain of Mt Tsurugi (at 1955m, its also the 2nd highest in all of western Japan) as well as several other mountains that are connected by expansive ridgeline trails.

The main hiking trailhead and starting point would be the small hamlet of Minokoshi, which is the final settlement in the valley and at the base of Mt Tsurugi. Seasonal buses go to here through the valley as well as from a couple other points from the opposite direction (check the Mt Tsurugi page for access details).

There are many other trailheads and mountains with beautiful views located not as deep in the valley, but access may be a little tough and/or require extra hiking if you don't have a car.  Check our Hiking Portal page for more info.

Since this is a mountainous area full of forests, there are lots of wild animals around, but you are unlikely to have trouble with them, even when hiking. 

But perhaps what you should be most aware of are poisonous snakes and hornets. We give full details on all of Iya's dangerous animals here and what to do if you encounter one. 

The Iya Valley and Oboke Gorge areas are quite big, so if you are only looking to see some of the main sights, then it is possible to get around by public bus. However if you are looking to go deeper into the valley or to see sights that are not on the main road (many great places are higher up in the hillside villages), then using buses can be either very inconvenient or even impossible.

Having your own car is perhaps the best option, but for many people, the curvy, steep, and often one-laned roads of Iya are not the easiest to drive upon. So using a taxi or private tour may be preferrable.

We try to detail all these vehicle options above in Transportation Questions.