Iya Valley         Oboke Gorge

IyaTime

Discover the roots of Japan

Explore a hidden land
  Planning to visit the Iya Valley ? 
With detailed travel info on sights, activities, local food, accommodation, history, culture, and interactive maps showing how to get everywhere...
...look no further, 
because Iya Time has you covered. 
Planning to visit the Iya Valley ?   Well, there's no need to be lost!
With detailed travel info on sights, activities, local food, restaurants, & accommodation... 
explanations on history, culture, and interactive maps showing how to get everywhere...
...look no further, because Iya Time has you covered. 
COVID-19 Area Status
Iya Peeing Boy with Coronavirus Mask

Tokushima Prefecture has been one of the least affected places in Japan for the coronavirus. There has been a small increase in cases out near Tokushima City, but the current increase is not affecting the Miyoshi and Iya Valley areas. And while there has still been zero known cases in the Iya area, local people are still concerned with the possibility of the virus appearing, and they are doing their best to maintain a safe environment.


Currently, all of the Iya Valley area's public tourism sights and facilities are open in accordance with their normal seasonal schedules. However, pretty much all events until Spring 2021 have been cancelled, with most other events thereafter still TBA.


Please take precautions if you intend to visit the Iya Valley or Miyoshi area by wearing a face mask in public, washing your hands, and staying socially distant.

News & Features

Find out the latest info about what's happening in the Iya Valley, Oboke Gorge, and all of Miyoshi City. 
See All News Stories
December 6, 2023
From January 9, 2024 until February 15 the Iya-no-Kazurabashi in Nishi-Iya will be closed in order to replace the vines.
November 30, 2023
Several sights and places to stay either fully close or have limited schedules in the winter season from December 1 until March 31, particularly in the Oku-Iya area.
September 25, 2023
On Saturday morning November 4th the annual Oku-Iya Harvest Festival will be held in the 'downtown' area of Kyojo where lots of Iya foods will be on offer!
Weather and Climate

Want to know what to expect for when you are coming, or looking to find the "best" times of year to visit? Check our seasonal weather breakdown on the Facts & Services page.
Central Iya Valley WEATHER
Weather can be a bit different in various areas due to surrounding mountains and higher elevations (especially temperature).
 Check each area page for more specific local weather forecasts.
Today's Sun
Check our Sun Calendar to help plan your trip!
Open Sun Calendar

Festivals & Events

Looking for a unique local experience? Check the Event Schedule for what's happening in the Iya Valley and Oboke areas!
Orient Yourself
The Iya Valley and Oboke & Koboke areas are part of Miyoshi City in Tokushima Prefecture
Areas of Miyoshi
Nishi-Iya & Iyakei
The lower half of the Iya Valley is home to the beautiful Iyakei Gorge, as well as a variety of hotspring spas, and the amazing Kazurabashi vine bridge.
Oku-Iya
The deeper part of the Iya Valley is known for its isolated hillside hamlets, abundant nature, hidden vine bridges, and high mountain viewpoints.
Oboke & Koboke
Adventure awaits here, as the gorges created here by the powerful Yoshino River make for beautiful views and thrilling rafting.
Ikeda & North
The gateway area to Iya and Oboke offers a range of historical sites and serves as the administrative and commercial hub for Miyoshi.
Miyoshi City is located in the western part of Tokushima Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku.
 
Areas of Miyoshi
Ikeda
& North
Mountain View
The gateway area to Iya and Oboke offers a range of historical sites and serves as the administrative and commercial hub for Miyoshi.                            

MORE INFO
Oboke
& Koboke
Mountain View
Adventure awaits here, as the gorges created here by the powerful Yoshino River make for beautiful views and thrilling rafting.                            

MORE INFO
Nishi-Iya
& Iyakei
Mountain View
The lower half of the Iya Valley is home to the beautiful Iyakei Gorge, as well as a variety of hotsprings and the amazing Kazurabashi vine bridge.                            

MORE INFO
Oku-Iya
Mountain View
The deeper part of the Iya Valley is known for its isolated hillside hamlets, abundant nature, hidden vine bridges, and high mountain viewpoints.                            

MORE INFO
Location in Japan
Mountain View
Miyoshi City is located in Tokushima Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku.
Access Info
Come In and Discover
Iya Valley Fog
A Secret Place
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.
The Iya Highway through Iyakei Gorge
The Journey Within
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.
Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Vine Bridge
Cross into Another World
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.  
Create an Awesome Adventure
with 'My Trip'
By using our My Trip function you can easily compare multiple places, save the points you want to remember, and build your own fantastic itinerary! 

To do so, whenever you see the 'Add to My Trip' button on any map point or place listing, just click on it to save this location. After you collect some spots, you can review them all on the My Trip Page (find the link in the menu bar at the top of any page). 

Check the My Trip Page for more info.
Top Sights and Activities
  • Oboke Gorge boats
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Looking for the best season to visit to visit the Iya Valley? Want to know where to stay? Interested in how to travel in the Iya Valley with or without a car, or how to get around via public bus, taxi, or tour? Find detailed answers to some of the most common questions on our FAQs page.
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