Top 5
The Top 5 Ways to Do Itin Iya and Oboke
Everyone likes a good list, so if you want to do it right in the Iya Valley and Oboke areas, then be sure to do it each way!
1. Get High
The Iya Valley and Oboke Gorge areas are ringed by tall mountains, but you do not need to be a climber to enjoy the awesome views they offer. There are several drivable mountain passes
and viewpoints
where one can take in the fantastic scenery, especially for the early morning unkai
(Sea of Clouds) fog formations.
And for those looking for a little more, simply riding up the Mt Tsurugi chairlift
provides great views from the upper lift station.
But of course, the best way to appreciate the alpine scenery would be to head out for a hike
on one of the many mountain trails. Most of the taller mountain tops and ridges are above the tree line and covered with lofty meadows of swaying sasa
grass, where the views are truly sublime.
Check our Hiking Portal
page for details on hiking routes including interactive maps and trailhead access options.
2. Get Wet
Offering up some of the best white-water rafting
in Japan, the world-class rapids of the mighty Yoshino River as it roars through the gorges of Oboke and Koboke
will surely get the adrenaline pumping. And with many local rafting outfitters, you can also blast down a rushing stream while canyoning, go pack-rafting
within Iyakei Gorge, or glide along the water upon a stand-up paddle board.
You can also just dunk yourself in one of the area's many waterfalls, or simply go for a swim in the clear turquoise waters
of the Iya River.
And for those looking for a little less action and more relaxation, choose instead to sooth yourself in one of the hotspring baths at one of the many onsens, where the views from the steamy tubs are otherworldly.
No matter how it's done, indulging oneself into the pure waters of Iya are a must do.
3. Go Deep
Of the visitors who make their way to Iya, most don't get farther than Nishi-Iya, which is the lower half of the valley. Well too bad for them! For even though the Nishi-Iya area has lots of great sights and activities, if seeking the real
Iya Valley, then Oku-Iya
("Deep Iya") is where to go. Off-the-beaten-path? Many sights here are literally only accessible by path!
Less developed and more vast, this tranquil upper half of the valley doesn't only offer chances to stay in one of its many bucolic hillside villages, but Oku-Iya's sights are more unique, it's views are more expansive, and it's rural, old-world charm is more distinct. With misty mountains, the acclaimed Scarecrow Village, and the hidden Double Vine Bridges, Oku-Iya is a must do.
But make no mistake, the reason why people don't visit as much isn't because it's not worth it. On the contrary, it's mainly because it requires a bit more time and planning, since buses are infrequent and the roads are often only one-lane. But for those who make the effort, the rewards are incomparable.
4. Do It Old School
The Iya Valley has a history
that dates back over a thousand years, but for an area famous for it's living traditions, it would be a shame if one didn't take the chance to experience the old-world culture first hand.
Learn to use a stone mortar to grind local soba flour and then roll out and chop up your own noodles in a soba-making class
with a local sensei. Explore one of the many historic samurai houses
that dates back centuries. Roast up some locally hunted wild boar
over a traditional floor hearth, or feast on Iya's classic hirara-yaki barbecue. Or get dirty as a farm-hand out in a terraced field and then clean yourself up in a wood-fired bath at one of the home-style stays.
And for the ultimate immersion, spending the night in a traditional thatched roof farmhouse
within a hillside hamlet is an opportunity not to be had anywhere else.
5. Try a New Twist
The old ways aren't the only ways in Iya and Oboke, as there are also plenty of modern offerings available in the area.
Experience some of the several weird and wonderful art pieces
that are influenced by the valley, including the uniquely "re-populated" Nagoro Scarecrow Village.
Gear up and swing from the trees in one of the
forest rope courses
and then zip-line
your way across the Iya River.
Find an invigorating sense of calm as you take a personalized
yoga class
within Iya's stunning scenery.
Or get a team together to play in the annual
snowball fight competition that is held each winter. No doubt, there's something for everyone no matter what is your interest.
+ Bonus Tip, for those seeking a little extra adventure...
Go Through the Back Door
Most people enter the Iya Valley from the Oboke area by way of train (via JR Oboke Station) or by way of car/bus (via Rt 45, which leads in from JR Oboke Station). For sure, this is the fastest, easiest, and most common route, but it is not the only way in, nor is it the most scenic. Other less common routes offer some spectacular opportunities!
If going via Ikeda in the north, a great option would be to drive in on the old Iya Highway
(Prefecture Rt 32) from Iyaguchi which goes through the rugged Iyakei Gorge. The mostly one-lane road along here twists its way in upon the cliff faces, with stunning views from points like the Peeing Boy Statue
and Hi-no-Ji Bend.
Even more daring would be to enter through one of the remote mountain pass routes
by car or even by bus. All routes listed below are detailed on the
Transport Page (check here for "Local Travel by Car" under "Driving in Oku-Iya", or "Local Travel by Bus" under "Oku-Iya Seasonal Buses")
If coming/going via the north or east, the pass along Rt 439 (connecting from Rt 438) at Minokoshi
takes you past the trailhead of Mt Tsurugi.
Or opt to come in above Ochiai Village
to/from the north via the 1520m Ochiai Pass
along Rt 44. Amazing views await.
And if traveling via Kochi Prefecture in the south, consider taking the secluded Kyobashira Pass
along Rt 439.
And for a complete list of everything Iya and Oboke have to offer, check our See and Do page!