Some locations in the Iya Valley and Oboke areas close every year for the winter, particularly places in Oku-Iya. 

Below is a list of locations closed in winter.

Usually the seasonal closings are from December 1st to March 31st , but a few places may be slightly different.

Also, some locations that remain open may operate at reduced hours.

Tip: To see which things to See & Do that are open in winter, on our See & Do page open the "Map & Listings" and there within the "Option" filter tab above the listings, select "Open in Winter", and this will filter the listings to only show locations and sights which are open all year.

** This winter the Iya-no-Kazurabashi will be closed from January 9 until February 15 in order to replace the vines.

More info >>

Closed Places to Stay

Oku-Iya Area

 La Foret Tsurugi Hotel

 Minshuku Matsuura

 Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi Campground

 Iya Hakkei farmhouse

 Ryugugake Cottages

 Tsurugisan Chojo Hutte (re-opens in late April)

 Ichino-Mori Hut (re-opens in late April)

• unstaffed mountain huts are open all year, including Miune Hut, Okameiwa Hut, and Shiraga Hut... but all are cold!

Nishi-Iya & Iyakei Area

 Iya Kazurabashi Camp Village

 Iya Valley (Iyakei) Camp Village

 Iya Fureai Park Campground

Oboke & Koboke

Shiozuka Highlands Camp & Cabins

Closed See & Do

Oku-Iya

 Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi (Double Vine Bridges)

 Ochiai Pass (road usually closed in winter)

 Bukeyashiki Kita-ke Historic House

 Asa-ke Historic House

 Kimura-ke Cafe

 Kyobashira Pass (road usually closed in winter)

 Mt Tsurugi Chairlift (re-opens mid-April)

Oboke & Koboke

 All river rafting and water-sports

 Amici Adventure

 Shiozuka Highlands

Ikeda & North

 Oboke - Iya Bus Tour

Locations with Reduced Winter Schedules (partial list*)

Please contact each location to find their open hours or days. *Other places not listed may also have reduced schedules.

Oku-Iya

 Soba Dojo restaurant

 Nagaoka-ke Historic House (closed Dec 27 - Feb 29)

 Iya Valley Tours (closed Dec 1 - Feb 29)

 Yama Yoga (private lessons only)

 Oku-Iya Museum of History & Folklore (closed on Wed, Sat, Sun, & Holidays Dec 1 - Feb 29)

Nishi-Iya & Iyakei

 Kazurabashi Vine Bridge (Jan 9 - Feb 15)

 Kazurabashi Arcade restaurants

 Senkichi restaurant

 Forest Adventure (closed if snowy or icy)

 Oboke Michi-no-Eki (shop and cafe here closed most days mid-Dec to Feb 29)

Oboke & Koboke

 Kenmi Onsen Hotsprings

 Heike Yashiki Museum (Dec-March closes at 5pm instead of 6pm)

 Oboke Michi-no-Eki, including YOKAI House and Cafe & Jibie restaurant (closed on Tuesdays during Dec 1 - March 31, as well as Wed if the Tues is a holiday)

Also please note that the Local Miyoshi Municipal Buses in all areas do not operate for the New Years holiday of January 1st to 3rd (but the regular Shikoku Kotsu buses do operate normally during this time).