One of Japan's Three Great Hidden Scenic Spots: "Iya" in Tokushima Prefecture

文：Fly GBA Editior

The Iya River stretches 10 kilometers, and within this lush, wooded gorge, one can see the sheer cliffs carved by nature, showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship of the natural world. The Iya region can be simply divided into East Iya and West Iya. To the west, there are the Iya River hot springs, while to the east lies the hidden scenic village of Ochiai and Tsurugi Mountain, the second highest mountain in Western Japan.

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To explore Iya, the route can start from Oboke, visiting the famous hidden scenic spots of the Iya Vine Bridge and Biwa Waterfall first. Along the way, you can visit the "Hiji Valley" and "Peeing Boy" attractions, and finally stay overnight at the Iya Onsen, which is nestled between the deep gorge and beautiful streams. Due to the inconvenience of public transportation in the area, it's best to choose to drive for your visit.

Cable Car to the Open-Air Hot Springs: The Hidden Retreat of Iya Valley

招牌露天溫泉「溪谷之湯」、「細流之湯」及貸切溫泉「山霧之湯」位於170米深的山谷底。（圖片來源：ホテル祖谷温泉官網）.jpg — The signature "Valley Hot Spring", "Stream Hot Spring" and the private hot spring "Mountain Mist Hot Spring," are located at the bottom of a 170-meter-deep valley. (Photo: Hotel Iya Onsen official website)

於21年翻新重開的展望風呂「雲遊天空の湯」SORA NO YU，四時景色各有不同，泉水更被譽為美肌之湯。（圖片來源：ホテル祖谷温泉官網）.jpg — The newly renovated bath "Sora-no-yu," reopened in 2021, offers different views in each season, and its spring water is praised for its skin-beautifying properties. (Photo: Hotel Iya Onsen official website)

During the autumn foliage season, guests can see the mountains covered in vibrant red leaves, resembling a natural tapestry, which is breathtaking. The signature open-air hot springs "Keikoku-no-yu", " Sairyū-no-yu" and the private hot spring " Yamakiri-no-yu" located at the bottom of the 170-meter-deep valley, require guests to take a cable car from the mountain (about 5 minutes), offering a unique experience! The newly introduced cable car in 2023, decorated with azalea flowers painted by muralist Hideki Kimura, allows you to descend at a 42-degree slope while enjoying the spectacular natural scenery before soaking in the hot springs.

全長250米的纜車只需5分鐘就抵達谷底的溫泉。（圖片來源：ホテル祖谷温泉官網）.jpg — The 250-meter-long cable car takes only 5 minutes to reach the hot springs at the valley bottom. (Photo: Hotel Iya Onsen official website)

藏在山中的「和の宿ホテル祖谷温泉」只有19間客房。.jpg — Hidden in the mountains, "Wa no Yado Hotel Iya Onsen" has only 19 guest rooms.

Wa no Yado Hotel Iya Onsen

Address: 367-28 Matsuo Matsumoto, Ikeda Town, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture

Transportation: About 23 minutes by car from JR "Oboke" Station

Website: https://www.iyaonsen.co.jp

Thrilling and Exciting! Japan's Three Great Vine Bridges

In the past, the Iya River had 13 vine bridges connecting both sides of the valley; however, only three ancient vine bridges remain today. Among them, the Kazurabashi Bridge, suspended 14 meters above the surface of the Iya River, is the largest and has been designated as an important tangible folk cultural property of Japan and Tokushima Prefecture.

The vine bridge is woven from wisteria using traditional craftsmanship, and walking on the bridge gives a sense of swaying from side to side. Looking down through the gaps wider than your feet, you can see the rushing waters below, which is very thrilling. Don’t worry; the bridge is now reinforced with concealed steel cables and undergoes renovations every three years to ensure safety.

相傳屋島合戰大敗的平家落難武士逃到祖谷，特地在溪上搭建可迅速破壞的蔓橋，以逃避追兵。.JPG — It is said that the defeated warriors of the Heike clan fled to Iya and specially built a vine bridge over the river that could be quickly destroyed to evade pursuers.

長 45 米、寬 2 米的蔓橋會不時晃動，橋面枕木間距較闊，畏高者不要往下看。.JPG — The 45-meter-long and 2-meter-wide vine bridge sways from time to time, and the gaps between the planks are relatively wide, so those afraid of heights should not look down.

Kazurabashi Bridge

Address: 162-2 Zentoku, Nishi Iya, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture

Transportation: About 18 minutes by car from JR "Oboke" Station

Website: hikoku-tourism.com/spot/10036

Uhigh Viewpoint from the Ahashi Observation Deck

Due to the mist rising from the Yoshino River being trapped in the mountains surrounding Iya, there is a great chance to enjoy the elusive beauty of the sea of clouds, especially during the months of March to April and October to December.

Located at an altitude of 599 meters, the "Ahashi Observation Deck" is built using cut-down cedar trees. The rugged wooden observation platform offers a clear view of the stunning landscapes of Oboke and Nishi Iya. When the clear morning light appears, the sea of clouds rolls and flows between the mountain ridges, creating a breathtaking visual impact.