Shikoku, Japan: Discover the Hidden Beauty of Tokushima Prefecture's Iya Region

文：Fly GBA Editior

When it comes to Shikoku, one cannot overlook Tokushima Prefecture's Iya region, known for its rich natural resources and historical cultural heritage. As one of Japan's three great hidden scenic spots, Iya is remote yet preserves its pristine landscapes, rustic vine bridges, magnificent waterfalls, and relaxing hot springs, making it an ideal destination for experiencing Japan's rural scenery and enjoying green tourism.

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Convenient Sightseeing Bus: A Time-Saving Alternative

For those who wish to explore Oboke, Kazurabashi, and the Iya Valley comfortably within a day, the West Iya Line sightseeing bus is a great option. I boarded the bus at JR Awa-Ikeda Station at 10:45 AM, where a guide provided commentary in Japanese as we stopped at the Heike Yashiki Museum to learn about Edo-period residences, showcasing armor, ancient books, and household items.

IMG_7403平家屋敷民俗資料館為安德天皇的御醫堀川內記的子孫代代相傳祖屋，現時展示與平家相關資料及遺物。.JPG — The Heike House Folk Museum is the ancestral home passed down through generations of the descendants of Horikawa Naiki, the imperial physician of Emperor Antoku. It currently exhibits materials and artifacts related to the Heike clan.

The tour then took us to a nearby hot spring hotel for a local cuisine lunch, featuring sweet grilled ayu (sweetfish) caught from the clear streams. After lunch, we strolled around Kazurabashi and Bijin Waterfall before continuing deeper into the mountains to see the "Peering Boy" statue, a local legend where children would test their courage by urinating over the cliff.

IMG_7450參加定期觀光巴士一日團，可以在酒店享用鄉土料理。.JPG — By joining the regular sightseeing bus day tour, you can enjoy local cuisine at the hotel.

The "Hiji Valley," carved out by the river, is another breathtaking site, especially in autumn when the valley is painted with vibrant maple and beech leaves. The Iya region is rich in yokai (supernatural creatures) legends, and our guide introduced us to various yokai at the Oboke roadside station, including Tengu, the one-eyed monster, Bigfoot, and Enma, the king of hell.

IMG_7590佇立於可俯瞰祖谷溪谷斷崖上的小便小僧銅像，是熱門的拍照景點。.JPG — The statue of the "Peeing Boy" standing on the cliff overlooking the Iya Valley is a popular photo spot.

IMG_7560從上往下俯瞰，祖谷川在山谷之間呈現成日文字「ひ」的形狀，因此被稱為「ひ字溪谷」。.JPG — hen viewed from above, the Iya River flows between the valleys in a shape resembling the Japanese character "ひ" , hence it is called the "ひ-shaped valley."

The museum on the second floor features precious rock and gem specimens from local and global sources, explaining the unique geological structures of the area. The tour concluded with a serene boat ride through Oboke Gorge, allowing us to soak in the magnificent views.

DSC05997妖怪屋敷展示70多個當地傳說中出現的妖怪。.JPG — The Yokai House displays over 70 yokai (supernatural beings) that appear in local legends.

IMG_7608入口是感應式閘門，一進去便見到大天狗在天花板。.JPG — At the entrance, there is a sensor-operated gate, and upon entering, visitors are greeted by a large tengu (a mythical creature) on the ceiling.

IMG_7646寶石博物館內有圖示講解大步危獨特的地質構造。.JPG — Inside the Gemstone Museum, there are illustrated explanations of the unique geological structure of the Oboke Gorge.

IMG_7644寶石博物館展示世界上各種奇異的岩石和寶石。.JPG — The Gemstone Museum showcases a variety of strange rocks and gemstones from around the world.

The sightseeing bus package includes the boat ride fee, local lunch, admission to the yokai house and gem museum, entry to the Heike Yashiki, and crossing fee for Kazurabashi, making it a very reasonable price while saving travel time. It is recommended to book online in advance and check the itinerary before departure.

West Iya Line Sightseeing Bus

Address: Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture (within Naruto Park)

Ticket Price: 11,000 yen (adults) – advance online reservation required

Meeting Time: 10:45 AMMeeting Place: JR Awa-Ikeda Station

Dissolution Time: 4:45 PM

Dissolution Place: JR Awa-Ikeda Station

Experience Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours

Website: Shikoku Transportation

Reservation Website: Japan Bus Online

Note: Operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from August to November; large luggage is not allowed on board.

One of Japan's Three Great Vine Bridges: A Thrilling Experience

DSC05899蔓橋長45米、闊2米、距離水面14米，橋身以重達6噸的迷你奇異果藤蔓所包裹。.JPG — The vine bridge is 45 meters long, 2 meters wide, and sits 14 meters above the water surface. The bridge is wrapped in mini kiwi vines weighing up to 6 tons.

The vine bridge, known as Kazurabashi, is a signature attraction of the Iya Valley. Its origin is steeped in legend; the most well-known story dates back to the late Heian period, when the Heike clan, fleeing from the Genji clan, built a makeshift bridge of vines for easier passage. If they sensed enemies approaching, they could simply cut the bridge to escape.

Today, the bridge is reinforced with steel cables, and the vines are replaced every three years. However, walking across the bridge can still be a heart-pounding experience, with gaps between the wooden planks and a swaying motion that allows one to peer down at the river and riverbed below, making it a thrilling adventure. The surrounding scenery is picturesque, inviting visitors to pause for photos.

DSC05917橫跨祖谷溪的祖谷蔓橋位於山谷中央。.JPG — The Kazura Bridge, spanning the Iya River, is located in the center of the valley.

Just a three-minute walk from the bridge leads to the Bijin Waterfall, with a 50-meter drop. According to legend, members of the Heike clan played the biwa (Japanese lute) here to reminisce about their past life. Visitors can enjoy grilled trout caught from the clear stream at a nearby eatery, experiencing local cuisine.

IMG_7552高低落差達50米的琵琶瀑布位於蔓橋出口附近。.JPG — The Biwa Waterfall, with a drop of 50 meters, is located near the exit of the vine bridge.

Kazurabashi Bridge

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

Ticket Price: 550 yen (adults), 350 yen (elementary school students)

Experience Duration: Approximately 0.5 to 1 hour

Relaxing Boat Ride Through the Gorge: Admire the Scenic Views

Oboke and Koboke are two narrow gorges along the Iya River, with the Oboke Gorge being a must-visit spot formed by erosion from the Yoshino River over millennia. To fully appreciate the beauty of Oboke Gorge, a scenic boat ride of over a century in operation allows visitors to view the cliffs and unique rock formations up close.

IMG_7758大步危峽已經被指定為國家天然紀念物。.JPG — The Oboke Gorge has been designated as a National Natural Monument.

The boat ride lasts about 30 minutes, and passengers do not need life jackets, but are advised to remain seated for safety. A guide provides commentary and introduces the fascinating rock formations along the way.

Oboke Gorge offers stunning scenery throughout the seasons; during my visit in summer, the fresh green leaves lined the cliffs, and I spotted various birds perched on the rocks. The experience of gliding through the gorge while admiring the emerald waters and unique geological formations is truly captivating.