The Iya Valley is a beautiful and secluded part of the Tokushima prefecture, and is quite unknown to most tourists! Only 2 hours by train from the city of Tokushima, these easily accessible mountains and valleys are a world away from the busy cities!
Lush green grass, tall trees, and fresh air surround mountains covered in a layer of fog and mist. Rivers and gorges run through the valleys, and you can take a peaceful one hour or half hour boat trip through these scenic gorges for a different view!
But don't forget to also have a swim! The clear turquoise water runs down from the mountains and is fresh and clean, but it can be very cold!!
There are several buses operating around the Iya valley, making it easy to access all the sites and restaurants here, such as the Kazurabashi bridge; one of the last remaining vine bridges which were originally used cross the rivers of the Iya valley!
And, one of the funniest monuments I've ever seen; the peeing boy statue, which stands overlooking a terrifying drop! Both tourists and locals supposedly used to pee off the mountain from this spot, to show off their courage and impress their friends! Eventually, this led to the peeing boy statue being built, as a permanent tribute to these brave and insane people!!
One of the highlights for me here was learning about the mythical ghosts and yōkai (monsters) which are said to inhabit the area! One description said that the monsters are all over Japan, but originated in the Iya Valley as they're attracted to the dangers of the area, such as the high cliffs and rushing rivers!
From the Lapis Oboke rest area, you can complete a short walk through the forest to see some of these monsters for yourself!
***Caution, naked wooden monsters ahead 😝😝
The walk is beautiful, with several wooden art pieces scattered along the road and through a forest trail!
The Iya valley is also known for its delicious, locally made Soba noodles! The thick noodles are made from buckwheat grown in the area, and they are usually served in a bowl with tofu or vegetables. This set meal also came with barley soup, a bowl of rice, and pickled vegetables.
Mmm, I miss you, Japanese noodles! 💜💜
Some restaurants also offer freshly crushed green tea leaves to drink with your meal!
In an area this beautiful, I can't recommend camping enough!! It'll save you a couple bucks, and you will wake up to the most amazing views!! There are several approved camp sites in the area, and all the ones I used had clean, high quality shower and toilet facilities and fire pits to cook in! Or, find a nice secluded spot and try some free camping in the woods!
Another great spot to explore is the Ochiai Valley, where people still live very traditionally, and the peaceful hills, farm plots, and forest dotted with shrines make it seem as though time has stood still! Walking up the hills and amongst the houses gives you a unique look at how these people live, as well as offering a great view of the area!
Being relatively untouched by tourism, the Iya Valley is a fantastic place to see the more traditional side of Japan, learn about the local folklore, and try some amazing food, all while enjoying these great views!!
Have you visited the Iya Valley? Did you see any Yōkai hiding in the woods?
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