RECOMMENDED COURSE
Iya is one of the three mysterious lands in Japan. The sightseeing course includes Kazurabashi, must-see places in Oboke?Iya like Hinojikeikoku and Shobenkozo, and Biwanotaki, where the tragic story of Heike clan is hidden.
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Departure
It takes 5 minutes by car
01
Home to Konakijiji, inside the facility there is a Yokaiyashiki where they introduce local yokais. Over 70 local yokais are on display. You can also enjoy the Ihinohakubutsukan (Stone Museum) and shop for souvenirs.
It takes 2 minutes by car
02
The ravine made of crystalline schist looks like a huge marble sculpture. From the boat, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the cherry blossoms in the spring, and the autumn leaves during the fall.
Duration: Both ways 30 minutes (4 kilometers)
It takes 10 minutes by car
03
The museum exhibits materials and relics of Heike Clan. This has been a residence of the descendant of Horikawa Naiki, who was a private doctor to the young Emperor Antoku.
He has entered into this remote mountain with the remaining member of Heike Clan after they lost the battle and power, and he served as a doctor as well as an oracle in this Iya region, where medicinal herb were plentiful. In its garden stands the 800 years old tree and in the museum building, of which inside remained as then at Edo period, exhibited armor, flag, the ancient document, materials and etc. The lavatory facility for the disabled available.
It takes 15 minutes by car
04
Emerald green-colored Iya River, the water clear enough to see the river bottom, flows through the valley which is shaped like the hiragana ???. In the fall, autumn leaves cover the entire surface, from the bottom of the valley to the mountain peaks.
It takes 5 minutes by car
05
A rock, remains from the Iya road construction, sticks out along the cliff of Iya River. Shobenkozo stands on the rock. It was made based on the anecdote that local children and tourists used to stand on the cliff to test their courage.
It takes 5 minutes by car
06
Souvenir shops near Kazurabashi in Iya. They sell Kazura crafts and local products. In the Kazurabashi Story House, they explain how the Kazurabashi in Iya was made, its history as well as how it is rebuilt.
It takes 5 minutes on foot
07
Made from Shirakuchikazura (Actinidia arguta) (weighing about 6 tons), length 45 meters?width 2 meters?14 meters above water. It is said that the bridge was made from Japanese arrowroot so that the warriors could easily cut it down to escape from pursuers. It is rebuilt every 3 years. (important intangible folk cultural properties)
It takes 5 minutes on foot
08
Biwanotaki is near Kazurabashi in Iya. The legend holds that fleeting Heike warriors played their biwa (Japanese lute) by this waterfall feeling nostalgic for their old city, Kyoto and comforted each other. This is where the name Biwanotaki (falls) comes from.
It takes 20 minutes by car
Arrival
09