Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村善徳162-2

Phone：0883-76-0877

The Kazurabashi Vine Bridge stretches over a canyon in a secluded mountain village in Iya Valley. The bridge itself is tied to the legend of the Heike clan, once the most powerful ruling clan, who fled into these mountains from their enemies. This bridge was once the only way to cross over the deep canyons in this area, and was built with vines that are easy to cut in case of enemy pursuit. Nowadays, the bridge remains an important National and Prefectural significant folk cultural asset, and visitors come from all around Japan to test their courage and cross. The vines are safe and sturdy, and replaced once every three years.The Kazurabashi bridge is made of kiwi vines (Actinidia arguta) and is 45 meters long, 2 meters wide. It weighs approx. 6 tons and is suspended 14 meters above the river.* Light-up Every night from 19:00 till 21:30, the bridge is lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere.* Biwa-no-Taki (Biwa Waterfall) This nearby waterfall was a place of refuge for the ancient people, who would come here to comfort each other by playing their Biwa Flutes, and remembering the home in Kyoto they were driven from. The water falls from 50 meters and is a majestic sight.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町重実～上名

The Oboke Gorge has unusual geological strata, including a rudaceous schist formation designated as a natural monument. The Yoshino River has cut through the Shikoku Mountains over the ages, eroding crystalline schist into winding gorges with myriad shapes and forms, which almost look like marble statues. With fantastic reflections of cherry blossoms in spring and full autumn color in season, the river is host to a number of boating activities, from relaxing cruise down the calm part of the river, to an exciting rafting trip down the rapids. Koboke lies 3km downstream of Oboke and its scale is a little modest than Oboke, but is still beautiful and fascinating because of the rare shaped rock and its beauty of sandstone.

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷菅生

Phone：0883-62-2772

The highest mountain in Tokushima Prefecture, and second highest in western Japan, Mt. Tsurugi rises to an impressive 1,955 meters above sea level. On a clear day, the mountain summit offers breathtaking views as far as the Kishu area, the Setouchi Inland Sea, and even Cape Ashizuri in Kochi. The panoramic views are truly impressive, and the sight of the morning mists gathering in the mountains is nothing short of magical. Many beautiful alpine plants grow here as well, such as Kirengeshoma palmata (yellow wax bells).The mountain's name, "Tsurugi", means sword in Japanese and originates from the legend of the Emperor Antoku, who is said to have buried his ruling sword in the depths of the mountain. Mt. Tsurugi is also believed sacred, and many come here on pilgrimages.

Address：徳島県三好市池田町松尾～西祖谷山村

One of the highest accessible points in Iya Valley, the sheer cliffs of this gorge were carved by generations of the Iya River's flow. This majestic valley is known as "Hi no Ji Valley" for its resemblance to the Japanese letter "hi". The valley spans 20 kilometers, offering views of brilliant fresh green in spring and a spread of fiery foliage in autumn. Experience a dizzying beauty as you gaze down at the emerald current of the Iya River, winding along the mountain curves.As a symbol of innocent courage, a statue of a peeing boy was constructed at the edge of the nearby precipice, the most perilous spot in Iya Valley. In the old days, it's said the local children would stand on this cliff and urinate into the ravine to show their bravado.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町西宇1520

Phone：0883-84-1211

Take a 30 minute ride along the pure green waters of the Yoshino River, enjoying nature's handiwork on both sides. Scenic views of the gorge's crystalline schist resemble marble sculptures, and the fresh green of the surrounding forests in summer, the fiery foliage in autumn, or winter's shimmering frosts, make for a spectacular sight in any season.

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷菅生620

Phone：0883-76-0877

About 800 years ago, these vine bridges were built by the Heike clan as a means to access their riding grounds at Mt. Tsurugi, where they trained. The bridges also connect to the Oku Iya campgrounds. These two bridges have been named "male" and "female" respectively, hence are sometimes referred to as the "wedded bridges."The nature here is deep and immersive, and offers a different experience from the main Vine Bridge, so both spots are well worth the visit.※Oku Iya Double Vine Bridges is currently closed for the winter. Its next reopening will be on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 9:00 AM.

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷落合

This community is located in the heart of the Higashi-Iya Valley; a beautiful hamlet built into the mountainside. The homes here were constructed during the middle of the Edo period (circa.1700), up until the Showa period (circa 1930). It is unknown when the first settlers arrived here, but there are many legends and folklore of the Heike clan and frontier settlers making their homes in Ochiai. Villagers live at an elevation of 390 meters on a steep hillside, and the village itself was formed by stacking stones to make walls. There is an impressive and ancient air to this mountain hamlet and a natural beauty you simply can't encounter anywhere else.Designated in 2005 as a national preserved heritage site.

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷菅生191

Over 350 scarecrows are about in this deep mountain village. One woman handmade all of them and creatively placed them around the area: in the fields working, waiting at bus stops, dancing local dances, etc. You can walk around the village and enter the old school to see a glimpse of the past.

Address：徳島県三好市池田町漆川黒沢

A rich, natural habitat, home to a variety of beautiful wetland plants such as ohmizugoke moss, Fringed orchids, Pogonia orchids, Waterlily, Sundrews (carivorous plants) and Cirsium sieboldii (thistles).In the spring, the wetlands come alive with white waterlilies, and visitors can stroll over the marsh via wooden bridges. There are a few viewpoints, and also waterfalls in the area.The marshlands are designated as a prefectural natural monument and have an area of 26.7 hectares. The marsh is nestled in the mountains at 600 meters (east, west and north sides). The south side slopes down towards the Matsuo River, at 550 meters above sea level.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町平野

Phone：0883-86-3077

Shiozuka Plateau is at the 1,043m altitude and stretches out over both Tokushima and ehime prefectures in 100 hectares (250 acres) area. In autumn, the field turns into the shining silver with the Japanese pampas grass and on a fine day you can see as far as the Seto Inland Sea and even the Sanyo way. You will sometimes see the sea of clouds in the early morning of summer and it is breathtakingly beautiful.

Address：徳島県三好市池田町州津蔵谷1006

Phone：0883-72-0812

This mountain temple was built by Kobo Daishi in the 5th year of Tencho Era (828), and it is of the “Shingon-Shu” denomination of Buddhism. It is believed that Kobo Daishi received a revelation from Konpira Daigongen while training at this site, and then built the seven halls of the temple compound. Hashikura Temple has over a thousand years of history, and can be reached by boarding a ropeway at the bottom of the mountain.This site is popular for the beautiful maple fall colours in autumn and the cherry blossom trees in spring.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町上名1553-1

Phone：0883-84-1489

This roadside station in the beautiful Oboke Gorge was opened in August 2008, and authorized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The building serves as a tourist information center and center to buy souvenirs or enjoy lunch at a cafe with terrace seating. This area has many legends about hobgoblins, so you can also visit the Hobgoblin Museum to see many spooky and fascinating statues and learn more about the legends. For a bit of manga trivia, it is also believed this area is the home town of “Konaki-Jijii”, who appeared in the comic book “Ge-Ge-Ge-no-Kitaro”.On the second floor, there is a Rocks and Gemstones Museum, which exhibits rocks and minerals from the Iya area, and also from around the world. You may request a volunteer guide for the trails or experience accessory craft-making (reservations necessary for groups). For more information, please ask at the Tourist Information Center.

Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村尾井ノ内379

Phone：0883-76-8585

Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村東西岡46

Phone：0883-84-1408

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.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町西宇1468-1

Phone：0883-84-1117

This is a complex sightseeing facility located at the entrance to Oboke and Iya. An Iya soba noodle shop whose house was rebuilt from an old folk house, an authentic Tokushima Ramen restaurant, a gift shop, an outdoor shop, and a convenience store are on business. The facilities is also complete with features such as a downward slope that leads straight to the river, an observation platform and wooden deck, BBQ house, and dog park. It's also the starting point of the Rafting Koboke Course.

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷京上14-3

Phone：0883-88-2286

There exhibited many items from which you can imagine the old way of life of the fallen Heike Clan and also of village people with sentiment. There are also many relics exhibited at the Municipal cultural tradition and preservation institution to tell us the legend of Heike clan in Iya. On its second floor, they have a hall capable to hold 500 people and lavatory facility for the disabled.

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷大枝43

Phone：0883-88-2040

This is the largest home in the Iya area, built in 1763 by the samurai headman of Oeda, a descendant of the feudal lord Kita Rokurosaburo. The area of Oheda in Higashi-Iya is the place renown for the legend of the fleeting Heike Clan after losing the battle at Yashima. The residence of Kita Clan is that of the historical family who held high offices in Iya. The house, including “Irazu-no-ma”(room of no entry) for committing ritual suicide, tells the story of the ancient way of life of samurais in the mountain. An 800-year-old cedar “Hokosugi” still grows in the garden and is worth seeing it.

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷釣井209

Phone：0883-88-5290

Chiiori is a 300 years old traditional-style house with thatched-roof in Oku-Iya. This remote region, where is at a high altitude with very deep mountain ravine, is often referred as “Tibet of Japan” from their similarity in the landscape. The house was purchased by Mr.Alex Kerr renown as a researcher of East Asian Art and Culture and was named “Chiiori” (House of the Flute ). The name of “Chiiori” was literally made up of “Chi”, an archaic un-used character they found in the dictionary for “Bamboo Flute” and “Iori”, meaning “Thatched Cottage”and its name came up as Alex plays flute. The house is run by The Chiiori Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable tourism, environmental awareness and promotion of the traditional Japanese way of life.

Address：徳島県三好市井川町井内西平山

Phone：0883-78-3003

First opened in 1927, this ski ground is one of the oldest in Shikoku. It was restored and reopened in 1997, and includes 5 downhill courses and a three-person chairlift. Even if the winter warms, the snow can be restored with a snow-making machine, so the hill is always in the perfect state for skiing. The grounds include play areas for children and night skiing is also possible.

Address：徳島県三好市池田町白地ノロウチ763

Phone：0883-74-0066

Unpenji is the 66th temple of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, believed to be founded by Kobo Daishi. In 8th year of the Enreki Era (789) when he was 16 years old, he climbed up this mountain and built the hall. Later, by the order of Emperor Saga, another Zen priest stayed here and carved the statue Kannon-Bosatsu (one who achieved enlightenment) with a thousand hands. It was then enshrined at this temple.There are about 500 Arhat statues here (statues of Buddha’s disciples), and there’s a tale that everyone can find a look-alike statue. This area is also popular for its fall colours in autumn. This mountain lies between Tokushima, Kagawa and Ehime prefectures and is the highest of the 88 temples, at 1,000 meters above sea level.

Address：徳島県三好市池田町マチ2465-1

Phone：0883-72-3450

Ikeda town, geographically being located at the middle of Shikoku, has always been important crossroad for any transportation to North, South, West and East. The Awa-Ikeda tobacco production industry flourished in the mid-to-late 19th century. The town prospered as the collection point for various goods like tobacco due to its central position. The row of old houses still remained along this old street, giving somehow deserted and solitary feel about them. It is a atmospheric old town, in which you may want to be lost in thoughts. The old residence of tobacco manufacturer who prospered from the end of Edo period to Meiji is now converted into tobacco museum and even after over 100 years passed, it still reminds us of its prosperity of the past. In the courtyard, you will enjoy beautiful flowers of each four seasons.

Address：徳島県三好市池田町松尾黒川

Mt.Ryugatake rises to the south-western slop side of Mt.Kaina-Yama and midstream of Matsuo river runs through. The sheer precipice is a few hundred meters in height and is over 2km breadth. The spectacular view is colored with fresh green vegetation in spring and with beautiful foliage in autumn. The precipice in sunset reflection is particularly beautiful.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町上名

Nokanoikeyama lies at 1,294 meters above sea level. There you will find thick habitat of Hon-Shakunage (non-hybrid rhododendron) in the concave marsh. Moss and originally the Northern plants are seen on the forest bed under rhododendron trees and those are regarded as academically valuable vegetations.

Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村善徳

The legend holds that fleeting Heike warriors played their biwa, a Japanese lute, by this waterfall feeling nostalgic for their old city, Kyoto and comforted each other. The elegant name for this watefall with the height of 50 meters was originated from this legend.*If you walk further about 50m, there is a walkroad. Waling down stone stairs to the riverside, you can play there.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町頼広

Mountain stream of River Kurokawa formed ravine, giant rocks and boulders since ancient times. It is renowned spot for viewing fireflies in early summer and enjoying Japanese maple trees in autumn. It is a tranquil place with an old watermill nearby. It is also said that Chosogabe and his army rested here for a spell when they were on the way to conquer whole of Shikoku. The best time to view the autumn leaves is around mid-November.

Address：徳島県三好市三野町加茂野宮

“Ryudou-no-Taki”-The road leading to the basin of a waterfall is well maintained. The waterfall drop is 20 meters and water is so clear so that you can collect for drinking. It is told that Koboudaishi once trained at this waterfall long long time ago. “Kongou-no-Taki”-When you walk up the hillside road for further 300 meters from the Ryudou waterfall, there appear the stream of waterfall as though piercing through the mountain green. The waterfall, dropping 40 meters, is bursting through gaps of sheer rocks. Being surrounded by the natural forest, it is sometimes called as “the waterfall with Japanese maple tree”.

Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村田ノ内

Mt. Kunimi lies majestically between Iya Valley and Oboke Ravine. (1409 m high) It has a pnoramic view with 360-degree visibility. From Tsurugi Mountains to Ishizuchi Mountains, the panoramic scenery around Shikoku mountains, proves its reputation! Suitable time for climbing is from early April to late November. The most recommended time is November for its picturesque scenery. [Copied from Information Board at the starting point] * Approximately 1.9 km from the entrance parking to the summit (Around 50-minute walk)

Address：徳島県三好市山城町仏子

Tobinosu Canyon is formed of upheaved coulee, sharpened schist eroded by fierce current of Shirakawa river, which is a tributary stream of Yoshino River. Its variation of rocks and autumn colours reflected in the crystal clear river are such in harmony and are spectacular as like a grandeur natural park.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町上名

Yamashiro district is steeped in many mysterious legends and is the home of Konaki-Jijii, whose story was first introduced in the book called “The hobgoblins” by Kunio Yanagida, the founder of Society of Japanese folklore in 1938. This statue was created in 25 November 2001 and stands in the Fujinosato Park. Its model is from first volume of comic series, which Shigeru Mizuki wrote based on the Yanagida's story.

Address：徳島県三好市池田町西山立谷

Phone：0883-72-0022

This railway station lies on the border of a mountain hill across Tokushima and Kagawa prefectures in an area so remote there are no homes in its vicinity. It is often introduced as “the train station in the middle of nowhere” in TV programs, cartoons and so on. People who are very interested in trains tend to visit this station, from all over Japan.The station itself has just a single platform and operates a single track system through the valley, and it is not accessible by car.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町重実１００−１

This is a scenic spot where you can get a panoramic view of the beautiful nature of Koboke. You can enjoy the majestic scenery of the rocks of Koboke Gorge, the beautiful emerald green Yoshino River, and the lush mountains that surround it. Located just 5 minutes from National Route 32, it is easily accessible and is the perfect place to stop by during a drive or sightseeing. You can also see trains and rafting, making it a recommended photo spot.

Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村上吾橋237

From the observation deck you can see Oboke, Yoshino River and Kochi direction, enjoy the viewing and shooting of the sea of clouds.

Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村今久保345-1

Phone：0883-87-2200

This tourist facility consists of a large souvenir shop packed with local gifts and specialties, an event space, museums, and a restaurant where a variety of meals are served, including the local claim to fame, Iya Soba noodles.

Address：徳島県三好市池田町州津藤ノ井559-14

Phone：0883-72-0818

This is a ropeway bound for Konpira Okunoin Hashikura Temple on the summit of Mt. Hashikura. Hashikura Temple is regarded as a special sacred place in Shikoku. This was the first ropeway that adopted Funitel ropeway system. Length: 950m. Time: about 4 min. capacity: 32 people

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷阿佐244

A Heike Clan mansion where Tairano Kunimori, a Heike warrior, who had fled from the battle field settled. Its architecture is so unusual that it was designated as a tangible cultural property of Tokushima prefecture. (March 21, 2000) Its exterior and interior is open to public.

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷釣井１０７

Phone：0883-72-3910

This is the oldest house known of its building date in Iya region and is a very significant one as it retains the appearance of mountain village house of that time. The main building of family house was once that of the village head of Imai community built in the 11th year of Genroku (1699), which was transferred here during Tenpo period 1830 - 1844. The house has the style of “Naka-Nema-Mimadori” and is regarded as rather large private house in this region. The roof of house was rethatched in 2007. (Designated as a National significant cultural heritage)

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷菅生２８

This private little house, built by the local methods which was popular and then further prospered in the Iya region, shows its characteristic of a little house. Such a house rarely remains today. It was built during Tenpo period (1830－1844) and consists of just one room, garden and front space. The outside plastered wall is covered and protected by split bamboos (called Hishagidake) and the way they placed lavatory room in the middle of front are very characteristic features. This house was originally standing in village of former Higashi-Iyayamamura Kurishido, but was transfered to Sugeoi village in Higashi-Iyayamason in August 1983 and restored to the former state. The photograph here is from that time. (Designated as a National significant cultural heritage) ※The tour is only for the exterior. I can't go inside.

Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村徳善１１３

The residence belongs to the descendant of the retainer of General Masashige Kusunoki, who lived in Northern and Southern Courts era. There conveyed, to this day, the character of a house of the awa mountain warriors, who survived the turbulent times thanks to the natural fortress and their carefully considered tactics. (Please note that the residence is not open to the public as it is a private house.)

Address：徳島県三好市井川町井内東2375

Phone：0883-78-2759

Description from Jifuku-Jizo (A stone statue of Jizo) Kunimori Taira, the second son of Norimori Taira took the road to Iya to escape and lay the young Emperor Antoku after losing the battle at Yashima between the Genji Clan and the Heike Clan in the 3rd year of Juei Era (1180). The fleeting party stayed the night at the Jifuku-Ji (Temple) in Ikawaya and the party of 36 departed next day. They left a pair of red and white flags there, which were discovered in Showa Period (1926-1988). The Asa family in Iya also has a red flag in exact same size. The white flag of Genji Clan displayed next to that of Heike could go back to the Nanbokucho Era (North and South Imperial Court Era) and if that is the case, this red flag may also belong to the same era. Nonetheless, they were both relics of the battle at the Yashima and those flags being displayed next to each other now symbolize the unity of peace.

Address：徳島県三好市池田町西山岡田382-3

Nagaya-mon here meaning “gate-house” stands on the Horagusa-Daichi (plateau) looking down the suburbs of Miyoshi City and also Yoshino river. It was built about 230 years ago. The gate-house 22 meters wide (from east to west) by 4.5 meters long has the thatched roof, white-washed wall. It has stockroom, watch room, guard room, bedroom and barn. The expansive gate-house signified the great power which those village officials held in the era of feudal clan ruling.

Address：徳島県三好市三野町加茂野宮1796

This temple was founded about 1,200 years ago (Daidou Era 806-810) and the “Sei-Kannon-Ritsuzo” (the carved wooden statue of sacred *kannon-the Goddess of Mercy) is enshrined here and is designated as a National Cultural Heritage. The statue is carved out of one piece of wood, which goes back to Fujiwara Era . She has stout body, short neck, big hair style called “Takara-Gami” and square-built figure, which resembles classic style in appearance. Once a year on 29th January at the temple festival, they allow the public viewing of the Kannon image, whose face is very serene. It is also known that here stands the tomb of Nagayoshi Miyoshi, the descendant of Nagakiyo Ogasawara who strengthened their power base to rule Awa region.

Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村南山１５５

Furumiya shrine enshrines the Princess Karauta. The legend says that Princess karauta fell in love with the first imperial prince (Ichinomiya-Takayoshi-Shinnou ) of Emperor Godaigo, but died soon after giving birth to a baby in Iya. Later, she came to be worshiped as the Deity for easy and safe delivery and there are many visitors paying homage at a shrine.Every year on the 2nd Sunday in September, the Furumiya shrine festival is held from around noon.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町寺野１１３

Phone：0883-86-1322

Located in Ohtomine at an altitude of 400 meters, this shrine is for the protector god of Emperor Ninken. This god provides healing for insanity or demon-possession, and people also visit to pray for an abundant harvest or safe sea travel. Many people visit this shrine, even from outside the prefecture.

Address：徳島県三好市東祖谷大枝４５

The legend says when Taira Kunimori built a shrine in Oheda community, he placed his pike inside and planted the cedar, wishing for the peace. It is over 800 years old, 11 meters round and 35 meters high. The tree trunk and branches also resemble a pike and name of Hokosugi was derived from it. It is said to be the second largest cedar in Shikoku and is also called Kunimori-sugi. (Designated as a prefectural nature monument)

Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村上吾橋３１０

Also called as a cedar of Gosho shrine and it is a natural monument of Tokushima prefecture. The age of this cedar is supposed to be 1,100 years old with 45 meters in height and at 5 meters above the ground, 7 branches spreds out of this tree.

Address：徳島県三好市井川町井内東2752

Edo-Higanzakura is a species of cherry tree and its name is probably derived from the fact that it blooms around the spring equinox. This kind is also known for longevity among various kinds of cherry trees and some are still standing after 2,000 years. This particular cherry tree of Shimokubo is said to be over 300 years old and 4 main trunks spreading out at the height of 1.2m above the ground have even more branches of their own. The tree has grown to the height 19m, the circumference 6.66m and its root spreads 34.2m east & west, 24.8m north & south. It is standing alone stately on the ground. Today, this cherry tree is still very much in excellent form and looks dignified. The tree was designated as the natural monument by City of Miyoshi in September 2011.

Address：徳島県三好市山城町頼広６６０

Many “Genji Hotaru” (Genji Firefly) flit around Kurokawadani in mid-June every year, where the “Kurokawadani firefly festival” takes place. It is popular to view the fireflies' glow during hot summer nights. (Hotaru inhabits only clean streams.) At festival, there are also fine displays of various crops & vegetables and bonsai, which are on sale along with buckwheat noodle , rice cake and etc.

Address：徳島県三好市池田町ウヱノ２９０３−１