TOURIST SPOT
Address:徳島県三好市西祖谷山村善徳162-2
◆ Nationally Designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property ◆In the remote Iya Valley lies the Kazurabashi Bridge, said to hold the sorrowful tale of the defeated Heike clan. Woven from hardy shirokuchi kazura vines weighing about six tons, the bridge stretches 45 meters long, two meters wide, and hangs 14 meters above the river. Once the only way to cross these deep gorges, nowadays it is completely rebuilt every three years.The Iya area, nestled in the steep mountains of Shikoku, is said to have been a hidden refuge for the Heike clan after their defeat at the Battle of Yashima. Because access to the area remained difficult until modern times, the lifestyle and customs of medieval Japan have been remarkably well preserved here.Counted among Japan’s “Three Unusual Bridges,” Kazurabashi’s origins are surrounded by legend. Some say it was built by the fleeing Heike warriors so that it could be easily cut down to prevent pursuit; others believe the great Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi built it to help local villagers cross the river safely.Spanning the Iya River, the Kazurabashi Bridge has been designated a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. Made by weaving vines gathered from the mountains in the severe cold of winter, the bridge gives visitors a thrilling experience—between the swaying motion and the open gaps in the planks through which one can see the ravine far below.The elegant form of the bridge, supported by ancient trees on both banks and reflecting in the clear stream of the Iya River, evokes the way of life of the ancestors who once lived here. It harmonizes beautifully with the natural surroundings and continues to captivate countless visitors with its unique charm.◆ Kazurabashi Night Illumination ◆The bridge is illuminated daily from 19:00 to 21:30 (Note: crossing the bridge is not permitted during this time). The illuminated bridge standing against the dark night is truly magical.◆ The Heike Legend’s “Biwa Waterfall” ◆Just about 50 meters to the left after crossing the bridge, you’ll find the Biwa Waterfall, featuring a 40-meter cascade.
Address:徳島県三好市山城町西宇1520
Phone:0883-84-1211
【Experience: Oboke Gorge Pleasure Cruise】 Marvel at the ever-changing beauty of curious rock formations and clear streams, shaped over 100 million years. A leisurely cruise through the Oboke and Koboke gorges lets you soak in the grandeur of untouched nature.From the boat gliding gently along the emerald-green Yoshino River, you’ll have close-up views of towering cliffs, trees swaying in the river breeze, and the sparkling flow of water. Don’t miss the chance to experience the dynamic natural beauty of this remarkable gorge.※ Cruise duration: approx. 30 minutes. Boarding and disembarking at the same location.【Dining: Oboke Gorge Mannaka Restaurant】 Set in a spectacular location overlooking the Yoshino River, this restaurant offers local cuisine made with fresh regional ingredients, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the gorge.Favorites include salt-grilled river fish, Iya soba noodles, and the original local specialty “Hidar Ramen.” After your boat cruise, savor the flavors of the region while gazing at the gorge’s seasonal beauty.【Souvenirs】 The on-site shop features a wide variety of regional specialties, including sake from Tokushima, locally grown tea, and sweets handmade at local confectioneries. You’ll also find carefully selected specialties from across Shikoku—perfect keepsakes to remember your trip.【Stay: Oboke Gorge Mannaka Onsen Inn】 Just a 3-minute walk from the boat landing, this tranquil hot spring inn is surrounded by nature. Relax in the soothing waters of its high-quality hot spring, unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and enjoy a truly restful stay.
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:徳島県三好市西祖谷山村閑定63
Phone:090-2827-8323
A tranquil café set in a renovated traditional Japanese farmhouse, offering handmade pizzas and sweets prepared with carefully selected ingredients grown on-site or sourced locally. In summer, visitors can also enjoy a blueberry-picking experience, tasting freshly harvested berries straight from the bushes. Surrounded by the rich nature of Iya, this is a place to spend a truly immersive moment, engaging all five senses.Dining: Café Tenku Located at an altitude of 500 meters and nestled in the lush natural surroundings of Iya, this café is a renovated former farmhouse. Inside, the original "irori" hearth and "engawa" veranda have been preserved, allowing guests to relax while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.All pizzas, scones, and sweets are handmade. Seasonal wild mountain vegetables grown on the property are used as ingredients. The café also offers aromatic coffee brewed with an authentic Italian espresso machine, as well as locally produced tea—each cup reflecting the café’s commitment to quality and flavor.Experience: Blueberry Picking During the summer season, visitors can take part in a blueberry-picking experience. The farm grows a variety of unique blueberry cultivars, including berries as large as coins and rare pink-colored varieties. One of the highlights is enjoying the freshly picked berries on the spot.After harvesting, guests can also experience making their own pizza topped generously with the blueberries they picked themselves.Note: Blueberry-picking experiences are available by reservation only. Reservations can be made via the official website, by phone, or through the Jalan website.Season: Mid-June to around the end of August.The owner’s heartfelt hospitality, guided by a deep appreciation for once-in-a-lifetime encounters, combined with a setting embraced by Iya’s natural beauty, offers a deeply soothing experience. We invite you to enjoy a moment found only here—a chance to savor the climate, culture, and spirit of Iya with all five senses.
Address:徳島県三好市西祖谷山村徳善西7
Phone:0883-84-1111
Address:徳島県三好市山城町上名1938
Phone:0883-84-1273
Address:徳島県三好市西祖谷山村重末555番地
Phone:080-5660-4001
Visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle and customs that have been passed down for generations in the Iya region. After once leaving the area, the owner returned to their hometown with a strong wish to preserve Iya’s traditions and pass them on to future generations. Through these hands-on experiences, guests are invited to truly feel the everyday life and culture rooted in the local community.Experiences■ Iya Green Tea & Roasted Tea Tasting Enjoy a comparison of Iya sencha (green tea) and house-roasted hojicha. Even when made from the same tea leaves, different roasting methods create distinct aromas and flavors.■ Visit to the Mountain Deity Shrine Take part in a local custom by visiting a small mountain shrine dedicated to the mountain deity, traditionally worshipped by each household. Participants walk along a forest path from the village to the shrine, offering rice cakes and sake while experiencing the quiet presence of nature. After the prayer, the offered rice cakes are taken home—a meaningful tradition that expresses gratitude and symbolically receives the blessings of the deity.