TOURIST SPOT・EXPERIENCE
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:徳島県三好市池田町サラダ1612-27 阿波池田バスターミナル
Phone:0883-72-1231
A bus tours along the Iya-Kaido, departing regularly from the Awa-Ikeda Bus Terminal and visits Oboke, Kazura Bashi, Iya Valley and other sites in about 5 hours and 45 minutes. With tour guides providing explanations on Heike legends and local history, you can enjoy this beautiful valley at a leisurely pace. (Reservation necessary)
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.