Oboke Gorge Pleasure Cruise

TOURIST SPOT

Tourist Attractions･Tourist Experiences

TOP
SPOT
Tourism
Oboke Gorge Pleasure Cruise

【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.

Basic information

Address: 徳島県三好市山城町西宇1520

Open-Close: 9:00-17:00 (last departure 16:30)

Holiday: N/A (Open daily all year round)
*However, the flight may be canceled in case of strong winds or rising water.

Parking lot: Available

Access: Get off at Ikawa-Ikeda IC→Take the National route 32 bound for Kochi→Oboke（Journey time is approx. 35 minutes by car.） Takes approx.
25 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car from JR Oboke St. to Oboke Yuransen terminal.

Contact: Oboke Gorge Pleasure Cruise

Phone: 0883-84-1211

URL: https://mannaka.co.jp/sightseeingboat/

Admission fee: Adult：1,500YEN
Child：750YEN

Others: ■ Links
Instagram
Facebook
■ Additional Transportation Information
・Bus Timetables (Oboke, Iya, Tsurugi)
※This overview provides bus schedules to major tourist spots and facilities for visitors
※For other routes or real-time service updates, please contact Shikoku Kōtsū (0883-72-1231) or Miyoshi City Bus: (0883-72-7607)
・Shikoku Kōtsū | Sightseeing Bus Tour “Oboke & Iya Hidden Valleys”
※Limited-time tour bus from JR Awa-Ikeda Station stopping at this spot (reservation required).
・Shikoku Kōtsū | Express Bus “Grela Kazurabashi Go”
※Special express bus from Kobe stopping at this spot (weekends and holidays only)

Tourist attractions in the "Oboke-Iya" area

Oboke-Iya
Tourism Nature spot History and culture Experience
Iya-no-Kazurabashi (Suspension Bridge Made with Vines)
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.
Oboke-Iya
Tourism Nature spot
Oboke-kyo & Koboke-kyo (Oboke & Koboke gorges)
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.
Oboke-Iya
Tourism Nature spot
Iya Valley and The Statue of a Peeing Boy
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.
Oboke-Iya
Tourism Nature spot
Shiozuka Plateau
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.

See the list

Gourmet Food in the "Oboke-Iya" area

Oboke-Iya
Hotels Hot Springs Gourmet Food
Iya-Bijin
Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村善徳9-3
Phone：0883-87-2009
祖谷渓谷に佇む隠れ宿「祖谷美人」は、全9室すべてに露天風呂を完備。信楽焼の陶器露天風呂で体を芯から温めながら、渓谷の美しい景色を楽しめます。名物の祖谷そばを味わえる食事処も併設。「祖谷のかずら橋」や「琵琶の滝」など祖谷渓谷の名所の近くにあり、自然に囲まれた贅沢な滞在を満喫できます。【宿泊：渓谷の隠れ宿祖谷美人】全客室に信楽焼の露天風呂を完備。渓谷の絶景を眺めながら、源泉かけ流しの温泉で体を芯から温め、神経痛や筋肉痛の緩和、美肌効果、リラクゼーションや血行促進、ストレス解消を実感できます。地元食材を使った囲炉裏会席も楽しめるほか、客室は和洋室や離れスイートなど多彩で、どの部屋からも渓谷の大パノラマを楽しめるのが魅力です。ゆったりとした露天風呂や贅沢な客室で、日常を忘れて心身ともにくつろぐひとときを過ごせます。【グルメ：清流のそば処　祖谷美人】地元食材をふんだんに使った郷土料理を堪能できます。名物の祖谷そばは、挽きたて・打ちたて・茹でたてにこだわり、素朴ながら香り高い味わいが感じられます。麺を覆いつくすほどの大きなお揚げがのった「ぼけあげそば」も人気です。店内は落ち着いた和の空間で、日本家屋の雰囲気を感じながらゆったりと食事が楽しめます。祖谷渓谷やかずら橋などの観光名所にもアクセスが良く、旅の途中で立ち寄りやすいのも魅力。四季折々の自然を感じながら、地元ならではの味覚を心ゆくまで味わえるお食事処です。自然に抱かれた渓谷の絶景と源泉かけ流しの湯、ゆったりとくつろげる客室で、心も体も満たされる特別な滞在をお楽しみください。
Oboke-Iya
Tourism History and culture Gourmet Food Souvenirs
Rest Area Oboke and Lapis Oboke
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.
Oboke-Iya
Tourism Experience Gourmet Food Souvenirs
RiverStation West West
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.
Oboke-Iya
Tourism Gourmet Food Souvenirs
Kazurabashi Yumebutai
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.

See the list

Hotels in the "Oboke-Iya" area

Oboke-Iya
Hotels Hot Springs
Hotel Iya Onsen
Address：徳島県三好市池田町松尾松本367-28
Phone：0883-75-2311
The Japanese-style Iya Onsen Hotel is a retreat nestled in Iya Valley, one of Japan's three most mysterious places. The scenery of the precipitous cliffs is as beautiful as a painting. In the season of autumn leaves, the emerald-colored river waters and the mountains form a natural and beautiful brocade. During the season of fresh green leaves, the valley is decorated with vibrant trees.Hotel Iya Onsen boasts an open-air bath where you can enjoy this magnificent view. A cable car takes you 170 meters down to the valley floor, where you can enjoy the panoramic view as you slowly descend the 42-degree cliff. The open-air bath is built so that it enters into the flow of the Iya River, and is a rare hot spring in Shikoku with its own spring water flowing out of the hot spring.
Oboke-Iya
Hotels Hot Springs
Shin-Iya Onsen Hotel Kazurabashi
Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村善徳33-1
Phone：0883-87-2171
Shin-Iya Onsen Hotel Kazurabashi is a facility located near Iya's Vine Bridge, one of the three most mysterious bridges in Japan. Surrounded by the rich nature of the Iya Valley, guests can enjoy Iya's local cuisine and the hidden hot springs of the Heike clan while admiring the seasonal scenery. A special cable car takes you to the open-air bath at the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Iya during each of the four seasons. In both baths, you can enjoy simple sulfur spring water that works wonders for the skin and relieves fatigue. The meals served around the open hearth are local cuisine, full of seasonal delicacies from the mountains and rivers. The Iya Vine Bridge, from which the inn takes its name, is a 5-minute drive from the inn and can be visited during your stay. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, superb hot springs, and local cuisine.
Oboke-Iya
Hotels Hot Springs Gourmet Food
Iya-Bijin
Address：徳島県三好市西祖谷山村善徳9-3
Phone：0883-87-2009
祖谷渓谷に佇む隠れ宿「祖谷美人」は、全9室すべてに露天風呂を完備。信楽焼の陶器露天風呂で体を芯から温めながら、渓谷の美しい景色を楽しめます。名物の祖谷そばを味わえる食事処も併設。「祖谷のかずら橋」や「琵琶の滝」など祖谷渓谷の名所の近くにあり、自然に囲まれた贅沢な滞在を満喫できます。【宿泊：渓谷の隠れ宿祖谷美人】全客室に信楽焼の露天風呂を完備。渓谷の絶景を眺めながら、源泉かけ流しの温泉で体を芯から温め、神経痛や筋肉痛の緩和、美肌効果、リラクゼーションや血行促進、ストレス解消を実感できます。地元食材を使った囲炉裏会席も楽しめるほか、客室は和洋室や離れスイートなど多彩で、どの部屋からも渓谷の大パノラマを楽しめるのが魅力です。ゆったりとした露天風呂や贅沢な客室で、日常を忘れて心身ともにくつろぐひとときを過ごせます。【グルメ：清流のそば処　祖谷美人】地元食材をふんだんに使った郷土料理を堪能できます。名物の祖谷そばは、挽きたて・打ちたて・茹でたてにこだわり、素朴ながら香り高い味わいが感じられます。麺を覆いつくすほどの大きなお揚げがのった「ぼけあげそば」も人気です。店内は落ち着いた和の空間で、日本家屋の雰囲気を感じながらゆったりと食事が楽しめます。祖谷渓谷やかずら橋などの観光名所にもアクセスが良く、旅の途中で立ち寄りやすいのも魅力。四季折々の自然を感じながら、地元ならではの味覚を心ゆくまで味わえるお食事処です。自然に抱かれた渓谷の絶景と源泉かけ流しの湯、ゆったりとくつろげる客室で、心も体も満たされる特別な滞在をお楽しみください。
Oboke-Iya
Hotels Hot Springs
Oboke Onsen Hotel Oboke-kyo Mannaka
Address：徳島県三好市山城町西宇1644-1
Phone：0883-84-1216
Oboke-kyo Mannaka is located in the center of Shikoku and is convenient for sightseeing spots such as Oboke Gorge and Iya Vine Bridge. It is only a 3-minute walk to the Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat, and in spring you can enjoy the carp streamers swimming over the valley. In addition, simple sulfur spring water and terrace-style open-air baths are available, which are effective for neuralgia, relieving fatigue, back pain, and stiff shoulders. Guests can also enjoy the “Togol Warm Tight Hot Spring” known to revive and beautify skin. All rooms are equipped with Nano Care products and free Wi-Fi to make your stay a pleasant one. Enjoy your stay in this unexplored region surrounded by the beautiful valleys of Shikoku.