Iya Valley in 1 Day: Private Car & Driver, No Guide

In the past centuries over 13 of these bridges offered passage over the Iya River, but nowadays only 3 remain. Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge is closed during winter season

Visitors have a stunning view over the steep surrounding mountains and the turquoise Iya river, flowing more than 200 meters below them.

Oboke Gorge (大歩危, Ōboke) and neighboring Koboke Gorge (小歩危) a little ways downstream, are narrow, steep sided gorges near the entrance to the Iya Valley and popularly combined with a visit there. Cut by the swirling rapids of the Yoshino River, their names mean "big dangerous steps" and "small dangerous steps" as their jagged, rocky walls can be perilous to navigate. The gorges are one of the leading outdoor destinations in Japan, rivaling Minakami in Gunma Prefecture, and are known for their beautiful natural scenery and for the variety of outdoor attractions, such as whitewater rafting and canyoning, that can be enjoyed on the river.

Scarecrow Village is also known as the 'Scarecrow Village in the Sky' because of its location at an altitude of 900 metres. The villagers can be seen living a leisurely life, with people working in the fields of the village, basking in the sun under the eaves of private houses and enjoying well-wishers' meetings by the roadside. There are 27 villagers and 200 scarecrows! This is truly a 'scarecrow village'. Open all year round

*Closed during the winter season (December to March) Last stop of the day will be the double vine bridges of Oku-Iya Kazurabashi. These two vine bridges are located very close to each other and are called husband-and-wife-bridge. These bridges are definitely more of the adventurous type and should be avoided by people with fear of heights. There is also a small cable car that is operated by hand to cross over the river.

*Closed during the winter season (December to March) Mount Tsurugi is a 1955 meter high mountain that lies at the eastern end of the remote Iya Valley. The second tallest mountain on Shikoku Island, Mount Tsurugi is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains and a center of Shugendo, a Japanese folk religion based on mountain worship. Mount Tsurugi is a popular hiking destination and, despite its name which translates to Sword Mountain, far from a challenging climb. *If you want to visit Mt. Tsurugi, you have to extend the tour duration by 2 hours as it takes about one hour from Iya Valley to Mt. Tsurugi. Please contact Japan Guide Agency at booking@j-g-a.org.

A small hamlet in the heart of Iya Valley with a collection of historical farm houses dating back to the mid-Edo era. Perched on a mountain side visitors can get an insight on the rural lifestyle and traditions that have been kept alive until the present day.