Hidden Gem Exploration: Iya Valley in Shikoku, Japan

Hey everyone! Today, we're taking you to the most pristine hidden gem in Shikoku, Japan—Iya Valley (Iya-kei)! 🏔️ With its magnificent canyons, vine bridges, hot springs, and mist-shrouded mountains, it's like a real-life Shangri-La! 🌿✨ If you love adventure and natural beauty, this place is a must-visit! 🚀 ⸻ ⛱️ Must-See Attractions: 🌉 Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge —— The most famous landmark of Iya Valley. The entire bridge is woven from mountain vines, and every step you take feels like a walk through history, with the murmuring stream below. The thrilling experience is a must-try! 😆 (Tickets: Adults 550 JPY, Children 350 JPY) 🏞️ Iya Valley Observation Deck —— From here, you can overlook the entire S-shaped curve of the canyon. Lush greenery in spring, vibrant autumn leaves, and a dreamy snow-covered landscape in winter! 📸 Perfect for taking stunning photos! 🗿 Peeing Boy Statue (Shōben Kozō-zō) —— This statue stands on the edge of a cliff, symbolizing the bravery (and mischievousness 😆) of Iya's children in the past. Looking down from here will give you a real "weak in the knees" feeling! ♨️ Iya Onsen —— One of Japan's most secluded open-air hot springs. You need to take a special cable car to reach the hot spring pool. Soak in the onsen while enjoying the panoramic canyon view—an unforgettable experience! 💆‍♀️✨ 🏯 Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges & Wild Monkey Bridge —— More pristine and less crowded than the Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge. You can also try the "Wild Monkey Bridge" cable car, pulling yourself across the river on a rope—super exciting! 🔥 ⸻ 📅 Travel Tips: ✔ Best Time to Visit 🍁 —— • Spring (April-May): The fresh green canyon is incredibly healing! 🌿 • Autumn (October-November): The maple leaves turn the entire canyon red—absolutely stunning! 🍂 • Winter (December-February): Dreamy snow scenes, but some roads may be closed. ❄️ ✔ Time Needed 🕒 —— Half a day to a full day. Driving or hiring a car is recommended, as public transport is limited. 🚗 ⸻ 🍜 Food Guide: 🍲 Iya Soba Noodles (Iya Soba) —— Thick, handmade buckwheat noodles made with mountain spring water. Super chewy texture! Paired with Iya's special sansho pepper powder, the aroma is incredible! 🌿 🦎 Grilled Ayu & Yamame Fish —— Freshly caught fish from the stream, grilled over charcoal. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—delicious! 🐟🔥 🍡 Iya Dengaku Tofu (Dengaku Tofu) —— Iya's unique grilled tofu dish. Crispy skin, served with sweet miso—a true culinary delight! 🤤 ⸻ 🏨 Accommodation Guide: 🏡 Hotel Iya Onsen —— Stay in a secluded hot spring hotel on a cliff, with exclusive access to hot springs and canyon views. Highly recommended! ♨️ 🌿 Iya Bijin —— A traditional Japanese inn with wooden tatami rooms and private open-air baths. Enjoy mountain views while soaking in the onsen! 🌲✨ ⸻ 🚄 Transportation Guide: 🚆 Public Transport (Difficult ⚠️) —— Take the JR from Tokushima Station to Awa-Ikeda Station, then transfer to a bus to Iya Valley (limited services, check the timetable in advance). 🚌 🚗 Driving is Most Recommended! —— • From Osaka/Kobe: Via Awaji Island to Tokushima, approx. 3.5 hrs. • From Takamatsu: Approx. 2 hrs. • Recommended Driving Route: Iya Valley → Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge → Iya Onsen. Scenic beauty all the way! 🌿 ⸻ 💗 Other Tips: ✔ Vine Bridge Precautions 🚶‍♂️ —— The bridge deck is made of vines with large gaps. Wearing sneakers is recommended. Not for those afraid of heights! 😆 ✔ Wild Monkeys 🐵 —— Sometimes monkeys appear in the mountains. Do not feed them! ✔ Unstable Mobile Signal in Mountain Areas 📶 —— Download maps in advance to avoid getting lost! ⸻ ✨ Iya Valley is truly a hidden paradise in Shikoku. If you want to escape the city and experience pristine nature, this place will definitely be worth the trip! Come and challenge the "swaying bridge"! 🌉🔥