OBOKE-IYA in Tokushima -COME ON IN!
The legend of the Heike Clan, passed down in these mountrain villages through the generations, contains a hidden wonder. The young Emperor Antoku and the sword of Kusanagi, one of thethree sacred Japanese treasures, were said to have sunk in the Dan-no-Ura Bay... but another legend claims the sword is still hidden deep within these mountains.
lt is said that the Kazurabashi (or vine bridge) was made by defeated Heike warriors, fleeing the civil wars of the 12th century. Vine was used so that Heike samurai could keep pursuers at bay by cutting the ties. The lya Kazurabashi is now a designated cultural asset reconstructed every three years. Swinging 10-meters above the lya River, this vine bridge is thrilling experience to cross. It is easily accessible by bus or car. Biwa-no-Taki, an elegant 50-meter waterfall, can be found on the opposite shore.
Legend says that the Heike clan built these two bridges to access their riding grounds. One bridge is called the Man's Bridge, the other, the Woman's Bridge. These bridges are less accessible and touristy, and allow visitors to enjoy crossing a vine bridge in a quiet, natural setting. Access by bus is possible, but requires an early start. The Oku-lya Campgrounds lie on the opposite shore and are open from May to November.
The largest samurai residence in the lya Valley was constructed in 1763 at the request of the Lord of Awa (Tokushima). Perched high on a high on a hill by towering cedar, the Samurai House was an attempt by the lord to exercise control in this border land. Access by car is recommended,
This community was founded during the middle of the Edo period (circa 1700), and remains as one the most scenic of lya's mountainside villages. Visitors are welcome to walk the village paths and explore the hillside farming techniques and rock embankments that allowed cultivation on the steep slope. A local bus stops at the base of the village.
Fascinating landscapes will speak to your heart.Radiant summits and crystal clear streams in the valley will excite your spirit. Fresh breezes through wildflowers will relax you. Then, you will feel true relief and comfort.
At 1,955-meters, Tsurugi is the second highest mountain in western Japan. Clear days offer views all the way to the offer views all the way to the Seto lnland Sea. You can find beautiful alpine plants,when in season. Climbers can use Minokoshi as a starting point, or take the Kanko Tozan Lift. The upper lift station lets off, a 40-minute hike below the summit.
Also known as Sanrei, this 1,893-meter mountain is less well-known than Mt Tsurugi, but is beloved by climbers. This summit is displays many Kumatsutsuji (mountain azaleas) that bloom in April/May. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views, and on clear days see the Pacific Ocean and the Seto lnland Sea.
Downriver from the lya Kazurabashi, the lya River runs north through a dramatic 20-km gorge that is one of the steepest in Japan. Previously the only road into the area, old Rt 32 clings to the cliff face and is surrounded by dense vegetation.Midway through the gorge, travelers can find the lya Onsen Hotel and the Manikin Peeing Boy Statue.
A calm, emerald green stretchof the Yoshino River, with white rock cliffs jutting to the sky. Visitors can enjoy the colorful foliage with ride on pleasure boat that cruises through the gorge. Boats leave hourly from Hotel Mannaka.
Alex Kerr and Chiiori, the Cottage of the Flute
Alex Kerr first came to lya as a young backpacker in 1971. At that time few outsiders visited the area and the mountainsides were covered with old-growth forest and dotted with thatch-roof cottages. Despite the romance of the region, it was already suffering
from depopulation and many of the houses lay empty and unused. Alex was captivated by the beauty of the valley and returned the following year to find a place of his own. In the spring of 1973, he purchased a 300-year-old farmhouse in the east lya village
of Tsurugi. At the time, it had been abandoned for years and was in desperate need of repair but with the help of friends and local villagers, Alex brought new life to the house and christened it Chiiori, the "Cottage of the Flute."
Alex Kerr was born in Marylan, USA in 1952. He ls an author, calligrapher and Japanologist. He is best-known for his book Lost Japan, in which he describes his interest in Japanese culture and his history with Chiiori and the Iya Valley.Chilori is currently mariaged and maintained by a non-profit organization called Chiiori Trust. Chiiori Trust staff welcomes visitors and can provide a tour of the house and explanation of its history. The staff are also a good source of English information on the entire lya Valley region. Chiiori Trust is involved in many projects, so please cell ahead before visiting to ensure that the house is open and available.
A one-time visit is not enough
Nori Hosaka, a former canoe instructor, visited west lya for the first time in 2003.
The purpose of the visit was a canoe contest held at an upper stream of the Yoshino River. Enchanted by the magnificent nature,"I felt like this was the place I have always longed for, "said Hosaka, who then decided to make west lya his permanent
home. After working in the region for a while and making friends with the locels, he finally made his dream of opening a traveler's lodge come true. With the cooperation of friends and tons of effort in cleaning up a vacant house and turning withered land into fields, Ku-Nel-Asob was born. "I wanted to create a place that makes you feel like you are visiting yourgrandma's house.Just stay here and you will experience the mountain village lifestyle. "This endeavor was successful and the cabin has been enjoyed by countless visitors and favored by many repeaters.
Life where there is only nature
Adding unnecessary facilities only leads to ruining the beauty of nature. I want the guests to fully enjoy nature with minimum goods. Guests purchase food at the local store and cook for themselves. For a bath, they go to nearby hot springs. Ku-Nel-Asob offers a self-catering style because Hosaka hopes to facilitate interactions between tourists and locals."You can experience the unique culture of the Iya-Oboke area, such as chopping firewood and starting a fire by yourself to prepare the Goemon-buro(Goemon bath). In the lap Mother Nature, why don't we reconsider the basics of human beings?
http://www.k-n-acom/
Nori Hosaka, an expert of mountain village life.
You can also call these English speakers for general informatlon.
Near the headwaters of the Yoshino River, this 8km-long gorge is host to a number of boating facilities, from a relaxing cruise down the calm part of the river,to river-rafting trip down the rapids.
Near the headwaters of the Yoshino River, this 8km-long gorge is host to a number of boating facilities, from a relaxing cruise down the calm part of the river,to river-rafting trip down the rapids.
While trekking the mountains of east lya you can see the vivid blue sky and sun-bleached trees, You can also find rare wildflowers and plants.
This 4.6km slow-speed monorail ride lasts 70 minutes and circles the forests around lyashi-no-Onsenkyo. lt's a great way to explore the wilderness with children or elderly family members.
Local instructors give lessons on making this traditional lya dish from scratch. Courses last about an hour, and nish just in time to enjoy your noodles with lunch.
This refurbished retro schoolbus called the Bonnet bus takes people on scheduled ours of the lya region,hitting all the main attractions. Fare includes lunch and entrance tee to attractions.
Sustenance from mountains and rivers, gifts from Mother Nature, and the good old tastes af home that are created by the wisdom of life.
Dekomawashi is potato, tofu, and jellied arum root(konnyaku)on a bamboo skewer, grilled with miso sauce by a charcoal fire. The grilling method resembles that of a wooden puppet(deko)being slowly turned(mawashi), hence the name. Sauteed ayu and amego, are superb-tasting fish caught only in clean, clear streams in the valley. According to legend, the buckwheat porridge and dumplings were born in the lya region, created by fleeing Heike warriors1,000years ago who missed their life in Kyoto, according to legend.
As the old folk song, 'Iya no kohikibushi', tells buckwheat flour has been stone ground by lya women for centuries. Featuring thick,short noodles since ancient times, your heart will be warmed by its simple taste.
Tofu from the lya re gion is made firm, to prevent breakage while carrying it along the mountain roads.lt is both chewy and rich in flavor.
Enjoy the authentic hand-kneaded lya style noodles in this renevated 200-year old building.
Serves with pride, local and western dishes using fresh seasonal food.
Have coffee brewed with natural spring water while enjoying the magnificent view of Oboke Gorge, right out the window.
A local soba restaurant in a renovated traditional building with irori floor hearths and a ninja!
Enjoy hearty local cuisine as well as Japanese and western favorites in this spacious dining room.
Offers dishes made with tresh Iocal produce, wild plants and delicious, stone-milled buckwheat noodles.
Located inside the Yume-Butai parking deck, near the famouns lya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge.
Come by this resteurant after crossing the Kazurabashi bridge for some excellent local cuisine.
Enioy seasonally-inspired local food while wathcing the Biwa-no-Taki waterfall, near the Kazurabashi Bridge.
Serves with pride, local and western dishes using fresh seasonal food.
Offers delicious seasonal cuisine and views of lya Gorge.
Located near the lyaguchi-bashi Bridge, this restaurant offers lya soba, udon and rice
Enioy seasonally-inspired local food while wathcing the Biwa-no-Taki waterfall, near the Kazurabashi Bridge.
Enjoy dishes using a variety of local foods.
Enjoy local specialties and check out the best collection ot maps and pamphlets in east lya.
Parking, toilets and vending machines.
The largest local market in Obnke/lya where you can stock up on general groceries, unique local foods and fresh vegetables.
The only chain convenience store in Oboke/lya.Thls is the place to snacks and fast food.
Mont Bell is the premier outdoor sports outfitter in Oboke/lya. Stop here and purchase all the gear you need to enioy lya's rivers, mountains and forests. Mont Bell also operates one of the largest rafting companies on the Yoshino River.Their experienced rafting instructors will help you run the world-class rapids, whether you are a beginner of a seasoned pro.
Japanese Food / Western Food / Local Food / Iya Soda Noodles / Gifts and souvenirs