Signtseeing

Oboke-Iya Map

Oboke-Iya Map

Legend of the Heike Clan

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.

Iya Kazurabashi

1.Iya Kazurabashi

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.

  • Open every day from sunrise to sunset (Fee charged)
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Oku-lya Double Kazurabashi

2.Oku-lya Double Kazurabashi

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.

  • Open daily from (8:00-16:00) (Fee charged)
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Kita Clan Samurai House

3.Kita Clan Samurai House

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,

  • Open daily from (9:00-17:00) closed Tuesdays and winter months (Fee charged)
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Ochiai Village

4.Ochiai Village

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.

  • Open year-round. Please respect the residents when touring the area.
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Traveling Freely in the Greatness of Nature

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.

Mt Tsurugi

5.Mt Tsurugi

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.

  • Tsurugi-san Kanko Tozan Lift is open (9:00-16:45) May-Nov;cal1 0883-87-2800
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Mt.Miune

6.Mt Miune

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.

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7.lya Gorge

7.lya Gorge

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.

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8.Oboke Gorge

8.Oboke Gorge

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.

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Cross Culture Exchange

C1.Chiiori, a 300-year old Iya farmhouse

C1.Chiiori, a 300-year old Iya farmhouse

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.
Visiting Chiiori

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.

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C2.Ku-Nel-Asob(K-N-A), Japanese Eco Guesthouse

C2.Ku-Nel-Asob(K-N-A), Japanese Eco Guesthouse

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.
  • lnquiries:Japanese Eco-Guesthouse Ku-Nel-Asob
  • Tel:090-9778-7133
  • Rate:2,600 yen and up
  • Close:No-fixed holiday
  • Note:Advance reservation reqdired
  • HP:http://www.k-n-a.com/
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Cross Culture Exchange

When you need help in English

i1.Miyoshi City Tourism Office
  • Office hours:(8:00-17:00)
  • Tel:0883--72-7620
i2.Lapis Oboke Tourism lnformation Center
  • Open:(9:00-17:00)
  • Tel:0883-84-1489

You can also call these English speakers for general informatlon.

  • C1.Chiiori Trust:
  • 0883-88-5290
  • C2.Ku-Nel-Asob:
  • 090-9778-7133
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Useful Japanese Phrases in Oboke/Iya

  1. Good day - Konnichwa
  2. Good evening - Kombanwa
  3. Thank you - Arigato
  4. Excuse me - Sumimasen
  5. I'm sorry - Gomenasai
  6. Goodbye - Sayonara
  7. Yes-Hai
  8. No (disagreeing) - Chigaimas
  9. No (declining) - lie, kekko des
  10. Do you understand (English/Japanese)? - (Eigo/Nihongo) wa wakarimas ka?
  11. A little... - Chotto...
  12. I don't understand. - Wakarimasen.
  13. What is this? - Kore wa nan des ka?
  14. How much is it? - Ikura des ka?
  15. Where is the___"? - ___ wa doko des ka?
  16. I'm lost. - Michi ni mayoi mash ta.
  17. Train Station - Eki
  18. Bus Stop - Bas Tei
  19. Hotel - Hoteru
  20. Vine Bridge - Kazurabashi
  21. Toilet - Toire
  22. Telephone - Denwa
  23. Post Office - Yubin kyoku
  24. Store - Mise
  25. Hospital/Clinic - Byo in
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Activities

A1.Cruise

A1.Cruise

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.

  • Open: (9:00-17:00) Everyday
  • Fee: \1,050
  • Tel: 0883-84-1211
  • Walk 20 min from JR Oboke Stn.
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A2.Rafting

A2.Rafting

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.

  • Runs daily from Apr 1 -Nov 30
  • Resevation required
  • Tel: Ol20-936-O07 or 06-6538-0208 (MontBell Outdoor Challenge)
  • 5 min by carfrom JR Oboke Stn, (pickup available)
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A3.Trekking Mt. Tsurugi and Mt. Miune

A3.Trekking Mt. Tsurugi and Mt. Miune

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.

  • Guide by Menme-Juku
  • Reservation required
  • Tel: 0883-72-7620 (Miyoshi City Tourism Office)
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A4.Oku-lya Forest Monorail

A4.Oku-lya Forest Monorail

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.

  • Tel: 090-7781-5828 (Japanese only)
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A5.Tsuzuki Soba House (Soba Noodle Making)

A5.Tsuzuki Soba House (Soba Noodle Making)

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.

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A6.Tourist Bonnet Bus (around lya Area)

A6.Tourist Bonnet Bus (around lya Area)

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.

  • West lya Course : (11:40-16:20) \5,200
  • March to November, everyday East lya Course : (1O:OO-l7:40) \6,300
  • April to November, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays
  • Tel: 0883-72-1231
  • From JR Awa-Ikeda Stn JR Oboke Stn, and some local hotels.
  • HP:http://www.yonkoh.co.jp/
You can get all information in English at Miyoshi City Tourism Office Tel: 0883-72-7620
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Restarant & Shops

Our Hearth of Hospitality Hametawn Taste

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 /Sauteed ayu fish /Buckwheat porridge

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.

lya Soba Noodles

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.

lshi tofu (firm tofu)

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.

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1.Iya soba Momiji-tei
FoodFood

Enjoy the authentic hand-kneaded lya style noodles in this renevated 200-year old building.

2.Oboke-kyo Mannaka
FoodFoodFoodFoodFood

Serves with pride, local and western dishes using fresh seasonal food.

3.Coffee cafe Oboke
FoodFoodFood

Have coffee brewed with natural spring water while enjoying the magnificent view of Oboke Gorge, right out the window.

4.lya soba Senkichi
FoodFood

A local soba restaurant in a renovated traditional building with irori floor hearths and a ninja!

  • Open:(10:-17:00)
  • Tel:0883-87-2733

5.Hotel Hikyo-no-Yu Kutsurogi
FoodFoodFoodFood

Enjoy hearty local cuisine as well as Japanese and western favorites in this spacious dining room.

6.Iya-Bijin
FoodFoodFood

Offers dishes made with tresh Iocal produce, wild plants and delicious, stone-milled buckwheat noodles.

7.Kazurabashi-tei
FoodFoodFood

Located inside the Yume-Butai parking deck, near the famouns lya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge.

  • Open:(10:00-16:00)
  • Tel:0883-87-2200
8.Shin Oku-Iya
FoodFoodFood

Come by this resteurant after crossing the Kazurabashi bridge for some excellent local cuisine.

  • Open:(8:00-17:00)
  • Tel:0883-87-2203

9.lkoi shokudo
FoodFoodFood

Enioy seasonally-inspired local food while wathcing the Biwa-no-Taki waterfall, near the Kazurabashi Bridge.

  • Open:(8:00-17:00)
  • Tel:0883-87-2940
10.Takimi shokudo
FoodFoodFood

Serves with pride, local and western dishes using fresh seasonal food.

  • Open:(9:00-17:00)
  • Tel:0883-84-1211
11.Hotel lya Onsen
FoodFoodFoodFood

Offers delicious seasonal cuisine and views of lya Gorge.

12.lyabashi shokudo
FoodFoodFood

Located near the lyaguchi-bashi Bridge, this restaurant offers lya soba, udon and rice

  • Open:(11:00-17:00)
  • Tel:0883-86-1178

13.Hotel Sunriver, Sato-Yama
FoodFoodFoodFood

Enioy seasonally-inspired local food while wathcing the Biwa-no-Taki waterfall, near the Kazurabashi Bridge.

14.Ramen Noodle Nishiri
FoodFood

Enjoy dishes using a variety of local foods.

  • Open:(11:00-22:00)
  • Tel:0883-84-2111
15.Ryugugake lnfo Cafe(Ryugugake Kanko Annajiro)
FoodFoodFood

Enjoy local specialties and check out the best collection ot maps and pamphlets in east lya.

  • Open:(10:00-18:00)
  • Tel:0883-88-5757
16.Rest Stop Nishi-lya
FoodFood

Parking, toilets and vending machines.

  • Tel:0883-87-2670

17.Boke Mart
FoodFood

The largest local market in Obnke/lya where you can stock up on general groceries, unique local foods and fresh vegetables.

  • Open:(8:00-21:00)
  • Tel:0883-84-1111
18.Sunkus
FoodFood

The only chain convenience store in Oboke/lya.Thls is the place to snacks and fast food.

  • Open:(24h)
  • Tel:0883-76-8080
19.mont-bell
FoodFood

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.


FoodJapanese Food / FoodWestern Food / FoodLocal Food / FoodIya Soda Noodles / FoodGifts and souvenirs

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