JAPAN
IYA VALLEY
Nestled in the heart of Shikoku, Japan, the Iya Valley is a breathtaking destination with dramatic mountain landscapes, lush forests, and winding rivers. Renowned for its traditional vine bridges and secluded hot springs, the valley offers travelers a glimpse into rural Japanese life and untouched natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, the Iya Valley captivates with its serene atmosphere and cultural charm.
The Iya Valley, located in the remote mountains of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island, Japan, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere. The valley is characterized by steep gorges, lush forests, and winding rivers, offering a glimpse into Japan’s untouched natural beauty. Mist often drapes the landscape, adding a mystical quality to the towering cliffs and suspension bridges that span the emerald waters below. Visitors are drawn to the Iya Valley for its unique blend of adventure and serenity. Hiking trails wind through dense foliage, providing stunning vistas and the chance to encounter traditional thatched-roof homes dotting the hillsides. The area is famous for its historic vine bridges, known as kazurabashi, which were once used by locals to cross the valley and now serve as thrilling attractions for tourists. Aside from outdoor activities, the valley offers opportunities to experience rural Japanese culture, from soaking in natural hot springs to savoring local cuisine such as buckwheat noodles. Iya Valley’s isolation has preserved its traditional charm, making it a haven for those seeking peace and authenticity away from the crowds. Whether exploring ancient pathways or simply relaxing amidst the tranquil scenery, the Iya Valley promises an unforgettable escape into nature and tradition.
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Culture & History
IYA VALLEY: RITSURIN PARK
We wandered through the gardens of the 17th-century Ritsurin Park. The beauty and serenity of the numerous gardens and parks we explored is likely my top highlight from Japan. This garden features over 1,400 pine trees, most of which are pruned by the gardeners to resemble large, elegantly curved bonsai.
Culture & History
IYA VALLEY: CHIIORI TRUST
We traveled along the steep slopes of the Iya Valley to a ravine with a 300-year-old thatched farmhouse, part of the Chiiori Trust , a unique project that seeks to preserve age-old rural traditions in the valley. A delightful 80-year-old lady prepared our lunch and entertained us with a traditional folk song. She truly embodied the essence of life in a blue zone. The tempura was amazing!! We continued on to have tea in a village in Ochiai, a community featuring traditional homes, some of...
Culture & History
IYA VALLEY: ZENTSUJI TEMPLE
The Zentsuji Temple is revered as the birthplace of the Buddhist priest Kobo Daishi. Kobo Daishi founded the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism. There are many schools of Buddhism all with a goal of reaching enlightenment. If you are wondering what are the red hats and aprons about, they are adornments intended to ward off evil and protect children.
Culture & History
IYA VALLEY: NAGORO
While cruising through the valley, we paused briefly at a small village, Nagoro , with around a dozen residents and hundreds of scarecrows . An elderly woman, Tsukimi Ayano, has transformed the village into a town of the unliving to keep her company. It was both beautiful and somewhat eerie; not a place to visit on Halloween, but perfect for a Friday the 13th sequel.
Culture & History
IYA VALLEY
Taking a ferry is a very pleasant way to get to your next destination. We proceeded to Mount Koya and the Iya Valley by ferry across to Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s main islands. First we will talk about highlights from the Iya Valley. We attended a dance performance in the town of Tokushima at the Awa Odori Kaikan Museum . Dance has been a significant aspect of the local culture for 400 years. The dancers were graceful and athletic, and although they weren't on par with Balanchine and...
Culture & History
IYA VALLEY: HOTEL HIKYONYU
In the Iya Valley, we stayed at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn called Hotel Hikyonyu , which featured an onsen , an on-site hot spring bath. The onsen was very relaxing, but the inn itself was simple and not exactly the 4 or 5-star lodging we prefer. In lieu of marble bathrooms, we had prefab "lego-land" bathrooms. At least here, we were able to procure a couple of extra futons for more padding and the room was not cold, so we slept better. National Geographic didn't score well for our...
Culture & History
IYA VALLEY: TOKUSHIMA
We attended a dance performance in the town of Tokushima at the Awa Odori Kaikan Museum . Dance has been a significant aspect of theie local culture for 400 years. The dancers were graceful and athletic, and although it was not like seeing an evening of Balanchine and the NY City Ballet, they were enjoyable to watch.
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