Iya Valley is one of Japan’s most hidden valleys and is definitely off the beaten path. Until recently one would have to hike for days to reach the valley. This made it an ideal hide-out for criminals and samurai who lost favor with their masters. The remoteness has its advantages and disadvantages: its beauty is unspoiled, but the area has a poor transportation system.
The valley was cut by the Yoshinogawa River which offers some of Japan’s best rafting, and there’s a rafting company with English speaking guides. Let your Japan travel expert know if you want to try river rafting.
Iya Valley is divided into two areas. West Iya is known locally as “Nishi Iya” and East Iya is known as “Higashi Iya” or “Okku Iya.” There is also an area called Miyoshi.
Iya Valley’s main attractions are its natural beauty and the vine bridges that span some of the gorges. The most popular one is located in West Iya and is close to the main village. The bridge is open from sun up to sun down and costs 500 yen to cross. This might seem like a lot but the maintenance of these bridges is not cheap. This bridge has been reinforced with steel cables so there is no danger of breaking.
East Iya has the more atmospheric Oku-Iya Vine Bridges. One bridge is called the husband bridge and the other one is the wife bridge. They are reminiscent of what you might see in an Indian Jones movie.
There are a number of onsen (hot spring) ryokan inns and your Japan travel expert will arrange for you to stay at one of them.
Relax in a Ryokan with Hot Spring Baths, Have a Kaiseki Dinner,...Speak to Your Japan Travel Expert for more details about what to do or experience in the Iya Valley.
Following are some of the accomodations we trust in Iya Valley
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...
Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...
I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...
Years after years we have selected the best specialists about Japan. They have at least lived a minimum of 10 years in the country. They are here to answer all your questions and to make your tour just the way you want it.
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Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training & teaching Aikido.
Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.
Noriko was born in Nagoya. During her childhood she moved around Japan following her father’s office transfer. She especially liked her time in Shizuoka, facing Mt Fuji. She now lives in Minoo (in the suburb of Osaka). Noriko graduated from Hiroshima university. She’s been to Malaysia, Thailand and Europe (Germany and Bulgaria). Her hobbies are hiking, reading and surfing.
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