Moopon

Kazura Bridge is the type of "bridges" that consists of a wooden cart suspend on a rope over the river, and were used to transport goods and people.
13 suspension bridges made of mountain vines, called kazurabashi, used to be found throughout the Iya Valley and provided a essential means of getting people and goods across the river in olden days.
Two of the surviving bridges still stand side by side deep in the ravine.
They are known as the Oku-Iya Kazurabashi or myoto-bashi(couples bridges).

The larger of the two bridges, Otto no Hashi (meaning:Husband Bridge), stretches 44 meters across the river next to a small waterfall, while the slightly lower Tsuma no Hashi (meaning: Wife Bridge) is a 22 meter span just a little ways upstream.
The bridges are constructed with steel cables covered within the vines for safety.
They are rebuilt every three years. The bridges are connected to each other by a network of paved hiking trails that also lead to camping facilities on the opposite side of the river.

Another popular attraction is a Yaen Bridge (meaning: Wild Monkey) placed next to the Wife Bridge.
It a human-power ropeway. Visitors can try out the wild monkey bridge and pull themselves across the river.

Access infomation
A rental car is recommended to visit the Oku-Iya Kazurabashi Bridges.

1. Nijukazurabashi bus stop.( The nearest bus stop to around the area)
*From Awa Ikeda Station to Kubo, take a bus and transfer to another bus bound for 
Nijukazurabashi or Mount Tsurugi. Get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop.
The one way journey will take 2 hours with a cost of 1790 yen. There are only 4 buses a day. Moreover buses from Kubo to the bridge operate only on weekends and holidays from April to November.

Schedule & Cost
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Closed: December to March
Admission: 550 yen
The level of English: Good

The Iya Valley (Iyakei) is a sheltered and private mountainous valley along the Iya River in western Tokushima Prefecture.
Its steep forested slopes are connected to the outside world by a zigzag,sometimes incredibly narrow mountain road that leads the valley.
Since the Iya valley located secluded regions, it is difficult to access, however, that is what attracts visitor to the area who want to experience a traditional, nature. 

Historically the Iya Valley has been difficult a place to enter, and used as a refuge for members of the defeated Taira or Heike Clan who escaped to the region toward the end of the 12th century after losing the Gempei War (1180 to1185).
Their descendants can still be found around the tiny mountain villages that dispersedly existing.

The Iya Valley is usually divided into two areas.
Nishi Iya (West Iya) located around the entrance to the valley and is slightly more developed and more accessible as there are relatively frequent buses to some of the major attractions.
Oku Iya (Inner Iya, also called Higashi Iya or East Iya) lies further back into the valley so is difficult to reach without a rental car or other means of private transportation. 

This region is famous for Iya soba

Access infomation
A rental car is recommended to visit the area.

1. To Nishi Iya (West Iya)
 *From Awa Ikeda Station to Kubo, take a bus and transfer to another bus bound for Nijukazurabashi or Mount Tsurugi.
Get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop.
The one way journey will take 2 hours with a cost of 1790 yen.
There are only 4 buses a day.
Moreover buses from Kubo to the bridge operate only on weekends and holidays from April to November.
2. To Oku Iya (Inner Iya)
Rental car stores are available around Oboke and Awa Ikeda Stations.
A rental car is recommended, particularly for visiting the less traveled Oku Iya area.
Note: The roads are very narrow and have frequent blind curves, which make driving both hazardous and slow.

The Iya Valley (祖谷渓谷 Iya Keikoku) region in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan is a scenic area known for its dramatic mountain valleys and old vine bridges.
The Iya Valley and the inner parts of Shikoku have historically been remote and difficult to enter,
making them a favorite retreat for refugees and defeated Heike warriors although access has improved in recent years.

Manikin Peeing Boy Statue
At the edge of this dizzying, 200 meter high cliff stands the boy statue posed as if he were peeing off the ledge down to the valley bellow.
This statue is placed at a beautiful scenic spot a few steps from The Iya ONSEN HOTEL, where local folklore says travelers would climb out to pee off in order to try to act strong or play chicken. 

The Iya Valley is usually divided into two areas.
Nishi Iya (West Iya) located around the entrance to the valley and is slightly more developed and more accessible as there are relatively frequent buses to some of the major attractions.
Oku Iya (Inner Iya, also called Higashi Iya or East Iya) lies further back into the valley so is difficult to reach without a rental car or other means of private transportation. 

The image is Sobamai zosui (buckwheat porridge), which is the local specialties of the Iya region made from dechaffed buckwheat berries in place of rice. 

Access Information
A rental car is recommended to visit the area.

1. To Nishi Iya (West Iya)
 *From Awa Ikeda Station to Kubo, take a bus and transfer to another bus bound for Nijukazurabashi or Mount Tsurugi.
Get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop.
The one way journey will take 2 hours with a cost of 1790 yen.
There are only 4 buses a day.
Moreover buses from Kubo to the bridge operate only on weekends and holidays from April to November.
2. To Oku Iya (Inner Iya)
Rental car stores are available around Oboke and Awa Ikeda Stations.
A rental car is recommended, particularly for visiting the less traveled Oku Iya area.
Note: The roads are very narrow and have frequent blind curves, which make driving both hazardous and slow.

The Iya Valley (祖谷渓谷 Iya Keikoku) region in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan is a scenic area known for its dramatic mountain valleys and old vine bridges.
The Iya Valley and the inner parts of Shikoku have historically been remote and difficult to enter, making them a favorite retreat for refugees and defeated Heike warriors although access has improved in recent years.

Shin-Iya Onsen Hotel Kazurabashi 
This hotel is located one of Japan's three major least visited regions.
The sky-high open-air bath is accessed by a cable car. It provides local dishes which are popular amongst guests.
The hotel has three outdoor baths, one for each gender as well as a mixed gender bath in which you can watch nice views out over the Iya Valley.
The baths are found high up on the mountainside above the hotel.
The can be accessed by a short cable car from the main building.

Daytime Hours: 10:00 to 16:00 
Daytime Admission: 1200 yen 
Overnight Stay: from 14,000 yen per person including 2 meals

Food
The image is Local dishes 

The Iya Valley is usually divided into two areas.
Nishi Iya (West Iya) located around the entrance to the valley and is slightly more developed and more accessible as there are relatively frequent buses to some of the major attractions.
Oku Iya (Inner Iya, also called Higashi Iya or East Iya) lies further back into the valley so is difficult to reach without a rental car or other means of private transportation. 

Access Information
A rental car is recommended to visit the area.

1. To Nishi Iya (West Iya)
 *From Awa Ikeda Station to Kubo, take a bus and transfer to another bus bound for Nijukazurabashi or Mount Tsurugi.
Get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop.
The one way journey will take 2 hours with a cost of 1790 yen. There are only 4 buses a day.
Moreover buses from Kubo to the bridge operate only on weekends and holidays from April to November.
2. To Oku Iya (Inner Iya)
Rental car stores are available around Oboke and Awa Ikeda Stations.
A rental car is recommended, particularly for visiting the less traveled Oku Iya area.
Note: The roads are very narrow and have frequent blind curves, which make driving both hazardous and slow.

The Iya Valley (祖谷渓谷 Iya Keikoku) region in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan is a scenic area known for its dramatic mountain valleys and old vine bridges.
The Iya Valley and the inner parts of Shikoku have historically been remote and difficult to enter, making them a favorite retreat for refugees and defeated Heike warriors although access has improved in recent years.

Iya Onsen Hotel
The Iya Onsen Hotel is located high up on the steep slope overlooking the Iya Valley.
A notable point in the hotel is that its outdoor hot baths located along the river and you have to take a cable car some 170 meters below the hotel itself. 
The bath water is a lukewarm 39 degrees Celsius.

Daytime Hours: 7:00 to 18:00 (Last entry at 17:00) 
Daytime Admission: 1500 yen (including outdoor bath, indoor bath, and cable car) 
Overnight Stay: from 12,000 yen per person including 2 meals
Level of English: Good English website is available.

Food
The image is Kaiseki ryori (Traditional multi-course Japanese meal), which is used Local products.

The Iya Valley is usually divided into two areas.
Nishi Iya (West Iya) located around the entrance to the valley and is slightly more developed and more accessible as there are relatively frequent buses to some of the major attractions. Oku Iya (Inner Iya, also called Higashi Iya or East Iya) lies further back into the valley so is difficult to reach without a rental car or other means of private transportation. 

Access Information
A rental car is recommended to visit the area.

1. To Nishi Iya (West Iya)
 *From Awa Ikeda Station to Kubo, take a bus and transfer to another bus bound for Nijukazurabashi or Mount Tsurugi.
Get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop.
The one way journey will take 2 hours with a cost of 1790 yen. There are only 4 buses a day.
Moreover buses from Kubo to the bridge operate only on weekends and holidays from April to November.
2. To Oku Iya (Inner Iya)
Rental car stores are available around Oboke and Awa Ikeda Stations.
A rental car is recommended, particularly for visiting the less traveled Oku Iya area.
Note: The roads are very narrow and have frequent blind curves, which make driving both hazardous and slow.

The top of Mount Daisen is made up several peaks.  Kengamine Peak (1729 meters) is the highest.  However, an earthquake severely damaging the trail to the peak in 2000 prompted the closure of this trail.  Hikers can climb as far as Misen Peak (1709 m) which is just a few meters away from Kengamine.

The trail to Misen Peak is about 4 kilometers long. The trail consists mainly of steep stairs and takes about 3 hours to climb. The first section of the trail is through the forests.  When hikers reach about half-way up the mountain, they are rewarded by breathtaking views. The last few hundred meters of the trail are along a series of wooden boards placed over plants and grass located near the summit.

Daisen has deep history with spirituality. Daisenji Temple, an important Buddhist temple, was built near the base of the mountain.  The buildings are spread out and connected by mountain trails. Similarly, Ogamiyama Shrine is also located on this mountain, further up the trail from the temple. 

There is a network of hiking trails connecting Daisenji Temple with several lower peaks on the northeastern side of Daisen. The length and difficult level of the trails vary.  There are some trails which are not recommended for beginners.

With spring flowers surrounding the base of the mountain, to autumn leaves decorating the mountain, Daisen’s beauty can be enjoyed all year round. Visitors can enjoy fall foliage at Daisen from late October to early November.  The forest in the mountain transforms the mountain into an array of autumn colors.  From late November to late April, a plush snow carpet lies on the mountain, making it one of western Japan's best ski slopes.

Access Information to Daisenji Temple

Being that Mount Daisen is surrounded by nature with its wide blue sky; the nearest city with multiple transportation options is Yonago, Tottori's second largest and westernmost city.  It is located near Matsue.

From Yonago there are buses to Daisenji Temple.  The buses are infrequent. The length of the bus ride is about an hour with a cost of 720 yen)

Likewise, visitors can choose to take a train from Yonago Station to Daisen-guchi (20 minute train ride, 240 yen fare). There are one or two trains every hour.  From Daisen-guchi, there are buses to Daisenji Temple.  Again the frequency is not good. The journey is 30 minutes in length and the cost is 480 yen.

Access Information to Yonago.

**By air
Multiple flights are available between Tokyo and Yonago Airport via ANA and Skymark. The flight time is 75 minutes.
Yonago Airport is a 25 minute bus ride from Yonago Station (590 yen).

**By JR Daytime Trains
Board the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama (multiple trains per hour) and transfer to a JR Yakumo limited express train bound for Yonago (length: 2 hours, one train per hour). The one way fare is about 19,000 yen, and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using Hikari trains between Tokyo and Okayama.

**By JR Night Trains
The "Sunrise Izumo" night train operates daily between Tokyo and Izumo with a stop at Yonago. The one way fare is around 15,000 yen for a "nobi nobi" compartment (a small carpeted compartment to lie down) or 21,000 yen for regular berths. The trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using "nobi nobi" compartments, but requires a supplement of around 9500 yen if using regular berths. 
Note:  "nobi nobi" compartments are quite popular and often book out.

**By Highway Bus
Nihon Kotsu and Keikyu Bus operate overnight buses between Tokyo (Shinagawa Bus Terminal) and Yonago Station. The one way journey takes about 10.5 hours and costs 11,500 yen. The route is also served by discount bus companies, such as Willer Express, with tickets available from around 6000 yen.

Tottori Castle, located 30 minutes from Tottori station, was originally built in 1532. The castle was part of Ikeda Clan’s, who ruled Tottori during the Edo Period, empire. However, the castle was destroyed in the Meiji Period due to the modernization policies of that period.

Today all which remains of the castle are only the castle's stone walls and a single wooden gate. However, visitors will find there are still many interesting things to do within this area.

The Tottori Castle ruins remain on the side of Mount Kyusho.  Visitors have the option to climb the castle’s courtyards to the observation point to see breathtaking views of the city. As the observation point was used to track enemies approaching the city, visitors can see all over Tottori city from this location.

There are also hundred of cherry trees planted along the former castle’s stone walls and along the banks of the river.  These former Tottori Castle grounds are known as Kyusho Park. In the spring, there are picnics under the cherry blossoms or sakura. This cherry blossom viewing custom is known as hanami.  Kyusho Park is Tottori's most famous hanami spot. During this season, paper lanterns hung on the trees provide illumination to view the sakuras in the evenings.

Jinpukaku, the white wooden European style building was constructed at the base of the castle ruins at the end of the feudal age in 1907. Architectural features of this building include its open verandas, brick fireplaces and a beautiful wooden spiral staircase.

As a symbol of modernization, this was the first building in Tottori to have electric lights. Over the years, Jinpukaku served many roles including but not limited to being used as a guest house for the visiting crown prince, public hall, reception hall and a prefectural museum. Currently it serves as a small museum concentrating on the Ikeda Clan. Public events are also sometimes held here. 

Castle Ruins
Hours: Always opened
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: Free

Jinpukaku
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (except if Monday is national holidays), New Years and the day after national holidays.
Admission: 150 yen

Access Information:
**By Bus:
From Tottori Station, board the green line of the 100 Yen Kururi Bus.
Disembark at  bus stop number 12.
From here it is a short walk to the Castle Ruins.
The bus ride will take about 10 minutes and the fare is 100 yen.
Buses depart every 20 minutes.
**On Foot:
From Tottori Station, a 30 minute walk.

The Sand Museum, located next to the Tottori Sand Dunes, is a unique museum feature large sand sculptures created by talented artists from all over the world.  Each exhibition has a theme, which is usually a region or country.  The sculptures, some several meters tall, are created around this theme.  The themes change annually, offers visitors re-visiting Tottori a chance to see even more beautiful handmade sand artwork.

**Sand Museum:
Hours: 9:00 to 20:00 (last entry at 19:30)
Closed: Between exhibitions (from early January to mid April)
Admission: 600 yen
English Level: Good

Tottori Prefectural Museum is located built at the base of Mt Kyusho, near the city’s former castle ruins. 

The museum provides educational and cultural information for the citizens of Tottori prefecture.
This museum houses a permanent collection of over 3,000 pieces of art, folk history and natural history of Tottori Prefecture. There are several special exhibitions held here throughout the year. 

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (on the weekends and national holidays from April to October, the museum is opened until 19:00)
Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday falls on a national holiday), from December 29th  to January 3rd
Admission: 180 yen (for the permanent exhibition)
English Level: Moderate