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.

Visitors to Hiroshima often overlook Onomichi, a quaint port town along the Seto Inland Sea, located about 90 minutes via local train from Hiroshima Station. With its steep hills and sloping geography, Onomichi did not suffer many damages during the war. As a result, many historic buildings are still intact, allowing visitors a glimpse of Japanese history.

Onomichi is famous for its temples. Being a port town, in the past, successful merchants donated heavily to build temples to ensure the town’s prosperity. Visitors can explore the 25 temples along the “Temple Walk”, a popular temple route. Visitors can find maps of “Temple Walk” available at the Tourist Information Office at Onomichi Station. The route is marked and there are many signs as well. Though the route is only 2.5 kilometers, as Onomichi is famous for its slopes, proper footwear is strongly advised.

The most famous temple on the Temple Walk would have to be Senkoji Temple. Founded by Kobo Daishi in 806, Senkoji is located on the mountain. Though visitors can hike up the mountain, most visitors opt to take the ropeway. Visitors may be interested in the 15 meter tall Tama no Iwa or Jewel Rock. This rock is said to have glowed all night illuminating the surrounding sea. The temple has many miniature Jizo statues which are also popular. The park above the temple is a beautiful place to rest and take in the beautiful surrounding. Please note, this park is quite crowded during the cherry blossom season, as the Senkoji Park is one of hundred most beautiful cherry blossom places in Japan.

Jidoji Temple, the final temple on the Temple Walk is also quite popular. Dating back to the early 7th century, it is said to the oldest temple in this region. Visitors should take time to take in the main hall and the 2 storey pagoda as they are both National Treasures. Though the entrance to the temple is free, a nominal fee (600 yen) will allow visitors into the temple buildings. The temple has many beautiful, historic statues which are registered as Cultural Treasures. Though there is a Japanese guided tour, the beauty of the artwork on the fusuma, sliding door, elegant rooms and breathtaking paintings holds no language barriers. The temple’s well maintained karesansui style garden is also a point of interest.

There are many things to take in, experience and observe on Onomichi’s Temple Walk. This 2.5 kilometer route on the varying terrains allows visitors to understand Japan’s proud cultural past.

Kosanji Temple (耕三寺) located on Ikuchijima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, has the tranquil qualities found in a Buddhist temple while displaying both modern and traditional Buddhist artistic elements.

Founded by Koso Kosanji, in gratitude to his mother, the construction of the temple took over 30 years.  Within the temple grounds, visitors can appreciate the replicas of famous Japanese structures such as Nikko Toshogu's Yomeimon Gate and Byodoin's Phoenix Hall. In addition, within the temple is a long cave containing images portraying Buddhist hell.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the Miraishin no Oka or the Hill of Hope also located within the temple grounds.  Though not having any religious function, Miraishin no Oka was designed and created by an internationally renowned sculptor using Italian white marble and granite.

Kosanji Temple houses other artwork including the works of Buddhist sculptors, painting, modern art and objects relating to Japanese tea ceremony within its main grounds.

Facility Information
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 1200 yen

Access Information:
By bicycle
30 kilometers from Onomichi, the temple is located along the Shimanami Kaido cycling route

By ferry
From Onomichi Ekimae Port (located in front of Onomichi Train Station), take the ferry to Sawa Port or Setoda Port on Ikuchijima Island. The journey will take 40 minutes with a cost of 820 yen one way per person and 160 yen for a bicycle.  There are 9 ferries per day.  From either port, the temple is 15 minutes by foot.

By bus
From Onomichi Station board the local bus bound for Setoda Port. On the way to the port, the bus will stop in front of the temple. The journey will take 1 hour with a cost of 1010 yen one way. There is one bus every two hours.

The “floating torii gates” within the Seto Island Sea invites visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine　（嚴島神社） located on the beautiful island of Miyajima, in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Itsukushima Shrine has been a Shinto holy site from very early times. In 1168, Taira no Kiyomori, the most powerful man in Japan during the end of the Heian Period, selected the island as the site of his clan's family shrine and built Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine complex consists of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall, a main hall and a Noh theater stage, which are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea.

The shrine and its torii gate are unique in that they were constructed over water. Because of this they appear to float in the sea during high tide. At low tide, the water drains out of the bay. During this time, visitors have the opportunity to walk out and see the gates up close.

The shrine is located on a small inlet, while the torii gates are constructed in the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can enjoy walking along the paths leading to the shrine while looking at the sea. After sunset, the shrine and the torii gate are illuminated.  Entry into Itsukushima shrine is not permitted at night.  However, visitors can enjoy the illuminated view by spending the night at one of the many ryokans (Japanese inns) on the island.

Alternatively, tourists can view the illuminated island from boat cruises. Though the length may vary, typically, cruises last thirty minutes and take passengers around the bay and through the torii gate (during high tide only). Reservations are required but can be easily made through one's ryokan or at the tourist information desk.

Facility Information
Hours: 6:30 to 18:00 (closing time changes according on the season)
Closed: Opened all year round
Admission: 300 yen (500 yen for combined entry to the Treasure Hall)

Nunakuma Shrine(鞆祇園宮)

Nunakuma Shrine consists of two shrines which are respectively dedicated to deities of the sea; marine safety was obviously very important to Tomonoura's success as a port town. Nunakuma Shrine features an old noh(Japan’s oldest art) stage.

Hours: Always open
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free

Ankokuji Temple(安国寺)

Ankokuji Temple was founded during the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). It houses a couple of designated national treasures and important works, such as a wooden statue of Amida Buddha and a stone statue of a sitting Jizo Bodhisattva. The temple compound spots an interesting selection of tropical plants.

Hours: 8:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 150 yen
 

After crossing the Kintai-kyo Bridge, visitors are greeted by the statue of the man who initiated the bridge's construction, Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third lord of Iwakuni. In the area behind the statue, there are a number of sites of interest centered around Kikko Park, a spacious park with walking paths, plants and fountains.

Kikko Shrine is the family shrine of Iwakuni's powerful Kikkawa family. The shrine was constructed in 1884, and is situated above the living quarters of the family's former residence.  It was designated as a cultural asset of national importance in 2004.

Kikko Park and its various attractions are located a few steps from Kintai-kyo Bridge.
Buses travel from both Iwakuni Station and Shin-Iwakuni Station to Kintai-kyo bus stop. The trip takes 20 minutes and costs 250 yen from Iwakuni Station (buses every 5-15 minutes), or 15 minutes and 290 yen from Shin-Iwakuni Station (2-3 buses per hour)."

Kikko Shrine
Hours: 7:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free

Rurikoji (瑠璃光寺), Japan’s national treasure, is a Buddhist temple in Yamaguchi City, best known for its five-storied pagoda. Built in 1442, the Rurikoji’s pagoda is ranked among Japan's three greatest pagodas. The other two pagodas which share this honor are of the Horyuji Temple near Nara and Daigoji Temple in Kyoto.

Kozan Park (香山公園) is the common name for the temple grounds of Rurikoji. Kozan Park also houses the main hall, a temple storehouse, a bell tower and a small but thorough museum.  The museum displays pictures and miniature models of the fifty-plus five-storied pagodas in Japan. Though limited in its English explanations, the museum provides interesting information about the pagodas such as their differences in design.

Kozan Park also houses the burial site of members of the Mori Clan, a powerful clan who ruled this region during the Edo Period (1603-1867). The Ugisubari Stone Pavement leads visitors to the burial grounds.  The pavements produces an echoed sound when one clap one’s hands or stomps ones feet.  The echoed sound resembles the noise made by a Japanese Bush Warbler (uguisu) which is how the pavement received its name.

Also in the park stands Chinryutei, a famous tea house in history.  It was here Saigo Takamori and others pretended to practice the tea ceremony, while in reality the plotted the successful overthrow of the Edo Shogunate. This led to the Meiji Restoration and the end of Japan's feudal age in 1868. Admission into Chinryutei is free and visitors can view its simple tatami mat rooms on the second floor. On the first floor are some displays in Japanese about the key members of the Meiji Revolution.

Temple Grounds (Kozan Park)
Hours: Opened All Year Round
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free

Pagoda Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 300 yen

Access Information
Rurikoji stands about 2.5 kilometers north of Yamaguchi Station.
**By Foot:  about 40 minutes from Yamaguchi Station
**By Bicycle: rental bicycles are available outside the station (300 yen for two hours or 700 yen for the whole day).
**By Bus:  From Yamaguchi Station, board the bus bound for Yamaguchi Daigaku (山口大学) or Nakaoguchi (中尾口) and stop at Kenchomae (県庁前) bus stop (6 minutes, 170 yen, 2-3 departures per hour). From the bus stop, a ten minutes to walk to Rurikoji Temple.

Joeiji (常栄寺), located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a Zen temple most famous for its garden, Sesshutei.
Sesshu, a well-known monk, painter and garden designer, built this garden which bears his name. People familiar with his work can see the resemblance between the garden and one of Sesshu’s landscape paintings.

Sesshutei utilizes many vertically upright rocks, a style of rock arrangement distinct of the Muromachi Period (1333 - 1573).
Visitors are welcomed to roam the main temple spacious tatami mat rooms and view the Sesshutei garden from the temple. They are also encouraged to stroll along the circular path that leads around the scenic garden. In the same vicinity are several other Zen structures and a few pebble Zen gardens where visitors can spend some tranquil time exploring.

Hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from October to March)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 300 yen

Access Information:
**From Yamaguchi Station, take the train to Miyano station (6 minutes, 140 yen).  From Miyano Station, a 15 walk to Joeiji Temple
**From Sin Yamaguchi Station, take the train to Miyano station (35 minutes, 320 yen).  From Miyano Station, a 15 walk to Joeiji Temple

Nestled in historic Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is the Shoin Shrine (松陰神社,)  dedicated to Yoshida Shoin. 

A true patriot, Shoin promoted forward thinking and was thought of as a rebel by the shogunate.

Being sentenced to death for his part in an assignation plot, his followers believe Shoin sacrificed his life for the good of Japan.

The present shrine building completed in 1955 to remember Shoin is located east of Hagi's former castle town, near from Tokoji Temple.

The shrine ground houses the Shokason Juku School, and Shoin’s Former Residence.

The Yoshinogari Historical Park (Yoshinogari Rekishi Kōen) is a remarkable archaeological site in Saga Prefecture.
The vast park covers a large settlement from the Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 AD) where dozens of pit dwellings,elevated store houses and over 2000 tombs were excavated.
It is the largest and most important Yayoi Period site in Japan, and the best place for people who want to learn about this era of Japanese history.
 

The settlements unearthed at Yoshinogari are believed to have been some of the largest moat surrounded villages of their time and are speculated
to have been the seat of one of the earliest forms of state government discovered in Japan.
Today the ancient site has been preserved with impressive reconstructed villages and visitors can explore and learn about Yayoi life and culture.

The careful reconstructions include dozens of elevated store houses, pit dwellings, watchtowers, shrines and other structures, many of which can be observed from inside.
Some contain tools and implements, while mannequins re-act jobs and ceremonies in others.

Of the reconstructed villages, the Minami Naikaku settlement placed at the center of the park which is one of the most important.
Enclosed by moats and defensive walls, this is where the Yayoi Period kings were thought to have governed from.
Nearby is an exhibition house displays tools and clothes of the Yayoi people as well as artifacts,explaining their agricultural techniques.
Another section displays burial jars excavated around the site.
The exhibitions include detailed English descriptions.

A short walk north is another important enclosed settlement called Kita Naikaku, which is a place for those who were involved in ancient ceremonies.
Further north is another museum focusing on the ancient forest that covered the area two thousand years ago.
A living center near the East Gate allows visitors to take part in hands-on activities
(100 to 500 yen) such as stone carving and building a fire with a bow-drill.

Furthermore, the large park includes other recreational areas such as a sprawling open field where people can picnic and play sports, playgrounds,
disc golf and miniature golf courses, and agricultural fields where flowers and various display crops are grown.
There is a restaurant and souvenir shop.
 

Yoshinogari Historical Park
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (until 18:00 June - August)
Closed: December 31st and the third Monday and Tuesday of January
Admission: 420 yen
Level of English: Good

Access Information:
From Fukuoka
Via Shinkansen
From Fukuoka's Hakata Station, board the Kyushu Shinkansen to Shin-Tosu where you can transfer to a local train for Yoshinogarikoen Station.
The one way journey will take around 35 minutes with a cost of about 2500 yen
(Fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass.)
There are good connections once or twice an hour, but keep in mind that not all Sakura trains stop at Shin-Tosu Station along the way.
Via local or limited express train
From Fukuoka's Hakata Station, board a local or limited express train to Tosu and a local train for Yoshinogarikoen.
The trip takes between 45-75 minutes and with a cost of 840 yen by local or about 1500 yen by limited express train.
There are multiple connections every hour.
From Yoshinogarikoen Station it is a 10-15 minute walk or 700 yen taxi ride to the park's East Gate.

From Nagasaki 
Via local or limited express train
Take a limited express train from Nagasaki to Saga and transfer to a local train for Kanzaki Station.
The one way trip takes around two hours with a cost of about 3500 yen
(Fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass.) 
Via only local trains
A few direct local trains go all the way in about three hours and for 2130 yen one journey.
From Kanzaki Station it is a 10-15 minute walk or 700 yen taxi ride to the park's West Gate.