Moopon

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 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.

Higashi Iya History and Folk Museum
The Higashi Iya History and Folk Museum is a history museum at the entrance to Oku Iya.
You will find exhibits and display items like tools, clothes, household items, and other traditional items of the region inside of the facility.

Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 
Closed: Weekends and holidays (Dec to Feb), New Year holidays 
Admission: 410 yen

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.

Sakurajima Visitor Center

You can learn about Sakurajima there.


It simply exhibits and explains the history and nature to understand Sakurajima deeply.

In the pavilion, which consists of nine parts,

the history of Sakurajima and the transition of plants,

sightseeing information and disaster-prevention activities are available.


You can experience the active volcano Sakurajima over the hi-vision theater, the diorama and our computer programs.


Much of the information is provided in English and Chinese.


It is right next to the Sakurajima ferry terminal
 

Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 

Admission: Free 

Closed: No closing days

Etc: Barrier-free, WC, Souvenir shop

 

About Sakurajima

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.

The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.


Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature as it is located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay.

It has an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.

A Powerful eruption happened and burned everything in 1914, however, grasses and plants are growing these days.
 

Access information
 

In Sakurajima

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the Ferry Terminal,

including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center.


Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car, which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries.

Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.
 

The way up to Sakurajima

Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.


The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.


The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,


and is also served by the City View Buses.



There are also regular city buses that run infrequently from the ferry terminal along the northern coast(departures every 1-3 hours)

and along the southern coast (departures every 40-90 minutes) of Sakurajima.


 

Part of a larger tourist facility that includes a hotel,

shops and restaurants, the Magma Onsen has hot spring baths that are open to day trippers.


It should be noted that the baths have large windows and you can look out across water to Kagoshima City. 

 

Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 

Every Wednesday open from 13:00-for cleaning)

Admission: 300 yen 

Closed: No closing days

A hand towel is available for 200yen.
 

About Sakurajima

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.

The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.
 

Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature as it is located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay.

It has an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.
 

A Powerful eruption happened and burned everything in 1914, however, grasses and plants are growing these days.
 

Access information
 

In Sakurajima

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the Ferry Terminal,
 

including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center.

Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car, which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries.

Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.
 

The way up to Sakurajima

Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.

The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.

The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,

and is also served by the City View Buses.


There are also regular city buses that run infrequently from the ferry terminal along the northern coast (departures every 1-3 hours)

and along the southern coast (departures every 40-90 minutes)

of Sakurajima.


 

This unique park takes its name from the seven life size dinosaur statues.

They can be found here and there.

The park is good for tourists with kids as it has jungle gym equipment.

When the cherry tree flowers are in bloom the park become more destination in early spring
 

How to get to Dinosaur Park

This park is located on a hill about a 15 minute walk from the ferry terminal.
 

About Sakurajima

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.

The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.

Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay,

Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature as it is located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay.

It has an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.

A Powerful eruption happened and burned everything in 1914, however, grasses and plants are growing these days.
 

Access information
 

In Sakurajima

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the Ferry Terminal,

including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center.



Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car,

which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries.


Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.
 

The way up to Sakurajima


Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.

The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.


The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,

and is also served by the City View Buses.


There are also regular city buses that run infrequently from the ferry terminal along the northern coast (departures every 1-3 hours)

and along the southern coast (departures every 40-90 minutes) of Sakurajima.

 

Huis Ten Bosch (Hausu Ten Bosu) is a theme park in Nagasaki Prefecture which recreates a Dutch town.
It is named after one of the residences of the Dutch Royal Family.
The spacious resort is suffused with a European atmosphere with its scenic canals, iconic windmills, beautiful gardens and architecture. 

Seasonal flowers still more enhance the attractiveness of the scenery.
Visitors can have a good time indulging in the view while enjoying the many attractions,
savoring a meal at one of the many restaurants or relaxing in a leisure boat on the canals.

There are also seasonal events, for example, a tulip festival during spring and a fireworks competition in the summer. 

The resort is divided into two areas:
the Theme Park Zone which requires paid admission and the Free Zone which can be entered for free.
Both zones feature various kinds of free and paid attractions, although the majority of them are located in the Theme Park Zone.

An all-you-can-ride passport is available for most of the attractions in the Theme Park Zone,
but it does not cover the paid attractions of the Free Zone.
The Theme Park Zone has various amusements in the buildings of its reproduced Dutch old town.
Many of them are modern theaters featuring 3D technology and so forth,
including two popular attractions originally found at the Expo 2005 Aichi.

In addition, there is also a Michael Jackson museum, mirror maze, haunted house, Ferris Wheel and a replica of the Domtoren (Dom Tower)
of Utrecht of Netherlands with panoramic views from its observation deck. 

The Free Zone's main attractions are a theater and boat ride related to the popular comic series"One Piece" and a replica of the Palace Huis Ten Bosch, which houses an art museum. 

Several hotels with a European theme are located around the theme park, including two of the most popular hotels in the theme park zone.
One is the Hotel Europe with refined restaurants and occasional classical concerts.
Another is the Hotel Amsterdam.
Staying guests at the respective hotels are advised to check at the counter for discount tickets to the Theme Park Zone. 
 

Hours:
Varying hours, typically from 10:00 to 20:00
during low season and from 9:00 to 21:00
during peak season; see the official website for details in English, Chinese and Korean.
Admission ends one hour before closing time. 

Closed: No closing days 

Admission:
6200 yen (admission to Theme Park Zone + unlimited entry to most attractions) 
3800 yen (admission to Theme Park Zone only) 

Access Information:
From Fukuoka Via hourly JR limited express trainIt connects with Huis Ten Bosch Station to Station.
(110 minutes, around 3800 yen, fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass).
Of these trains, five per day travel directly between the stations;
others are needed a transit to a local train at Haiki Station, which is six minutes from Huis Ten Bosch Station. 

From Nagasaki 
Via the JR Seaside LinerIt connects with Huis Ten Bosch Station to Nagasaki Station.
(75 minutes, 1470 yen, hourly trains, fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass). 

From Nagasaki Airport 
Via the high speed boat service is the most convenient way to get to the resort from here.
(50 minutes, 1960 yen, hourly departures between 10:00 and 15:00). 


 

Mount Inasa (Inasayama) is a 333 meter high mountain and near Nagasaki's city center. 

The summit can be reached by ropeway, bus or car and offers nice views over the city.
As a matter of fact, the night views from Mount Inasa are ranked among Japan's three best night views besides the views from Mount Rokko and Mount Hakodate. 

An observation deck with restaurant is placed at the summit. 

Access Information:
By ropeway The ropeway ride takes five minutes with a cost 720 yen (one way) or 1230 yen (round trip).
A discount coupon is available online.
Operation hours are from 9:00 to 22:00 (suspended for maintenance in early December).
It departs every 15-20 minutes. 

From Nagasaki Station to the ropeway's lower stationTwo of them are connected with frequently operating Nagasaki Bus.

From "Takaramachi" tram stopIt takes a five minute walk.

By car or taxi Parking is available close to the summit of Mount Inasa.
The car ride from Nagasaki Station takes roughly 15 minutes, while a taxi ride costs around 2000 yen one way. 

By bus From mid March to mid December, Nagasaki Bus provides a connection from Nagasaki Station to Inasayama bus stop,
which takes a 15 minute climb from the summit. 
The one- way journey takes roughly 15 minutes with a cost 150 yen.
The buses run every 30-60 minutes.

 

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is one of the most intriguing festivals in Japan.
It is held annually in early July and climaxes with a spectacular time trial race in the early morning hours of July 15.
In the race, seven neighborhoods of Fukuoka's Hakata district compete in pushing colorful festival floats along a five kilometer long course through the city.

The festival is famous for two different types of floats: 
The larger kazariyama floats stand over ten meters tall, weighing over two tons.
In the past they were raced through the streets, but, after power lines were introduced in the Meiji Period,this became problematic, and today they only serve as decorative floats.
14 of them stand spread out across the city from July 1 to 14, including two at Hakata Station and Canal City Hakata. 

For the race, smaller sized kakiyama floats, about five meters tall weighing one ton, are used today.
There are seven of them, one for each of the neighborhoods participating in the race.
Since the floats do not have wheels and are dragged through the streets, water is sprinkled in front of the float so that frictionbetween the float and the road surface can be reduced
(and the participants can be cooled down). 

From July 10 to 14, the seven teams hold several practice runs and parades in preparation for the main race.
You will get a good English festival booklet with detailed maps and time schedules for these events which are interesting to watch.

On July 15 just after 1am, all 7 teams are ready at the starting point,
which is located in front of Kushida Shrine, the festival's host shrine. 

On July 15 at 4:59am, just before sunrise, the first team starts into the race, followed by the other teams in five minute intervals.
In spite of the early time of the day, thousands of spectators gather along the five-kilometer long course,
which includes several tight turns and long stretches along both narrow lanes and broad streets.
It takes each team about 30 minutes of intense effort to finish the course. 

There are a lot of spots to see the race along its long course, except around some of the more spectacular sections,
for example, the start area, where people show up hours in advance to keep good spots to watch the race.
Paid seating is available in the small court yard of Kushida Shrine, where each team has to push its float around a pole,
but these seats are virtually impossible to get because of the high competition. 

How to get there 
The festival is held in the Hakata district of Fukuoka.
Kushida Shrine is located a 5- minute walk from Canal City Hakata or Gion Subway Station,
or a 15-20 minute walk from Hakata Station.


 

Fukuoka's open air food stands (Yatai) are possibly the city's most famous symbol.
A yatai food stand can usually seat about seven or eight people and you will enjoy various foods that are generally simple and filling, in an outdoor setting.
There are over 150 yatai food stands scattered across Fukuoka but the best place to find them is on the southern end of Nakasu Island.
Located in the middle of the city, Nakasu Island has a long row of about 20 yatai food stands where you will feel you are just near water. 

Typical dishes enjoyed at yatai are grilled chicken skewers (yakitori), hot pot (oden) and most famously Hakata Ramen,a local noodle dish featuring relatively thin
ramen noodles in a pork bone based soup (tonkotsu).

Various alcoholic drinks are also available, and help make the yatai a great place to get in touch with the locals,although many of the "locals"
happen to be Japanese tourists visiting Fukuoka from other parts of Japan. 

Yatai are typically open from around 6pm to around 2am, except when the weather is very bad.
Many stands close one day of the week.
The closure day varies from stand to stand, but is often Sunday.
There can be waiting times for popular stands, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. 

How to get there  
Yatai are located throughout the city center, and visitors will likely come across some while walking through busy tourist areas in the evening. 
To reach the row of stalls on Nakasu Island travelers can take
the convenient 100 yen loop busfrom Hakata Station or Tenjin Station
(100 yen, departures every 5-10 minutes).
The closest subway stations are Nakasu Kawabata Station and Minami Tenjin Station, which are both about a 10 minute walk away. 


 

Canal City Hakata is a large shopping and entertainment complex,
calling itself a "city within the city".
Attractions include about 250 shops, cafes and restaurants, a theater, game center, cinemas, two hotels and a canal running through the complex. 

Visitors, who are planning on shopping, will likely be able to find something of interest in one of Canal City's many stores,
whether it be in a shop unique to Japan or a branch of an international company.
There is also a wide variety of restaurants, offering Japanese and international food, that generally have reasonably priced menus.
The fifth floor consists of the "Ramen Stadium", which has eight ramen shops with noodle dishes from across Japan, including the local specialty Hakata Ramen. 

Canal City has been designed to create a spacious and interesting atmosphere with creative and unique colors and shapes.
The artificial canal runs right through the middle of the five floored entertainment complex, creating a lot of open space.
At the center of the canal there is a fountain with water shows
every 30 minutes from 10:00 until 22:00. 

How to get there  

Canal City Hakata is a short ride by the 100 yen loop bus from Hakata Station or Tenjin Station (100 yen, departures every 5-10 minutes).
Alternatively, you can walk there in about 15 minutes from Hakata Station or in about 20 minutes from Tenjin Station.  


 

The ruins of Fukuoka Castle (福岡城跡, Fukuokajōato) are located in the middle of the city in Maizuru Park, named after the castle's alias, Maizuru Castle.

During the Edo Period (1603-1867), Fukuoka Castle used to be the largest castle on Kyushu,
but it was almost completely torn down after the Meiji Restoration as an unwanted symbol of the feudal past.
Nowadays only ruined walls and a few turrets remain, and the park attracts visitors with walking trails and a few lookout points. 

Fukuoka Castle was built in the beginning of the 17th century by Kuroda Nagamasa,
who was appointed lord of the surrounding Chikuzen feudal domain
(part of today's Fukuoka Prefecture) for his support of Tokugawa Ieyasu during the battle of Sekigahara.

The Kuroda clan ruled from the castle for more than two centuries until the abolition of the feudal system in 1870. 
The best time to visit the castle ruins is usually between late March and early April, when Maizuru Park turns into the city's most pleasant spot for cherry blossom viewing.
A number of walking paths are lined with cherry trees so that visitors can walk through a tunnel of flowers,and there are also plenty of lawned areas
for holding hanami parties under the blossoms. 

Among the few surviving or reconstructed castle buildings are some gates and guard towers, scattered across the castle grounds.
Parts of the moat system also remain, most noticeably on Maizuru Park's northern border and in form of the large lake at the center of the neighboring Ohori Park. 

How to get there  
The Fukuoka Castle Ruins can be reached in a 10-15 minute walk from Ohori Koen Subway Station.