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.

Kadoya  one of the art house project

Kadoya was the first art house completed. This nearly 200-year old house was restored using Japanese plaster, smoked cedar board, and traditional tiles. Artworks on display include a LED display set in a pool of water, a window turned into a digital display and an unconventional Japanese scroll painting.

Works:Tatsuo Miyajima
Closed : Mondays  Open on Mondays for national holidays but closed the next day
Hours: 10a.m-4:30p.m
Admission: 410yen

Go'o Shrine (護王神社)

Designed by Sugimoto Hiroshi
Go'o Shrine is an old Shinto shrine enshrined from the Edo period that has been restored with a modern makeover by Artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. An optical glass staircase leads from the worship hall to an underground chamber that represents the unity of heaven and earth. Visitors may enter the underground chamber from a narrow side entrance.

Hiroshi Sugimoto
He was born in Japan in 1948. A photographer since the 1970s, his work deals with history and temporal existence by investigating themes of time, empiricism, and metaphysics.

Closed: Mondays  Open on Mondays for national holidays but closed the next day
Hours: 10a.m - 4:30p.m
Admission: 410 yen

The Chichu Art Museum (地中美術館, Chichū Bijutsukan) is a unusual modern art museum built into a hillside overlooking the southern coast of Naoshima. The museum building, designed by Ando Tadao and itself a work of art, is mostly located underground and solely utilizes natural light to illuminate the artwork. This creates a viewing experience that is deeply influenced by the surrounding natural environment.

The museum has been built around quite a small collection of art. The first gallery shows large murals from Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" series. This is followed by a few works by James Turrell, who uses light as a medium. They include the "Open Sky" room from his "Skyspaces" series which has sister exhibits around the world including the 21st Century Museum in Kanazawa. Finally, the deepest part of the Chichu Museum houses the "Time/Timeless/No Time" installation by Walter De Maria.

Tickets are purchased at the museum's ticket center which is located a short walk downhill from the museum entrance. The ticket center has a small cafe and waiting area as only a limited number of visitors are allowed to the museum at one time. There are also coin lockers available since bags and cameras are not allowed in the museum and must be stowed before entering.    
Access info                                                                        
There are one or two buses per hour from Miyanoura Ferry Terminal via Honmura to the Tsutsujiso bus stop at the east gate of the Benesse House (15 minutes, 100 yen), from where it is possible to walk (30 minutes) or take a free shuttle bus to the Chichu Art Museum (10 minutes). Or the museum is about a two kilometer bicycle ride (10 minutes) or walk (30-40 minutes) from the Miyanoura ferry terminal.

From the Chichu Art Museum it is just a few minutes on the free shuttle bus to either the Lee Ufan Museum or the Benesse House. It is also possible to walk between the museums (5 and 15 minutes respectively).                                                      

Chichu Art Museum
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October to February) 
Admission ends one hour prior to closing time
Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday)
Infrequent irregular closures for maintenance
Admission: 2060 yen

The 007 Museum is devoted to the James Bond novel "The Man with the Red Tattoo" by Raymond Benson. The story is set partially on Naoshima; however, it was never made into a movie. The purpose of the museum is to bring attention to the novel with the hope that it will eventually be adapted to film.

Exhibits include fan art and scenes from "The Man with the Red Tattoo" and a short movie titled "From Naoshima with Love", which was filmed on Naoshima and close by Takamatsu. In addition, there are posters and paraphernalia from actual Bond movies, especially from the movie "You Only Live Twice", so far the only James Bond movie set in Japan.  
Access info                           
The 007 Museum is a short walk from the Miyanoura Ferry Terminal.      

Schedule &cost       
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: New Year holidays
Admission: Free
English information is available on its Website.

Kompirasan, officially known as Kotohiragu, is the main shrine of multiple Kompira shrines found around Japan that are dedicated to sailors and seafaring. It is located on the wooded slope of Mount Zozu in Kotohira and the approach to Kompirasan is a laborious series of 1,368 stone steps.

Over many centuries, Kompirasan had been revered as a mixture between Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine, until it was officially declared a shrine in the beginning of the Meiji Period during government efforts to separate the two religions. Nevertheless, the previous symbiosis is still visible in Kompirasan's architecture which displays both Shinto and Buddhist elements.                                                              

Kompirasan is a highly popular site visited by pilgrims from across the country despite being one of the most difficult shrine approaches in Japan. The approach begins amongst a touristy shopping arcade filled with souvenir shops and Sanuki Udon restaurants, from where it is a 785- step climb (about 45 minutes) past a number of auxiliary shrine buildings and museums to the main hall of the shrine.

Next to the main hall is a viewpoint overlooking Kotohira Town, and the Ema Hall which exhibits plates and pictures of ships, battleships and even space rockets whose crews sought the protection of the shrine. A real mini submarine is also displayed.
For the tourists have enough energy it is an additional 583 steps (an additional 45 minutes) along a paved, forested path to the inner shrine (Okusha) of the complex.
Most visitors only make it up to the main hall; however, Those unable (or unwilling) to make the climb, can hire a palanquin (5300 yen one way or 6500 yen round trip) up to the main hall or take a bus (see details below).  

Access info
The start of the long approach to Kompirasan is a 10 to 15 minute walk from JR Kotohira and Kotoden Kotohira Stations.

Takamijima Island, a part of Shiwaku Island Chain in the Seto Inland Sea, is a small beautiful island with deep historic roots.
The name Takamijima literally translates to “high view island.” This may be explained by Mount Ryouzan which lies in the center of the island. 

Visitors may wish to visit the southern part of the island where the Hama District is.
Here is the Takami Hachiman Shrine. Visitors will find a unique graveyard here as well.
The graves on this island have a dual burial system.  
There is one grave which holds the remains of the deceased.
The other grave is for family members to visit and pay their respects to the deceased.
 

On the north end of the island was the Itamochi District.
However, due to the depopulation crisis affecting rural areas of Japan, no one lives in the Itamochi District anymore.
Most of the island residents, less than 100 people, live primarily in the small fishing village located on southeastern shore.
Visitors will find homes and fish factories north of the port with many friendly cats prowling nearby hoping for a sample or scrap.
 

Visitors wandering through the Ura District located 50 meters into the mountains will encounter the maze of narrow stone
walled alleys reflecting a time when foot traffic was all a village encountered.
The homes built during the Edo period are preserved here as well.
This traditional island scenery has earned this area a few appearances on the big screen.
However, most of the homes do not any people living there, making this district a ghost town as well.
 

Being one of the venues of the Setouchi Triennale, a modern art festival with multiple
locations among the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Takamijima is working hard to revive its population and economy.
Hoping to rebrand itself as a home to contemporary art, two of the art pieces from the festivals have a permanent home on the island.
It is unfortunate, however, that the public viewing of the pieces is rare.
 

Access Information:
1.  Access to Tadotsu Station (nearest train station to Takamijima)
*from Marugame Station—Board the local JR train to Tadotsu Station.
  The one way journey is 5 minutes with a cost of 210 yen.
**from Takamatsu Station—Board the local or limited express JR train to Tadotsu Station.
  The one way journey is 30-55 minutes with a cost of 660 to 1930 yen.
**from Okayama Station—Board the local or limited express JR train to Tadotsu Station.
  The one way journey is 45-60 minutes with a cost of 1110 to 2810 yen.

2.  From Tadotsu Train Station to Tadotsu Port
**By foot—15-20 walk
**Taxi—Short Taxi Ride
3.  Tadotsu Port to Takamijima
By Ferry—There are 4 ferries daily to the Takamijima.
The one way journey will take 25 minutes with a cost of 480 yen.


 

Kochi City(高知), the capital of Kochi Prefecture, located in Shikoku has both the convenience of city lifewith tram transportation available in the downtown area as well
as an abundance of nature where the simple pleasures in life can still be experienced. 

There are numerous places to visit in Kochi.  
One of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Chikurenji Temple is located on Mount Godaisan.
The Kochi Castle, one of the 12 original Japanese castles, is located in the downtown area.
An original castle is a castle which remained intact after the feudal period.
One of the key figures of the Meiji Restoration, Sakamoto Ryoma is from Kochi.
The Sakamoto Ryoma Museum is located at Katsurahama Beach.

In addition to just looking, visitors may wish to partake in the local seafood which is fresh and delicious.
The local delicacy, slightly broiled bonito is particularly popular among the locals and visitors.
The Hirame Market is large food court type building where inexpensive but fresh seafood can be purchased and consumed.
In addition to eating, the city holds the Yosakai Festival in the summer, which is fun for all!


 

Seafood lovers must visit Koichi, the southernmost prefecture of Shikoku, and try their specialty katsuo no tataki (鰹のタタキ).  
Katsuo is the fish bonito with katsuo no tataki to mean the bonito out layer has been lightly broiled.
 Traditionally, this is done over a straw fire.
Katsuo no tataki is served with finely chopped green onions, ginger and garlic.
 Visitors can dip the piece of fish into salt or soy sauce with vinegar before consuming.

There is no “katsuo no tataki” specialty store.
However, visitors can visit any seafood restaurant or izakaya in Kochi to try this fresh, super delicious seafood. 

Bonito flakes are used for seasoning in many foods.
It is also used for the stock in miso soup.
Kochi’s katsuo-bushi (bonito flakes) are among the best in Japan.
Visitors will find many store in Kochi selling katsuo (bonito) related souvenirs.


 

Within downtown Kochi in Shikoku lies Mount Godaisan, famous for its beautiful views of the city.
A group of visiting Chinese priests named Mount Godaisan after a mountain in China.

And on Mount Godaisan lies Chikurinji Temple, number 31 on the Shikoku Pilgrim Map.
Visitors interested in cultural as well as scholastic Buddhist training should visit Chikurinji Temple.
This temple was founded by the same group of visiting Chinese priests who named the mountain. 

Within the temple grounds, visitors will come across various beautiful halls and structures.  
The 5-story pagoda on the temple grounds is breathtaking.
 In addition, for a small fee, visitors can enter the treasure hall as well as the hondo (main hall).
Within the treasure hall, Buddhist statues as well of precious Buddhist scrolls are displayed.  
From the hondo, visitors can view the temple’s well maintained garden.

Chikurinji Temple
Hours: 8:30 to 17:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: Free (grounds), 400 yen (treasure hall and hondo)

Visitors may wish to visit the Makino Botanical Garden near Chikurinji.
Named after Dr Makino Tomitaro, visitors can enjoy the outdoors park, greenhouse, and walkways, this garden holds.  
There are several museum halls on the property where visitors can learn about Dr Makino and his research.

Makino Botanical Garden
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: December 27th to January 1st 
Admission: 720 yen

Access Information:
Via Bus:
From the JR Kochi Station, board the My Yu Bus.  
The one-way journey takes about 25 minutes.  
The following day pass options are available:
*600 yen for unlimited journeys between Kochi Station and Godaisan 
*1000 yen for unlimited journeys between Kochi Station, Godaisan and Katsurahama Beach.
NOTE: Day passes are only valid for the day they have been purchased.
Via Taxi:
From the JR Kochi Station to the summit of Godaisan, the one-way journey will take about 20 minutes with a cost of 1500 yen.  


 

Kochi Castle, in downtown Kochi City, Shikoku, is one of the twelve original Japanese castles.
An original castle is a castle which has survived fires, wars and other disasters of Japan’s post feudal ages.  

The castle was built between 1601 and 1611.
 However, due to a fire, the main building were reconstructed in 1748.
Designated as “important cultural properties”, the castle building holds local treasures and important artifacts.

In Japan, though the lord rules from the castle, his residence was in a separate palace.
 In the case of Koichi castle, the main tower was used both as a command center and the Yamauchi lords residence.

The castle’s old fashioned wooden interior reflects the Edo time period.
And from the once lookout point located at the top floor of the castle tower, visitors can enjoy views of the city.

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30) 
Closed: December 26th to January 1st 
Admission: 420 yen