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.

Japan and its people are very proud of Shimanami Kaido Bridge, the world’s longest series of suspension bridges, which connects Honshu (Japan’s main island) with Shikoku. Visitors can enter or exit the bridge from either Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture on the Honshu side or from Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture on the Shikoku side. This 60 kilometer long bridge-toll road can be utilized by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Visitors can use Shimanami Kaido to visit Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima islands as the bridge has exits for its users to stop along the Seto Inland Islands on their way to Honshu or Shikoku. Some areas of attractions on the islands include:
**Innoshima Suigun Castle on Innoshima Island. Though not the original castle, the recreated naval castle is modeled after the original castle from the 14th to 15th centuries. Visitors will find a museum about the Japanese navy within the castle.
**Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima Island. Dedicated to the founder’s mother, the buildings within the temple grounds are modeled after famous Japanese historic structures. This temple has a museum as well displaying rare, high quality antique art pieces.
**Oyamazumi Jinja (Shrine) on Omishima Island.  The deity enshrined at this shrine is the protector of the sailors and soldiers. The shrine is also famous for its collection of historic armor and swords.
**Kirosan Observatory Park on Oshima Island.  Visitors can view Kurushima-kaiyo Strait Bridge, the first three consecutive suspension bridges in the world! In addition, Kurshima-kaiyo Strait, one of the three fastest currents in Japan can be seen here.

In addition to the tourist attractions, visitors can enjoy the fresh sea air, cool sea breeze as well as sunshine on this island hopping bridge.  Visitors will find beautiful beaches on the islands.  There are campgrounds as well as hot spring inns (ryokan) for those who wish to spend the night.

Visitors are recommended to try the local fruits and vegetables these islands are proud of. Citrus is especially popular in this area. The seafood, caught from the surrounding Seto Inland Sea, is delicious as well. Sea bream. Octopus, Shellfish (including short-neck clams and freshwater clams) are but a few of the popular seafood in this area.

The bridge can be accessed by car, moped, bus, and bicycle or on foot. There are ferries as well to the islands with the Shimanami Kaido Bridge in the background. Not just a bridge, toll way connecting the islands as well Honshu and Shikoku, Shimanami Kaido is new way to access, discover and experience Japan treasures. 

Surrounded by water, it seems only appropriate there would be an aquarium displaying its neighboring creatures on the island of Miyajima, located in the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture.  Located on the far western end of the island, the Miyajima Public Aquarium (宮島水族館) was rebuilt and reopened in August 2011 to offer even better information and services to all who visited the facility.

The aquarium houses creatures of the sea residing in both salt water and fresh water. Visitors can view sea life from the waters surrounding Miyajima, Seto Inland Sea as well as from various bodies of water around the world.  Visitors will encounter various aquatic unique displays such as the oyster farm, showing how Hiroshima’s specialty, the oysters are grown. The aquarium has an interactive section for children to touch sea creatures such as starfish and other “safe” sea life. At designated times during the day, the aquarium hosts sea lion shows which bring laughter and delight to visitors of all ages. In addition to the sea lion show, the aquarium has a penguin parade for visitors to see the penguin at a closer distance.

Facility Information
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)
Closed: from December 26th to 30th
Admission: 1400 yen

Access Information:
on foot:
**10 minutes from Itsukushima Shrine
**20 minutes from Miyajima Ferry Port

Hagi Castle (萩城), built in 1604, was the ruling home for the Mori Clan, one of the most powerful clans in Japan.  At the end of the feudal era (second half of the 19th century), the castle was destroyed.  Only its moats and walls remain today.

The castle ruins are located in the Shizuki Park in the northwestern tip of the city. Besides the remains of the castle, the park has a teahouse and shrine.  With bicycles allowed in the park, visitors can see people cycling around or taking a leisurely walk.  Mount Shizuki is located in the park and visitors can climb to the peak in about 20 minutes.


Access Information:
**By Bicycle: 10-20 minute bicycle ride from Higashi-Hagi Station
**On foot:  30-45 minute walk from Higashi-Hagi Station
**By Bus:  “Maru Bus” West Loop and disembarking at Shizukikoen Iriguchi bus stop. From the bus stop, a 5 minute walk

Hours: 8:00 to 18:30 (April to October)
8:30 to 16:30 (November to February)
8:30 to 18:00 (March)
Closed: Opened all year round
Admission: 210 yen

Mount Kasayama (笠山) is a short mountain of height 112 meters, situated on a peninsula about six kilometers north of Hagi's city center. At its summit is a small crater of that measures just 30 meters in diameter and depth, which visitors can descend into via a flight of stairs or circle around via a short path. There is also an observation deck which affords good views over the Sea of Japan.

Camellia gregarious forest
In Toragasaki located the top of the Kasayama, there is a gregarious forest of 25,000 camellias. Many people come to see it when it is in their glory- between the end of February and the end of March.

At the foot of Mount Kasayama lies Myojinike Pond, which offers the setting for a nice stroll. In the woods near the pond are the Kazaana Holes, openings in the rocky forest floor, from which cool air constantly blows. This phenomenon is the result of the evaporation of sea and rain water which had penetrated the rocky surface, whereby lowering the temperature of the surrounding air. This natural air conditioner is especially popular during the hot summers, and meals and drinks are served around the holes (10:00 to 16:00, except Wednesdays).

By Bus
Mount Kasayama is located about six kilometers north of Hagi's city center.
Take a bus bound for Koshigahama (越ヶ浜) from Hagi Bus Center or Higashi-Hagi Station to its terminal stop Koshigahama which is just a few steps away from Myojinike Pond. The one way ride from the bus center takes 20 minutes (300 yen). There are buses every 1-2 hours. Walking from the pond up to Kasayama's summit takes about 30 minutes.

How to go Myojinike Pond
Myojinike Pond can be reached from the city center in about 15 minutes by car or in about 30-45 minutes by bicycle. A taxi ride from Higashi-Hagi Station will cost around 1800 yen. To the summit around 2200 yen.

There are so many things to do and enjoy in Shodoshima Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea of the coast of Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku.  From driving along the Shodoshima Skyline to view the gorge near the Monkey Park and Kankakei Gorge to the paying homage to the temples on the Pilgrim Road, visitors could relax, explore, and find themselves.  In addition, visitors may be interested in the Osaka Castle Stones or Angel Road.

Osaka Castle Stones/Michi No Eki
Shodoshima is well known for its quality stones. As a result, stones from the destruction of the Osaka Castle were shipped to Shodoshima to be restored and re-cut for the reconstruction of the Castle. Some of the stones still remain on the island and can be seen on the northeastern tip of the island. 

Visitors interested in stone cutting may wish to visit the former site of a stone cutting workshop.  Though closed now, there are still many unfinished stone pieces remaining for visitors to view. The Osaka Castle Stones Michi no Eki is another site for people interested in the castle stones to stop by. Michi no Eki literally means a station on the road, and this is a rest area for drivers and passengers.  At the Osaka Castle Stones Michi no Eki, visitors can visit the museum featuring tools used in the past.  Castle stones are also displayed here as well.

Osaka Castle Stones Michi no Eki
Hours: 9:00 to 16:30
Closed: December 29th to January 3rd
Admission: Free      
                       
Angel Road
This heavenly named road is truly a thing of wonder. This sandbar located near the Tonosho Port can only be crossed during low tide. Many couples come to this island, hoping to cross the Angel Road as it is said if a couple crosses the sandbar hand-in-hand, they can find true happiness together.  There are people who write their wishes for love on wooden boards (ema) to be hung on a tree here, in hopes their wish will come true.

Senmaida
Literally translated to mean one thousand rice fields, visitors will find hundreds of rice fields embedded into to the hillside on Shodoshima. These rice fields create the illusion of being steps of along a staircase of rice fields ascending to the top of the mountain.  There is an outdoors kabuki stage, as well, in a village nearby. Since the Edo Period, local kabuki plays have been performed here. 

Access Information

Osaka Castle Stone Cutting Workshop
Board the bus from Fukuda Port, Kusakabe Port or Tonosho Port. The workshop ruins are located along the Minamimawari Fukuda bus line (南廻り福田線). Disembark at Iwagatani (岩ケ谷) bus stop.
From Fukuda port, the journey will take 10 minutes with a cost of 380 yen.
From Kusakabe Port, the journey will take 20 minutes with a cost of 390 yen.
From Tonosho Port, the journey will take 50 minutes and 940 yen.
There is one bus every two hours.

Osaka Castle Stones Michi no Eki
Board the bus from Tonosho Port or Fukuda Port. The Osaka Castle Stones Michi no Eki is located along the Kitamawari Fukuda bus line (北廻り福田線) and disembark at Omi (小海) bus stop.
From Tonosho Port, the journey will take 25 minutes with a cost of 550 yen.
From Fukuda Port, the journey will take 30 minutes with a cost of 810 yen.
There is one bus every 90 minutes.

History enthusiastic will want to visit the set of the movie “Nijushi no Hitomi” or “Twenty-Four Eyes” on Shodoshima Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea along the coast of Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku. The movie is about a schoolteacher and her students during the rise of Japanese nationalism prior to World War II. The movie was remade in color in 1987. Upon completion of the 1987 filming, the movie set became the Nijushi no Hitomi Eigamura, opened for anyone and everyone to explore.

Visitors will find the movie makers have reconstructed an entire village for the filming of the movie.  From the school house to the homes, shrine and fields, visitors are allowed to wander around and take in the atmosphere of the set.

Though the whole set is filled historic structures, there are a few buildings that offer services in addition to aesthetic and cultural value.  For example, visitors may want to visit the restaurant which serves traditional Japanese lunches.  Likewise, there is an old-fashioned movie theater featuring the movie “Nijushi no Hitomi” or “Twenty-Four Eyes”. There are two small museums where visitors can learn about the writer as well as Japanese cinema.

Though it is not a part of Nijushi no Hitomi Eigamura, the school from the original movie is located near the movie village. Not a replica, a real elementary school was used for the filming of the original movie. Visitors are allowed entry here as well as to explore the three traditional wooden classrooms. 

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (from 8:30 in November)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 700 yen (movie village only) 
200 yen (original school house only) 
790 yen (movie village and original school house) 
A 10 percent discount coupon is available online.
Amount of English: None

Access Information
Via Bus
From Tonosho Port, board the bus to Eigamura (映画村) (final destination). The journey should take about 60 minutes and the cost is 1020 yen one-way).  There are only 3 buses per day.
From Kusakabe Port, board the bus to Eigamura (映画村) (final destination). The journey should take about 30 minutes and the cost is 490 yen one-way).  There are only 3 buses per day.
From Sakate Port, board the bus to Eigamura (映画村) (final destination). The journey should take 40 about minutes and the cost is 370 yen one-way).  There are only 3 buses per day
  
By car or taxi
From Tonosho Port, the journey will take about 1 hour.  The taxi cost is about 8500 yen.
From Fukuda Port, the journey will take about 45 minutes.  The taxi cost is about 7500 yen.
From Kusakabe Port, the journey will take about 25 minutes.  The taxi cost is about 1200 yen.

The Phoenix Seagaia Resort is a gigantic oceanside resort spanning nearly 10 kilometers of coastline just north of central Miyazaki City.
More than just a collection of hotels, Seagaia is a symbol of Miyazaki's resort heritage and offers its guests a lot of things to do.

Although some parts of Seagaia have been closed because of post economic bubble restructuring,
there are still many attractions on the grounds including hot springs, beaches with excellent surfing and a zoo.
There are also world CLASS tennis and golf facilities where international competitions are regularｌｙheld.

Miyazaki was once the most popular honeymoon site for domestic newlyweds until it was exceeded by Okinawa and Hawaii in the 1980s.
The Seagaia resort was built in the early 1990s as state of the art symbol of Miyazaki's resort tourism with the hope of attracting tourists and revitalizing the economy.

By 2001, however, the Seagaia Resort went bankrupt and was sold to a foreign investment firm that revitalized the resort,
streamlined its operations and closed unprofitable attractions like the Ocean Dome, which is the world's largest indoor water park and a main landmark of the resort.
More recently the resort, which is still struggling financially, was sold to Sega Sammy in 2012.

Access Information:
From Miyazaki Station
By Bus Board a bus to Sheraton Grandebus stop.
The one way journey will take 25 minutes with a cost of 510yen.
By taxi: It will take about 15 minutes with a cost of about 2500yen.
From Miyazaki Airport
by bus: It will take 25minutes with a cost of 850yen.
By taxi: It will take around 20 minutes with a cost of about 4500 yen.



 

Located within the hot springs prefecture of Oita in Kyushu is the world famous hot springs resort town of Beppu.
It also has eight major geothermal hot spots, sometimes referred to as the "eight hells of Beppu.
They are presented to visitors in a rather touristy fashion.

Umitamago
Umitamago, is also known as "Oita Marine Palace", is an attractive aquarium just outside of Beppu.
The main water tank  includes over 90 types, and 1500 fishes so if you stand on the glass floor you can feel like you are inside the ocean.
Animals living in Umitamago include seals, otters, dolphins, penguins and various fish.

A visit to Umitamago Aquarium is best combined with a visit to the nearby Takasakiyama Monkey Park.

Access Information:

From Oita station
Oita transportation bus "Oitaekimae" → "Takasakiyama nature Dobutsuenmae"
* "Jiang line about" bus ride "Kannawa line", "Kunisaki Line"
It takes about a 10 minute bus ride.The "Monkey Marine Ticket" for 2260 yen
consists of a round trip from Beppu to the Umitamago Aquarium and admission
to the aquarium and nearby Takasakiyama Monkey Park.