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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.

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.

Kazurabashi Bridge 
Suspension bridges made of mountain vines (kazurabashi) were one of the only ways to easily move people and goods across the river of the of the Iya Valley in the past.
Their origins are unclear but legends say that they were either first raised by Kobo Daishi, who was founder of the Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism,
or built by Heike refugees hiding in the area after their defeat in the Gempei War or Genpei kassen (1180-1185) as a means of quickly cutting off access to the valley.

There are only three surviving bridge as though 13 bridges once spanned the valley.
Iya Kazurabashi (祖谷かずら橋), the largest and most popular of the remaining bridges, stretches 45 meters across the Iya River at the center of the valley,
and offers visitors an restless view of the water 14 meters below the open slats of the span.
The bridge is rebuilt every three years and is anchored to tall cedar trees at both ends and has steel cables hidden within the vines for safety.
The bridge a one way street

Hours: Sunrise to sunset (illuminated in the evenings from 19:00 to 21:00)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 500 yen
The level of English: Good

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.

The Oboke Gorge (Ōboke) has unusual geological strata, including a rudaceous schist formation designated as a natural monument.
Oboke Gorge and neighboring Koboke Gorge a little ways downstream, are narrow, steep sided gorges near the entrance to the Iya Valley.
Their names mean "big dangerous steps" and "small dangerous steps" as their jagged, rocky walls can be dangerous to navigate.
Yoshino River has cut through the Shikoku Mountains over the ages, eroding crystalline schist into winding gorges with myriad shapes and forms,
which almost look like marble statues. 

The gorges are one of the leading outdoor destinations in Japan and are known for their beautiful natural scenery and for the variety of outdoor attractions.

Oboke Sightseeing Boat Cruise

Guides show interesting rocks, many of which resemble different animals, along the way on this gentle 30 minute boat ride down the Yoshino River.
Boats depart and return to a dock a short ways away from Lapis Oboke and Oboke Station.
Passenger requires taking off their shoes and sitting on the floor of the boat during the cruise.

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 
Closed: No closing days 
Admission: 1080 yen

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

The Oboke Gorge (Ōboke) has unusual geological strata, including a rudaceous schist formation designated as a natural monument.
Oboke Gorge and neighboring Koboke Gorge a little ways downstream, are narrow, steep sided gorges near the entrance to the Iya Valley.
Their names mean "big dangerous steps" and "small dangerous steps" as their jagged, rocky walls can be dangerous to navigate.
Yoshino River has cut through the Shikoku Mountains over the ages, eroding crystalline schist into winding gorges with myriad shapes and forms,
which almost look like marble statues. 

The gorges are one of the leading outdoor destinations in Japan and are known for their beautiful natural scenery and for the variety of outdoor attractions.

Lapis Oboke
Lapis Oboke is a rest area (called Michi no Eki meaning, station on the road) close to Oboke Station with a tourist information center, restaurant and shop.
Inside is the funny little Yokai Museum featuring models and dioramas of the ghosts and monsters (yokai), such as Demon King.
The Museum was recognized by cartoonist, Mizuki Shigeru.  
A small gem museum resides on the floor above the Yokai Museum. 

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 
Closed: Mondays from December to February 
Admission: 500 yen (both museums) 
The level of English: Moderate
 

The Oboke Gorge (Ōboke) has unusual geological strata, including a rudaceous schist formation designated as a natural monument.
Oboke Gorge and neighboring Koboke Gorge a little ways downstream, are narrow, steep sided gorges near the entrance to the Iya Valley.
Their names mean "big dangerous steps" and "small dangerous steps" as their jagged, rocky walls can be dangerous to navigate.
Yoshino River has cut through the Shikoku Mountains over the ages, eroding crystalline schist into winding gorges with myriad shapes and forms, which almost look like marble statues. 

The gorges are one of the leading outdoor destinations in Japan and are known for their beautiful natural scenery and for the variety of outdoor attractions.

River Rafting
The upstream of the Yoshino river, called Oboke and Koboke is famous for its torrent.
And the river  is one of Japan's most well known destinations for whitewater rafting.
There are several outdoor adventure companies which offer guided tours.
Full day and half day rafting tours are available, as well as a variety of other adventures sports such as hydrospeed and canyoning.

Hours: 8:00 to 20:00 
Season: April to November 
Admission: Half day tours start from 5200 yen
Some company has an English web site.

Miyako Island (Miyakojima), located 300 kilometers south of Okinawa Main Island,
is known for some of Japan's best beaches and as a great destination for diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs.
The subtropical climate provides mild weather all year around.

The Beaches of Miyako Island
There are picturesque sand beaches for swimming and relaxing.
While the beaches are open year round.
Best enjoyable months are from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees and the water is very warm.

Sunayama Beach 
With its beautiful white sand, clear blue waters and rock formations, Sunayama Beach is one of Miyako's most beautiful beaches.
It is reached in a short walk over a sand hill from the parking lot.
Its facilities include showers and toilets.

Access Information:
Miyako Island is a relatively small island, measuring about 25 kilometers from south to north and about 15 kilometers from east to west.
A rental car is the most convenient means of getting around Miyako.


 

Japan southernmost group of islands, Okinawa, has many sights of interests for its visitors.
Iriomote Island(西表島) is Okinawa’s second largest island. Being undeveloped,
natural lovers will be happy to learn 90% of the island is a jungle with its own mangrove forest.

The best way to explore the island is by its rivers.
The two longest rivers of the island are the Urachigawa (Uchigawa River) and the Nakamagawa (Nakama River).
Boat cruises are available among these two rivers.
Other options include a guided Kayak tours along these two rivers as well as some of the smaller rivers.

Nakama River Cruise departs from Ohara, located in the southern part of the island.
The boat will travel inland to a large mangrove tree.
Here, the tour members have the option to disembark from the boat to walk around the island for a few minutes before the journey back.
 The cruise will take about 1 hour with a Japanese speaking guide providing Japanese explanations about the river and the mangrove trees.

Near the end of World WarII, Okinawa Island became the site of one of the war's bloodiest battles,
when the US forces invaded and occupied the island.
An estimated 200,000 people, including more than 100,000 civilians and 12,500 Americans were killed in the battle.

The devastating effects of the war had a deep impact on the local people.
There are a number of monuments and museums relating to the period throughout Okinawa Island.
The worst battle took place in the south, and that is where some of the larger monuments have been constructed.

Peace Memorial Museum, located in Okinawa Peace Memorial Park,
gives a sobering overview of the lead up to the battle,
the battle itself and the reconstruction of Okinawa.

Cornerstone of Peace
It’s a collection of large stone plates with the names of all fallen soldiers and civilians,
including Koreans, Taiwanese, Americans and Britons. 

Himeyuri Monument (Himeyuri no To)
. It commemorates the fate of female high school students, who worked in army field hospitals in caves under horrendous conditions.
Most of them did not survive the war.

Former Navy Underground Headquarters
It consists of several hundred meters of underground corridors and rooms that served as the Japanese navy's headquarters during the war.
A lot of sailors committed suicide in these tunnels, after their situation had grown hopeless towards the end of the battle. 

Peace Memorial Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed: December 29th to January 3rd and occasional irregular closures
Admission: 300 yen
Level of English: Good

Himeyuri Monument
Hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (ast entry at 17:00)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 310 yen

Former Navy Underground Headquarters
Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (until 17:30 from July to September)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 440 yen
Level of English: Moderate

Access Information:
From Naha Bus Terminal, board bus number 89 to Itoman Terminal
(60 minutes, 580 yen, departures every 10 minutes),
transfer to bus number 82 and get off at Heiwakinendo Iriguchi (20 minutes, 470 yen, departures every 1-2 hours). 

Himeyuri Monument
From Itoman, board bus number 82, 107 or 108 and get off at Himeyuri-no-to (20 minutes, 320 yen, 1-2 buses/hour). 

Former Navy Underground Headquarters
From the Naha Bus Terminal/Asahibashi, board bus number 55 or 98 to Tomigusuku Minami
(15 minutes, 260 yen, 3-5 buses/hour)
from where the Former Navy Underground Headquarters are a ten minute walk up the hill. 
 

The Mihama American Village is a large entertainment complex located in central Okinawa Island.
 There are Many American military bases in the area, and the entertainment complex' theme of Americana shows
a feeling of nostalgic pleasure to residents of the bases as well as an interesting diversion for the locals.
The Mihama American Village is similar to a big American outdoor shopping mall with lots of shops, restaurants, cafes and a large parking lot.

The most noticeable feature of the American Village is the large Ferris Wheel.
The Americana theme is found at many establishments, like fashion shops selling
American brand clothing or restaurants specializing in hot dogs and hamburgers.

American and Japanese movies are shown at the Mihama 7 PLEX movie theater.
Just a few steps away along the waterfront is Sunset Beach.
Facing westward, the beach is a good place to watch the sunset and is a popular spot for barbecues.

Shops and Restaurants
Hours: Hours vary. Most shops and restaurants are open from 11:00 to 21:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round

Sky Max 60 Ferris Wheel
Hours: 11:00 to 22:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round (except in the case of typhoon)
Admission: 500 yen

Access Information:
The Mihama American Village is located in central Okinawa Island, about 15 kilometers north of Naha.

Via bus
From the Naha Bus Terminal, board bus number 28, 29 or 120 to Gunbyoin-mae
(軍病院前, also known as Army Hospital-mae or US Naval Hospital, 40 minutes, 730 yen, frequent departures)
or Kuwae (桑江) bus stop from where the American Village can be reached in a short walk.


 

The Zakimi Castle Ruins are located on a hill in central Okinawa Island.
Only the stone walls remain, which visitors can ascend for nice views over the ruins and
the surrounding area and as far as Shuri Castle in the distance.
The castle is included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Zakimi Castle was built between 1416 and 1422 by the Chuzan Kingdom which ruled over central Okinawa Island.
The castle served as a safeguard against rebels in the north.
After the Chuzan Kingdom defeated the Hokuzan Kingdom in the north and eventually united the island into the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Next to the parking lot, there is a small museum with displays on local art, folkcraft, and history.
The museum exhibits archaeological relics, dwellings, funerary customs and the war.

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

Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed: Mondays, national holidays, Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday
June 23, December 29th to January 3rd
Admission: 200 yen
Level of English: Moderate

Access Information:
The Zakimi Castle Ruins are located in central Okinawa Island, about 25 kilometers north of Naha.

Via bus
1.From Naha Bus Terminal , board bus number 28 to Takashiho Iriguchi
(高志保入口, 80 minutes, 1060 yen, 2-4 buses per hour),
from where the castle ruins can be reached in a 20-30 minute walk. 
2. There are infrequent 2.buses along line 29 that stop at Zakimi bus top
(座喜味, 80 minutes, 1020 yen, 5-6 buses per day),
a ten minute walk from the castle ruins.

Katsuren Castle (勝連城 Katsuren jō) is a Ryūkyūan gusuku in Uruma, Okinawa.
In the Okinawan language the castle is known as Kacchin Gushiku.
It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000
as part of one of the nine Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

The Katsuren Castle Ruins sit on a steep hill close to the coast and offer attractive views over the landscape below.
Just a few stone walls and foundations remain of the former castle. 

Facility Information:
Hours: Always open
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: Free

Access Information:
The Katsuren Castle Ruins are located in central Okinawa Honto in the middle of the Yokatsu Peninsula
that juts out to the east of the island, about 25 kilometers northeast of Naha.

Via bus
1.From Naha Bus Terminal, board bus number 52 to Katsuren Danchi-mae
(勝連団地前, 100 minutes, 1240 yen, 1-2 buses/hour),
from where the castle ruins can be reached in a five minute walk.
2. Board bus number 27 to Nishihara bus stop
(西原, 1-2 buses/hour),
but the bus ride takes 20 minutes longer and the bus stop is a ten minute walk from the castle ruins.

 

Nakamurake is a traditional Okinawan style house and it has been designated a major cultural asset by the Japanese government.
This house believed to have been built in early 19 th  century as the home of ａ wealthy  farmer. 

The method of construction is strongly reminiscent of the architectural style of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185-1568).
Special details were added everywhere, with farmhouse annexes to the samurai-style main house,
such as a high-floored warehouse, a storage shed, and animal pens.
All structures show the unique features of Okinawa's residential building style

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 17:30
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 500 yen

Access Information: 
The Nakamurake Residence is located in central Okinawa island,
about 15 kilometers northeast of Naha and just 500 meters from the Nakagusuku Castle Ruins.

Via bus
The closest bus stops are about two kilometers or around 40 minute walk away.
The most convenient among them is Kishaba (喜舎場),
served by highway bus number 111 and 113
(30 minutes, 800 yen from Naha Bus Center, 45 minutes, 920 yen from Naha Airport)
with 1-3 connections per hour.

 

Nakagusuku Castle is one of several castles, which were built across Okinawa during the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom,
which had been in existence for several centuries before Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879.

Only ruins remain of the castle today, but these are well preserved, and the castle's division into multiple citadels can still clearly be recognized.
There are also nice views of the surrounding area and Nakagusuku Bay from the castle ruins.

Nakagusuku Castle is among the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu,
which were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the year 2000.
It is recommended to COMBINE a visit to Nakagusuku Castle with a visit to nearby Nakamurake,
a beautiful, traditional Okinawan style residence from the 18th century.

Nakagusuku Castle is located in central Okinawa Honto, about 15 kilometers northeast of Naha.

By bus
Take bus number 30 from Naha Bus Terminal to Nakagusuku Shogakko-mae
(60 minutes, 750 yen, 2-4 buses per hour),
from where it is a 30 minute walk uphill to the castle.

By car
Take the Okinawa Expressway to the Kita-Nakagusuku Exit
(about 20 minutes from central Naha; more during rush hours),
from where signs will lead you in about five minutes to the nearby castle.

Hours: 8:30 to 17:00
(until 18:00 from May to September)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 400 yen

 

Ryukyu Mura (Ryukyu Village) is a small theme park featuring of traditional
Okinawan culture in the form of a recreated village from the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

The village shows a traditional residence with a red tiled roof and surrounding stone walls against typhoons,
a shrine and various workshops where visitors may participate in hands-on experiences such as playing the
sanshin guitar, pottery, weaving a coaster or painting a small shisa statue.

A variety of performances are held at the village, including eisa taiko drumming, dances, parades ,
concerts and reenacted historical ceremonies.
Visitors also have the opportunity to eat some popular Okinawan dishes and purchase a wide range of local souvenirs.

Access Information:
Ryukyu Mura is located in central Okinawa Honto, about 30 kilometers north of Naha.

Via bus
From Naha, board bus number 120 to Ryukyu Mura-mae bus stop
(琉球村前; 80 minutes, 1070 yen from Naha Bus Terminal or 90 minutes,
1160 yen from Naha Airport; 2 buses/hour)

Facility Information:
Hours: 8:30 to 17:30
( From July.1 to Sep30. 9:00 to 18:00)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 1200 yen


 

Nago Pineapple Park is a theme park full of Southern Fruits and Colorful Plants.
Pineapples have been cultivated on Okinawa as an agricultural product for around a century.

The admission ticket to the park includes a ride on an automatic vehicle which runs through pineapple fields and a tropical garden,
and all-you-can-sample pineapple products in the adjacent souvenir shop.
It sells various products like pineapple wines, juices, cakes, chocolates, as well as dried and fresh pineapple. 

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 600 yen

Access Information: 
The Nago Pineapple Park is located just outside downtown Nago City on the
Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa island, about 75 km from Naha.

Via bus
 From Naha, board highway bus number 111 to Nago Bus Terminal
(90 minutes, 2100 yen from Naha Bus Center; 105 minutes, 2190 yen from Naha Airport; 1-2 buses/hour)
and transfer to infrequently departing bus number 70 to Meio Daigaku Iriguchi
(名桜大学入口, 20 minutes, 390 yen, 5 buses/day).