Moopon

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.

Yoshino Beach (Yoshino Kaigan)
It is the best beach on Miyako for snorkeling.
Schools of colorful fish surround you as soon as you enter the water.
And you will soon find the maze of a spectacular coral reef with an abundance of marine life.
Beach facilities include showers, toilets and a rental shop.

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.


 

Okinawa World is Okinawa Prefecture's foremost theme park and presents the local history, culture and nature.
The park's has many attractions, such as massive natural cave, a craft village and a snake museum.

Gyokusendo
It is one of the main attractions in the park.
With a total length of five kilometers, the Cave is the longest of the many caves in the south of Okinawa
Island and the second longest cave in the entire country.
890 meters of the cave are open to the public and feature spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
The inside of the cave is well maintained and the walking paths are comfortable.

Kingdom Village
It is a nice replica of a traditional Ryukyu village with workshops introducing the various traditional Okinawan crafts,
such as dyeing, weaving, paper making, pottery, sugar cone processing, the making of music instruments and glass blowing.
Hands-on experiences are offered at many of the workshops.

Habu Park
It was named after the infamous, poisonous, local Habu snake.
Habu park consists of a snake museum, a small, run down zoological garden with some snakes on display and a snake show.
Throughout the park, visitors have ample of opportunities to purchase local products at numerous souvenir shops.
There is also a restaurant specialized in Okinawa cuisine.

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry at17:00)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 1650 yen (all attractions)
1240 yen (cave and village only)
620 yen (village only)
620 yen (Habu Park only)

Access Infromation
Okinawa World is near the southern tip of Okinawa Honto, about ten kilometers south of Naha.

From Naha Bus Center, board bus number 83 all the way to its terminal stop,
Gyokusendo-mae, which is located in front of Okinawa World (60 minutes, 580 yen, one bus every 1-2 hours). 

 

Sefa-utaki (斎場御嶽) is an historical sacred space and important site of the indigenous Okinawan religion,
which, similar to Shinto, places emphasis on the worship of nature.

The site is located on a densely forested hillside along the ocean and features several rock formations,
which are connected with each other by walking trails. 

It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu in Nanjō, Okinawa.

In the early 16 th century, Sefa Utaki came into prominence.
During this period the Okinawan religion permeated under the royal government,
and Sefa Utaki became one of the main locations for religious ceremonies and rituals. 

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
Closed: December 29th to January 3rd
Admission: 200 yen

Access Information:
Sefa Utaki is located on the southeastern side of Okinawa Honto, about 15 kilometers from Naha.

Via bus
From Naha Bus Terminal board bus number 38 to Sefa Utaki-mae (斎場御嶽前, 60 minutes, 830 yen, 1-2 buses/hour),
from where the site can be reached in a 5-10 minute walk.


 

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 island is the fourth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture.
It is mostly covered by sugar cane fields and a few towns,
among which Hirara is the largest with a moderate range of eating place, such as restaurants and bars.

Resort hotels and pensions are found across the island.
Unlike other parts of Okinawa, there are no habu snakes in Miyako.
Miyako Island offers a small range of other attractions, including places of natural beauty and cultural interest,
and a couple of elegant bridges to neighboring islands.

Tropical Botanical Garden
It is a spacious park for recreation and the study of tropical plants in inland Miyako.
Several walking trails with the over 1600 types of plants that include trees,
bushes and flowers from Miyako and from Hawaii, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

Admission: Free 
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.

 

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 island is the fourth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture.
It is mostly covered by sugar cane fields and a few towns, among which Hirara is the largest with a moderate range of eating place,
such as restaurants and bars.
Resort hotels and pensions are found across the island.
Unlike other parts of Okinawa, there are no habu snakes in Miyako.
Miyako Island offers a small range of other attractions, including places of natural beauty and cultural interest,
and a couple of elegant bridges to neighboring islands.

 Ikema and Kurima Bridges 
Freely traversable by car, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot
Miyako is connected to two of its neighboring islands by the bridges.
At the northern tip of Miyako, the 1.4 kilometer long Ikema Ohashi leads to Ikema Island,
while the 1.7 kilometer long Kurima Ohashi connects Kurima Island with Miyako in the southwest. 

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.

 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.
Like many other of the small islands in Okinawa, the beaches of Kumejima, snorkeling and diving are among the principal attractions for visitors. 

Hatenohama Beach
It is an uninhabited island ,an approximately seven kilometer long sand bar surrounded by water just east of the island,
is Kumejima's most popular attraction.
White sand of the beach can only be accessed by joining a tour. 

On the sandbar, swimming is restricted to the calmer northern beach,
and the sand is a little rougher than it seems from a distance.
The sea has a moderate variety of fish that can be observed while snorkeling.
Toilet is the only facilities available on the sandbar.

Access Information
Half day around 3500 yen; full day with lunch around 5500 yen
Some companies operate tour boats between Kumejima and Hatenohama Beach.
Half day and full day tours are offered. 


 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.

Like many other of the small islands in Okinawa, the beaches of Kumejima,
snorkeling and diving are among the principal attractions for visitors.

Eef Beach 
Eef Beach is located beside the one of famous tourist activity on Kumejima.
Nonetheless, it does not get excessively crowded, as it stretches around two kilometers along the coast.
Its facilities include changing and toilets.
Nearby hotels and businesses offer a range of water activities.

Admission: Free
Parking Fee: Free

 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.
Like many other of the small islands in Okinawa, the beaches of Kumejima, snorkeling and diving are among the principal attractions for visitors.

Ara Beach 
The beach, about 500 meters long, offers attractive and secluded beach
atmosphere as its location is quite far from most other attractions.
It offers some good snorkeling opportunities, with a variety of sea
life around a group of coral about 200 meters from the shore and a bit difficult to find.
Beware of currents.
The beach is also good place for sunset.
Note: toilets and changing facilities are not well maintained.

Admission: Free
Parking Fee: Free

Access Information:
In Kumejima, there few public transportation service.
Rental car is the most convenient way to travel around the island.

 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.

Kumejima has two major towns; one is located around the port.
Another is inhabited mostly by locals, while the other is a small town of hotels,
dining halls and shops catering to the tourists, located alongside 

Uezu Residence
The Uezu Residence was built in 1750 for a high ranked family.
It is built in the traditional Okinawan style with thick stone walls and red-tiled roofs.
The house cannot be entered but only viewed from the outside. 

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 
Closed: Opened All Year Round 
Admission: 300 yen

Access Information:
In Kumejima, there few public transportation service.
Rental car is the most convenient way to travel around the island.
 

Kumejima (久米島) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands.
It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Island.
Kumejima offers a much less developed version of the beaches and Okinawan culture.
Kumejima is quite small, and traveling from one end of the island to another rarely involves a trip longer than ten kilometers.

Kumejima has two major towns; one is located around the port.
Another is inhabited mostly by locals, while the other is a small town of hotels,
dining halls and shops catering to the tourists, located alongside

Uegusuku Castle Ruins 
The Castle Ruins stand on the island's highest point about 300 meters above sea level.
It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Nowadays only a few small stone walls remain.

Facility Information:
Hours: Always open 
Admission: Free

Access Information:
In Kumejima, there few public transportation service.
Rental car is the most convenient way to travel around the island.