TOKUSHIMA & IYA VALLEY
Tokushima Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku, is a land of dramatic, rugged gorges and deep tradition. It is home to the stunning Iya Valley, known for its remote, pristine wilderness and thrilling vine bridges.
This region captures the wild heart of Japan, offering travelers an escape into ancient forested mountains. It perfectly combines unique cultural heritage with breathtaking natural beauty and challenging hikes.
Most Popular Attractions
Iya Valley & Oboke Gorge Wonders:
Kazurabashi Vine Bridge: The most famous of the three remaining traditional vine bridges, dramatically suspended over the Iya River Gorge.
Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi (Double Vine Bridges): A pair of smaller, less-crowded vine bridges, one for crossing and one for a small trolley ride (Yume Kōyō).
Peeing Boy Statue (Shōben Kozō): A small, iconic statue perched precariously on a cliff edge overlooking a 200-meter drop in the deepest part of the Iya Gorge.
Oboke Gorge Cruise: A boat ride through the spectacular, marble-like V-shaped gorge cliffs along the Yoshino River.
Ōboke-Koboke Gorges: The stunning, dramatic gorges formed by the Yoshino River, famous for their unique geological formations and rapids.
Mount Tsurugi: The second-highest mountain in Shikoku, offering challenging hikes and a chairlift near the summit for easier access.
Chiiori House: A beautifully preserved 300-year-old traditional thatched-roof farmhouse (minka), now used as a guesthouse and cultural center.
Heike Clan Historical Museum: A small museum detailing the legend of the Heike samurai clan, who supposedly fled to the Iya Valley after their defeat.
Tōgenkyō-Iya: A collection of remote, historic farmhouses in the deepest part of the valley, offering a glimpse into traditional mountain life.
Biwa Waterfall: A beautiful, cascading waterfall said to be where the Heike clan nobles would gather to play the biwa (a short-necked lute).
Tokushima City & Coastal Sites:
Awa Odori Kaikan: A hall in Tokushima City dedicated to the famous Awa Odori dance festival, featuring daily performances and a museum.
Mount Bizan: A mountain in Tokushima City offering panoramic views of the city, the Yoshino River, and the ocean, accessible by ropeway.
Rinnoji Temple: A prominent Buddhist temple in Tokushima City with a large bell tower and historic significance.
Tokushima Castle Ruins: The remains of the former castle of the Hachisuka clan, now a public park with a small museum and gardens.
Kōtō-ji Temple: A Zen Buddhist temple known for its rock garden (karesansui) and peaceful atmosphere.
Naruto Whirlpools (Naruto-no-uzushio): Massive tidal whirlpools in the Naruto Strait, best viewed from a sightseeing boat or the Ōnaruto Bridge observatories.
Ōtsuka Museum of Art: A massive, high-quality art museum in Naruto, famous for its full-size ceramic reproductions of Western masterpieces.
Ryozenji Temple: The official start point (Temple 1) of the Shikoku Pilgrimage (88 Temples), a significant cultural and religious site.
Dainichi-ji Temple: Temple 4 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, known for its beautiful inner gate and quiet surroundings.
Awa Jurobe Yashiki: A traditional theater and museum in Tokushima City dedicated to Awa Ningyo Joruri (traditional puppet theater).
Remote & Natural Sites:
Onishi Scenic Road: A famous driving route in the Iya Valley, offering numerous viewpoints and stunning scenery.
Wajiki Kannon: A large statue of the Goddess of Mercy on a hillside, offering good views of the surrounding countryside.
Kito Village: A remote, picturesque village known for its traditional lifestyle and beautiful natural setting.
Tairyūji Temple: Temple 21 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, dramatically located on a mountain peak, accessible by one of Japan’s longest ropeways.
Michi no Eki Oboke-Iya no Sato: A roadside station offering local crafts, food, and information on the Iya Valley.
Activities & Experiences
Cross the Kazurabashi Vine Bridges: Test your courage by walking across the ancient, swaying suspension bridges woven from mountain vines. The most famous is the Iya Kazurabashi.
Go Whitewater Rafting on the Yoshino River: Experience the thrilling Class 3 and Class 4 rapids as you navigate the deep gorges of Oboke and Koboke, known for hosting international competitions.
Take a Scenic Boat Cruise in Oboke Gorge: Enjoy a more relaxed perspective of the deep canyon, admiring the emerald green waters and steep rock cliffs from a traditional pleasure boat.
Hike to the Summit of Mount Tsurugi: Take the chairlift halfway up (seasonal) and complete the hike to the second-highest peak in Shikoku, offering stunning panoramic views.
Visit the Nagoro Scarecrow Village: Explore this unique and slightly bizarre village where a local artist has “repopulated” the community with over 300 life-sized scarecrows (or kakashi).
Soak in an Outdoor Onsen (Hot Spring): Relax in one of the area’s secluded hot springs, such as those at Iya Onsen, often accessible via a cable car and offering stunning river and valley views.
See the Naruto Whirlpools (Naruto Uzushio): Travel to the coastal Naruto area to witness one of the world’s largest tidal whirlpools, best viewed from a sightseeing boat or the Uzunomichi Walkway.
Learn to Make Local Cuisine: Take a class to learn how to prepare regional specialties like Iya soba (rustic buckwheat noodles) or Dekomawashi (skewered, charcoal-grilled tofu, potato, and konnyaku with miso).
Explore Ochiai Village: Wander through the preserved hillside hamlet known for its traditional, thatched-roof farmhouses (minka) clinging to the steep mountain slopes.
Ride the Oku-Iya Monorail: Take a ride on the world’s longest scenic monorail as it slowly climbs the forest-covered mountainside in the deep recesses of the valley.
Attend the Awa Odori Festival (August): If visiting in mid-August, join or watch the massive, world-famous “Fool’s Dance” street festival in Tokushima City.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Highly Recommended: Due to the valley’s remoteness, a rental car offers the greatest flexibility to explore the widespread attractions. Be warned: the mountain roads are often narrow, winding, and sometimes barely wide enough for one car. Drive slowly and utilize the blind-corner mirrors.
Train Access: The main gateway stations are Oboke Station and Awa-Ikeda Station (on the JR Dosan Line). Limited Express trains from Okayama, Takamatsu, and Kochi stop here.
Public Bus Network: Local bus service is available from Oboke and Awa-Ikeda stations into the valley (e.g., to the Kazurabashi bridge and Kubo), but it is infrequent and limited, especially in the deepest areas (Oku-Iya). Always check the exact timetable in advance.
Taxi Tours: For travelers without a car, local taxi companies (like Kazurabashi Taxi) often offer fixed-rate or hourly tours to efficiently visit the main valley sights. This is a practical alternative to the restrictive bus schedule.
Embrace the Seclusion: The Iya Valley served as a remote hideaway for the defeated Taira Clan over 800 years ago. Today, its isolation is its charm. Expect a slower pace of life and limited English compared to major Japanese cities.
Cash is King: While larger hotels may accept credit cards, many small local guesthouses (ryokan), roadside shops, bus services, and tourist attractions (like the vine bridges) are cash-only. Carry ample Japanese Yen.
Savor the Local Specialties: The mountainous region favors hearty, rustic food. Be sure to try:
- Iya Soba: Thicker, hand-cut buckwheat noodles with a unique, rustic flavor.
- Dekomawashi: Skewers of local “stone” tofu, konnyaku, and taro root coated in a sweet miso paste and charcoal-grilled.
- Hirarayaki: A local dish cooked on a flat stone, involving miso paste and river fish.
Best Time to Visit: The valley is stunning year-round, but autumn (late October to mid-November) is famous for its fiery foliage. Summer is best for rafting and hiking. The deepest parts of the valley (Oku-Iya) and the mountain chairlifts may close in the winter (December-March).
Hidden Gems & Unique Sights:
- The Peeing Boy Statue (Shoben Kozou): A small but iconic statue perched on a high cliff edge above the Iya River, memorializing the local boys who would perform the daring feat.
- Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge (Niju Kazurabashi): Located deeper in the valley, this pair of bridges is less crowded than the main one and features the Yaen (Wild Monkey) Cart, a unique, man-powered ropeway you can pull yourself across.
Top Restaurants
Inotani Honten [$8-$15] – A legendary ramen shop, widely credited for creating the modern brown-soup style of Tokushima Ramen, served with a raw egg and sweet pork belly.
Ramen Todai Honten [$8-$15] – Famous for its rich, thick brown-soup ramen. It has a busy, energetic atmosphere and is a staple for local ramen lovers.
Rairaitei Kokufu Branch [$8-$15] – Known for its lighter, shoyu-based ramen, offering a refreshing alternative to the rich brown-soup style, with a faithful local following.
Senkichi [$15-$25] – A charming restaurant in the Iya Valley known for its elegantly served, hand-made Iya Soba noodles and a variety of dishes featuring grilled river fish and seasonal mountain vegetables.
Sobadokoro Kajiya [$15-$25] – A very traditional spot in the Iya Valley specializing in rustic, thick-cut Iya Soba, often served with local konnyaku and dekomawashi (grilled skewered local food).
Tougenkyo Iya No Yado Café [$15-$25] – Located in the Ochiai village area, this cafe offers simple, delicious homestyle cooking using local ingredients, a perfect place to sample true Iya Valley flavors.
Izakaya Harubo (居酒屋はる坊) [$30-$50] – A popular local izakaya in Tokushima City, offering a range of fresh sashimi and seafood from the Naruto strait, as well as creative Japanese small plates.
Yakitori Restaurant Toriiro [$25-$40] – Specializes in high-quality yakitori, focusing on the local premium Awa Odori Chicken, known for its rich flavor and good texture.
Local Fish Cuisine Kisuke (地魚料理 喜助) [$35-$55] – A well-regarded spot in Tokushima City for enjoying local fresh-caught seafood, with a specialty in sashimi and seasonal fish dishes.
Uzushio Syokudo [$20-$35] – Located near Naruto, this traditional shokudo (eatery) is known for serving fresh Naruto sea bream and other local seafood, benefiting from the strong Naruto whirlpool currents.
Kouraku Sushi [$40-$70] – A highly-rated sushi spot in Tokushima City where the chef personally selects local seafood, ensuring renowned freshness for its sushi and various dishes.
Zato Rijiro [$30-$50] – An izakaya that proudly serves dishes made with luxurious local Tokushima ingredients, including Awa Odori chicken, Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes, and Naruto lotus root.
Uogin Sakaba [$25-$45] – A popular seafood-focused izakaya in Tokushima, particularly known for its sashimi platters and charcoal-grilled free-range chicken, utilizing fresh catches from the Kii Channel.
Kajinoya [$20-$40] – A local-focused izakaya in Tokushima City offering homemade dishes with local ingredients in a calming atmosphere, popular with residents.
Roadside Station Kubo-no-sato Nakagawa [$10-$20] – While a roadside station, it’s famous for its hand-made ice-cream in unique local flavors, such as indigo.
Michinoeki Nishi-Iya [$10-$20] – The rest area in Nishi-Iya, where you can find quick bites of Iya specialties like local konnyaku and sometimes dekomawashi.
Roadside Station Hiwasa [$10-$20] – Known for its specialty Sudachi soft-serve ice-cream, a refreshing flavor featuring the local Sudachi citrus fruit.
Cafe Dining HANA (at Hotel Iyaonsen) [$40-$70] – Offers seasonal dishes and local Iya specialties, including Awa beef, with a panoramic view of the Iya Valley gorge. (While a hotel restaurant, the view and ingredients make it a worthwhile experience).
Iya Special Kaiseki (at Hotel Iyaonsen) [Dinner only, $80-$130] – A multi-course dinner featuring local specialties like teppanyaki Awa beef, seasonal wild vegetables, and traditional Iya dishes. (Must be reserved, excellent way to taste the region).
Shunsai Shubo Kokokara [$30-$50] – A creative izakaya in Tokushima City offering Japanese fusion dishes and local mizutaki (chicken hot pot) with a focus on seasonal Tokushima produce.
Creative Cuisine Hanayura (創作料理 花ゆら) [$40-$60] – Located in Naruto, this restaurant provides a creative take on Japanese cuisine, featuring local seafood and meats in innovative presentations.
Restaurant Sakai (料理・酒井) [$30-$50] – Offers Japanese Kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) and creative Japanese cuisine with a modern presentation in Tokushima City.
Poetia [$50-$80] – A hidden Italian gem in Akita Town, Tokushima City, known for its modern Italian cuisine that masterfully incorporates local Tokushima ingredients.
La Bottega dell’ Olio [$60-$90] – A highly-regarded spot in Tokushima City for authentic Italian cuisine, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a wide selection of Italian wines.
Awa no Irodori Bizan [$40-$60] – Located on the 2nd floor of a prominent hotel, this restaurant offers seasonal delicacies of the sea and mountains in Tokushima, including crispy baked Awao Chicken and fresh sashimi.
Don Gazpacho (Meat Bar) [$30-$50] – A meat bar in Tokushima City focusing on carefully selected “Tokushima meat” like Awa Beef and Awa Pork, often prepared with a modern twist.
RED BOSS [$35-$55] – A dining bar in Tokushima City offering a mix of general, Italian, and steak dishes in a modern atmosphere, a good spot for a contemporary meal.
Wafu Dining Doman Naka [$35-$55] – Offers fresh seafood dishes and robatayaki (charcoal grill) with a diverse menu, providing a quiet and calming atmosphere with a live cooking experience.
Gallery Hanaanzu [$20-$40] – A cafe and dining bar in Tokushima City with a focus on Western-style dishes like hamburger steak, offering a modern, open atmosphere.
Culture&Spice KOPOLI [$15-$30] – Offers a unique cultural and spicy dining experience, which is a modern fusion of flavors in the heart of Tokushima City.
S.B DINER TOKUSHIMA [$15-$30] – A modern diner in Tokushima City offering casual, hearty Western-style meals like hamburgers, known for its lively, contemporary vibe.
Birthbook Coffee Kokufu Branch [$10-$20] – A cafe that offers a creative twist with fluffy pancakes and hearty dishes like homemade roast beef and customizable hamburgers in a high-ceiling, open atmosphere.
Toraya Kochuan [$100-$135] – A top-tier experience for a multi-course Kaiseki meal, often featuring premium local ingredients in an immersive, nature-surrounded setting.
Lamp [$70-$100] – A highly-rated steakhouse in Tokushima City, offering high-quality cuts in a sophisticated dining atmosphere.
Restaurant TANTO [$70-$100] – A refined establishment in Tokushima City offering general Western cuisine, known for its elegant ambiance and quality service.
Yakiniku horumon Gyushin [$40-$60] – An authentic wagyu yakiniku restaurant specializing in female Awa beef, often enjoyed in private tatami rooms for a secluded, high-quality dining experience.
Shishikui (Teppanyaki) [$50-$80] – Offers a high-quality teppanyaki experience in Tokushima City, specializing in Awa beef and fresh seafood cooked on a hot iron griddle in front of you.
Naruto Kintoki [$70-$100] – A restaurant specializing in high-end preparations of local delicacies like Naruto sea bream and other seasonal fish, reflecting the region’s top-tier seafood.
Awa ($60-$90) – A refined restaurant in Tokushima City focusing on traditional Japanese cuisine, often featuring the premium local Awa beef in its seasonal menu.
Kaisendon Uotoku [$40-$60] – A specialized seafood restaurant focusing on high-quality kaisendon (seafood bowl), showcasing the freshest catches from Tokushima’s coastal waters.
Wagyu Yakiniku Nagomi [$50-$80] – Another fine wagyu yakiniku establishment in Tokushima, specializing in female Awa beef and offering private dining spaces.
Sushi Dokoro Isseki Sanchou [$80-$140] – A highly-rated sushi restaurant in the Tokushima area known for its directly sourced, unique, and top-notch sushi experience.
Tokushima Ramen Menoh Tokushima Ekimae Main Store [$8-$15] – A popular ramen shop offering the distinct white-soup style of Tokushima Ramen, which is milder and pork-bone (tonkotsu) based.
Donoura Ekimae Branch [$8-$15] – Known for its local-style ramen, providing a great, quick, and authentic bite near the train station.
MICHINOEKI AIGURA [$10-$20] – A roadside station known for its local produce and light meals, a great spot to sample local treats and souvenirs.
Sushitatsu [$30-$50] – Located in Naruto, this sushi restaurant is known for its local seafood and is a popular choice for both locals and travelers.
Sakanabatake [$30-$50] – Located in Naruto, specializing in fresh seafood, reflecting the bounty of the nearby sea.
KODAWARITONKATSU YAMAKATSU YAMASHIROTEN [$15-$25] – A dedicated tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) restaurant known for its focus on quality pork, a comforting and traditional meal.
Omiyage Cafe Kukuru [$10-$20] – A relaxed cafe in the Miyoshi area near the Iya Valley, offering light meals and local sweets and souvenirs.
Home-cooked Iya Meal with Locals [Price Varies] – The option to arrange a traditional home-cooked meal with a local family in a farmhouse setting, offering the most authentic experience of Iya Valley life. (Often coordinated through local tourism or accommodation).
Hone-tsuki Awao Dori Ikko [$25-$40] – A casual spot specializing in Hone-tsuki Awaodori, a local delicacy of Awaodori chicken grilled on the bone, a must-try Tokushima specialty.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar Kohno: Located on the third floor of a building on Tokushima’s main shopping street in Sakaemachi, this decades-old, massive bar is famous for its mountain-shaped display of bottles. The award-winning bartender specializes in cocktails using fresh, local Tokushima fruits.
Bar Arche (Bar ARCHE): Situated on a street with many similar small spots in Akitamachi, this intimate bar is run by a female bartender, Tomomi Murakami, a winner of the Asia Pacific Cocktail Competition. It’s known for its classical music ambiance and original mixtures featuring local Tokushima fruits.
Long Bar: Found near Awa-Tomida Station in Tokushima City, its name is partly inspired by a famous bar in Singapore and partly by its wall-to-wall counter. It’s a great spot for both traditional cocktails and unique seasonal drinks, including a Naruto kintoki sweet potato cocktail.
BAR TOYOKAWA: A rare dual-experience bar, located centrally in Tokushima City, featuring a veteran father (Toshio) with over 50 years of experience, and his son (Shinji), who specializes in cocktails made with seasonal fruits. This spot once had one of Japan’s best bourbon collections.
Bar W still: A dedicated malt bar in the Tokushima City Center area with over 500 different kinds of whisky. The owner, a certified whiskey lecturer, also serves fresh, seasonal fruit cocktails and local Tokushima delicacies.
Bar HADA: Characterized by its distinctive brick walls and green door, this cozy spot is on a side street off Akitamachi’s main street. It has maintained a relaxed, home-like atmosphere for decades, perfect for getting along with locals.
GLEN K: This bar, located in the Akitamachi district, features an impressive staircase greeting you at the door. It’s an authentic bar known for its pleasant conversation and for being one of the few places in Tokushima where you can drink Guinness on tap.
Speakeasy (Tokushima City): An unpretentious, basement-level bar in Tokushima City known for its friendly atmosphere and classic cocktail menu.
Ingrid’s International: Often cited as one of the most popular bars in Tokushima City, it caters to a mixed international and local crowd, providing a fun and lively atmosphere for drinks.
Bar Zesty: A contemporary spot in the Tokushima City center that focuses on mixology with a refined yet approachable setting, offering classic cocktails and a range of whiskies.
Ramen & Bar Ajisai: While primarily an eatery, this popular Tokushima City spot is well-known for its excellent selection of Japanese spirits, including sake and shochu, that can be enjoyed with their signature ramen.
Ochiai Village Cafe (Iya Valley): Located in the remote Ochiai hamlet of the Iya Valley, this spot is not a cocktail bar but a traditional farmhouse café. It offers local drinks like tea and sake in an incredibly tranquil setting with stunning valley views—the ultimate “quiet” evening drink experience in the mountains.
Haretoke Coffee (Iya Valley Area): Found in a former elementary school near Iyaguchi Station, this is a unique spot with a café that serves coffee and light meals. While not a classic “bar,” it offers a calm, alternative evening experience in the remote Iya Valley with a focus on local hospitality.
The Lobby Bar (Near Tokushima Station): A convenient and upscale option, usually found in one of the major hotels near Tokushima Station, offering classic cocktails and a relaxed, professional ambiance perfect for unwinding.
Tachinomi Hitotoki: A rare standing bar (tachinomi) in Tokushima, located near Tokushima Station. It offers a casual, quick-drink atmosphere with a bright, welcoming counter, popular with locals for a pre-dinner or quick stop.
KARAKARA (Karaoke Bar): Located in the heart of the Akitamachi district, a central nightlife hub. Many local food and bar tours wrap up at a karaoke bar like this, making it a great place to experience authentic Japanese late-night socializing, complete with private rooms and a full drink menu.
Club D (Tokushima City): A well-known, dedicated nightclub in the city center that focuses on electronic music, often hosting local and regional DJs for high-energy dance nights.
Club GRASSY (Tokushima City): A popular and modern live house and club venue in Tokushima City known for hosting a variety of musical acts, from rock bands to electronic DJs, providing a lively and authentic Japanese music club atmosphere.
Club X (Tokushima City): A centrally located spot that caters to a younger crowd, typically playing a mix of international and Japanese commercial pop, hip-hop, and EDM, ideal for a late-night dance session.
Tokushima J-Pop & Anime Bar: Often found in the smaller alleys of Akitamachi, these themed bars are common in Japan. While not a traditional “club,” they offer a fun, niche nightlife experience with themed music and drinks.
Tokushima Live House CROWBAR: Located in a central area of Tokushima, this is a dedicated music venue that transitions into a lively spot for drinks after the main act, often featuring local rock and indie bands.
Tokushima Live House SENSE: Another key venue in the Tokushima City live music scene, offering late-night hours and a robust bar, perfect for a high-energy evening of local Japanese music.
Shot Bar Phat’s: Located in a lively part of the city, this spot is a hybrid—a bar that often has a dance floor or DJ on weekends, creating a club-like atmosphere but with a stronger focus on a premium drink menu.
Club GHOST (Tokushima): A mid-sized venue in the city center known for special event nights, including themed parties and international music nights, attracting a diverse crowd.
Snack Bars (Akitamachi Alleys): While not a club, the countless small, owner-operated “snack bars” in the Akitamachi alleys are the most authentic nightlife experience. They are tiny, intimate spots where you sing karaoke and chat with the hostess, offering a unique, often heartwarming glimpse into Japanese social nightlife.