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Touring the Iya Valley - Part 1 | Discovering a Hidden Place with Local Guides
With Japan now fully re-open to foreign tourists, many such visitors are seeking to not just re-discover the major sights of the country, but also go to explore lesser known but perhaps more “authentic” rural areas. The secluded Iya Valley of central Shikoku is one such place, and Iya Valley Tours is here to introduce this hidden region to curious seekers. Tokushima’s Iya Valley: a different side of Japan“I’m so happy to be back”, declared Rachel, who is from the US. “This is my eighth time visiting Japan and I’ve been patiently waiting to take this trip with my family for over two years.” Rac...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
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Hiking Mt Kunimi -Part 1 | An Exhilarating Easy-Access Day Hike
With a name that means “Country View”, Mt Kunimi offers panoramic views in every direction across the mountains of Shikoku from its location in the center of Tokushima’s Miyoshi City. Hiking trails for this 1409m high mountain are easily accessible from either JR Oboke Station or the Iya Valley. A tall mountain in a hidden region of Tokushima PrefectureIt was a fine early autumn day when I set out to climb Mt Kunimi. With the hot humid days of summer finally finished, I had been looking forward to getting back out on the trails of the remote Miyoshi City. With an elevation of 1409 meters, Mt K...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
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Experiencing Miyoshi City’s Historic Ochiai Village – Part 3
With its collection of thatched roof farmhouses, stone-lined walking paths, and terraced farm plots that climb up the mountainside, Ochiai Village is an enduring example of a traditional Iya Valley hamlet.previous posts>>Experiencing Miyoshi City’s Historic Ochiai Village – Part 1Experiencing Miyoshi City’s Historic Ochiai Village – Part 2 One of the most wonderful aspects of Ochiai Village, and the reason why it is a nationally recognized Preservation District, is the large assortment of thatched roof farmhouses spread out across the village. Many of these centuries-old homes are still lived ...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
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Experiencing Miyoshi City’s Historic Ochiai Village – Part 2
With its collection of thatched roof farmhouses, stone-lined walking paths, and terraced farm plots that climb up the mountainside, Ochiai Village is an enduring example of a traditional Iya Valley hamlet.previous post>>Experiencing Miyoshi City’s Historic Ochiai Village – Part 1 Although in times past the only way to get around Ochiai Village would have been on foot, nowadays there is a narrow road which twists and turns as it threads its way up through the village. And while the road may be convenient for general access, it is still possible to walk along the ancient pathways which interconn...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
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Experiencing Miyoshi City’s Historic Ochiai Village - Part 1
With its collection of thatched roof farmhouses, stone-lined walking paths, and terraced farm plots that climb up the mountainside, Ochiai Village is an enduring example of a traditional Iya Valley hamlet.For anyone who has traveled around Japan, they will certainly know that the country is a land full of mountains. Actually, over 70% of the country is made up of mountains, and due to the steep inclines, inaccessibility, and other difficulties such places harbor, these areas are considered essentially uninhabitable (hence why most Japanese cities seem so densely packed). And while the Japanese...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
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Ryugugake Park – Part 3 | Activities on Offer Amongst the Natural Splendor
The Iya Valley section of Tokushima’s Miyoshi City is known as being one of Japan’s three “Hidden Regions”, and nestled within the valley is the serene Ryugugake Park. This tranquil location offers activities including swimming in the Iya River, picnicking and barbecuing with friends and family, and doing yoga within the lush landscape. Enjoying your time in Miyoshi City’s Iya ValleyWhile the Iya Valley has lots of great sights to discover, many people who stay at the cabins of Ryugugake Park use it as a base for sightseeing around the valley due to the central location. But there are also lo...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
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Ryugugake Park – Part 2 | Hidden Cabins Nestled within the Forest
Considered to be one of Japan’s unexplored regions, Miyoshi City of Tokushima Prefecture is certainly a place to get away from it all. Among the many hidden spots in the area is the lush Ryugugake Park of the Iya Valley, which boast a calming natural environment with a set of rental cabins where you can relax, rejuvenate, and connect with nature. previous post>>Ryugugake Park – Part 1 | A Place to Relax Within Tranquil Nature Delightful forest cabins in central ShikokuWith its easy access location in the center of the Iya Valley, Ryugugake Park is not only a nice place to stop by while traveli...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
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Ryugugake Park – Part 1 | A Place to Relax Within Tranquil Nature
Tokushima Prefecture’s Miyoshi City is known for being home to many unexplored areas, and among these off-the-beaten path spots is the Ryugugake Park of the Iya Valley. Aside from the lack of crowds, it boasts Iya’s highest suspension footbridge, serene forests, and a lovely set of peaceful rental cabins. Welcome to Iya’s hideawayRyugugake Park is located within Miyoshi City’s Iya Valley in the eastern section of the valley, which is formally known as Higashi-Iya (East Iya), but locally referred to as Oku-Iya (Deep Iya). Comprised of breathtaking cliffs, dense virgin forest, and bisected by th...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
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Enjoy the Spectacular Autumn Colors in the Hidden Iya Valley
The secluded Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture is considered to be one of Japan’s “Three Hidden Places”, and autumn is perhaps the perfect season to visit Iya as the valley becomes alight with shades of crimson. The Iya River originates from Mt. Tsurugi, which is the second highest peak in western Japan, then cascades and weaves itself through the valley until it joins with the mighty Yoshino River. Without a doubt, the autumn leaves of the trees that grow on the steep valley slopes are truly spectacular. The leaves first start to change color from the higher altitude sections around Mt. Tsur...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
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The Tsurugi – Miune Traverse | Hiking the Mountains of Miyoshi’s Iya Valley – Part 6
With continuous breathtaking views as it weaves along the ridge-line trail, the Tsurugi – Miune Traverse is one of the most majestic hiking routes in not just Miyoshi City, but in all of Shikoku. This 3 day (2 night) hike covers a total of about 25km and utilizes the mountaintop huts, with access to/from the trailheads by local bus. previous posts>>The Tsurugi –Miune Traverse | Hiking the Mountains of Miyoshi’s Iya Valley –Part 1The Tsurugi – Miune Traverse | Hiking the Mountains of Miyoshi’s Iya Valley – Part 2The Tsurugi – Miune Traverse | Hiking the Mountains of Miyoshi’s Iya Valley – Part ...
Marugoto MIYOSHI Tourism Information Service
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