Embark on a private full-day tour of Iya Valley, exploring pristine landscapes and historic sites. Customize your itinerary and enjoy the convenience of a private taxi. Book now!
Embark on a private full-day tour of Iya Valley, exploring pristine landscapes and historic sites. Customize your itinerary and enjoy the convenience of a private taxi. Book now!
- Iya Kazura Bridge - Historically, over 13 of these bridges spanned the Iya River, but today only 3 remain. Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge is closed during the winter season.
-
Mannequin Pis - Visitors are treated to a breathtaking view of the steep surrounding mountains and the turquoise Iya River, which flows more than 200 meters below.
-…
- Iya Kazura Bridge - Historically, over 13 of these bridges spanned the Iya River, but today only 3 remain. Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge is closed during the winter season.
- Mannequin Pis - Visitors are treated to a breathtaking view of the steep surrounding mountains and the turquoise Iya River, which flows more than 200 meters below.
- Oboke Koboke - Oboke Gorge (大歩危, Ōboke) and the nearby Koboke Gorge (小歩危), located a short distance downstream, are narrow, steep-sided gorges near the entrance to the Iya Valley. They are often visited together. Carved by the swirling rapids of the Yoshino River, their names mean “big dangerous steps” and “small dangerous steps,” reflecting the perilous nature of their jagged, rocky walls.
The gorges are among Japan’s top outdoor destinations, rivaling Minakami in Gunma Prefecture. They are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and the variety of outdoor activities available, such as whitewater rafting and canyoning.
- Nagoro Scarecrow Village - Also known as the ‘Scarecrow Village in the Sky’ due to its 900-meter altitude, this village offers a glimpse into a leisurely rural life. Villagers can be seen working in the fields, relaxing under the eaves of houses, and enjoying roadside gatherings. The village is home to 27 residents and 200 scarecrows, truly making it a ‘scarecrow village.’ Open year-round.
- Okuiya Niju Kazurabashi Bridge - Closed during the winter season (December to March) The final stop of the day is the double vine bridges of Oku-Iya Kazurabashi. These two vine bridges, located close to each other, are known as the husband-and-wife bridge. They offer an adventurous experience and are not recommended for those with a fear of heights. A small hand-operated cable car is also available to cross the river.
- Mt. Tsurugi - Closed during the winter season (December to March)
Mount Tsurugi, standing at 1955 meters, is located at the eastern end of the remote Iya Valley. As the second tallest mountain on Shikoku Island, it is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains and a center of Shugendo, a Japanese folk religion centered on mountain worship. Mount Tsurugi is a popular hiking destination, and despite its name, which translates to Sword Mountain, it is not a particularly challenging climb.
To visit Mt. Tsurugi, the tour duration must be extended by 2 hours, as it takes about one hour to travel from Iya Valley to Mt. Tsurugi. Please contact Japan Guide Agency at [email protected].
- Ochiai Village - This small hamlet in the heart of Iya Valley features a collection of historical farmhouses dating back to the mid-Edo era. Perched on a mountainside, visitors can gain insight into the rural lifestyle and traditions that have been preserved to this day.

- Private transportation in Air Conditioned Vehicle
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off
- Local driver with limited English proficiency
- Private transportation in Air Conditioned Vehicle
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off
- Local driver with limited English proficiency
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups
For a more efficient way to explore Iya Valley, take a private taxi on a one-day tour!
To start your day, meet your driver at your hotel near Oboke Station. Potential stops on a six-hour tour include the Manikin Peeing Boy Statue, with stunning views of the steep surrounding mountains and turquoise Iya River; Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge, Ochiai Village,…
For a more efficient way to explore Iya Valley, take a private taxi on a one-day tour!
To start your day, meet your driver at your hotel near Oboke Station. Potential stops on a six-hour tour include the Manikin Peeing Boy Statue, with stunning views of the steep surrounding mountains and turquoise Iya River; Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge, Ochiai Village, a small hamlet in the heart of Iya Valley with farm houses from the mid-Edo era; and Oku-Iya Kazurabashi double vine bridges.
Note*1: The driver for this tour has a limited level of English. Your driver will communicate with you using a translation app. Please decide your itinerary or send a list of your desired sites to see 1 week before the tour date and send it directly to Japan Guide Agency.
Note*2: Tour details has a possibility of change due to seasonal influence, Mt. Tsurugi and Okuiyanijukazurabashi is closed during the winter season, December to March.
- There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.
- If you want to visit Mt. Tsurugi, you have to extend the tour duration by 2 hours as it takes about one hour from Iya Valley to Mt. Tsurugi.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.