Iya Valley: The Village of Heike Clan Refugees Hidden in the Shikoku Mountains

Iya Valley: A Shikoku Hidden Realm Where Heike Legends Live

Iya Valley spanning Nishi-Iya and Higashi-Iya in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, is a deep mountain hidden realm where legend has it that surviving Heike clan members who lost at the Battle of Dannoura (1185) fled and hid. Counted among Japan's Three Great Hidden Realms, the precipitous gorge beauty and remote settlements create a unique atmosphere.

Iya Kazura Bridge

The "Iya Kazura Bridge" woven from wild Siebold's smilax vines is a suspension bridge 45 meters long hanging 14 meters above the clear stream. The experience of crossing the swaying bridge with gaps in the floor revealing the stream below offers unforgettable thrills.

Iya Onsen

"Iya Onsen," located at the bottom of the gorge, is a hidden hot spring characterized by unique access descending a steep slope by electric cable car. Hot spring inns offering the rare in Japan spring-water rising from underfoot experience are available, counted among Japan's Three Great Hidden Hot Springs.

Mt. Tsurugi

"Mt. Tsurugi (Tsurugisan)" near Iya Valley is the second highest peak in western Japan (elevation 1,955 meters). A lift can be used to ascend near the summit, and ridge hiking based at Mt. Tsurugi is also enjoyable.

Access

Car is basic. Approximately 2 hours from Tokushima city. Route buses operate from JR Awa-Ikeda Station but are limited in frequency.