How do I get to Iya Valley from Tokushima?

Take the JR Dosan Line from Tokushima to Oboke Station. From Oboke, take a local bus or taxi into the Iya Valley area.

How do I get to Iya Kazurabashi (Vine Bridge) by bus from JR Oboke Station?

From JR Oboke Station, take the Shikoku Kotsu Bus bound for 'Kazurabashi' or 'Kubo.' Get off at the 'Kazurabashi' bus stop. The ride takes about 20 minutes.

Is Iya Valley accessible by car?

Yes, renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Iya Valley, as public transport is limited and attractions are spread out.

What is Iya Valley famous for?

Iya Valley is known for its vine bridges (kazurabashi), dramatic gorges, mountain scenery, hot springs, and remote villages.

When is the best time to visit Iya Valley?

Spring and autumn are especially beautiful, with cherry blossoms or colorful foliage. Summer is lush and green, while winter is quiet and atmospheric.

Are there accommodations in Iya Valley?

Yes, there are traditional inns (ryokan), guesthouses, and hotels in the valley, but booking in advance is recommended.

Can I walk across the vine bridges?

Yes, the famous Iya Kazurabashi and Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi bridges are open to visitors for a small fee.

How much is the admission fee for Iya Kazurabashi (Vine Bridge)?

The admission fee for Iya Kazurabashi is 550 yen for adults (junior high school students and older) and 350 yen for children (elementary school students).

Iya Valley – Remote Beauty of Shikoku

Overview

Iya Valley is one of Japan’s most secluded and breathtaking regions, tucked away in the mountains of Shikoku. Known for its dramatic gorges, vine bridges (kazurabashi), and untouched countryside, the valley offers a glimpse into rural Japan’s wild beauty. Visitors can cross swaying vine bridges, soak in hot springs, and explore remote villages that seem frozen in time.

Access to Iya Valley by TRAIN, Bus, or Car (Last updated: May 23, 2025)

The most common way to reach Iya Valley is via the JR Dosan Line to Oboke Station. From there, local buses or taxis connect to key spots in the valley. For maximum flexibility, consider renting a car at Oboke or Awa-Ikeda Station.

How to Get to Iya Kazurabashi (Vine Bridge) from Major Cities

Departure City	Route	Estimated Time	Estimated Cost
<Bus> JR Oboke Station	Shikoku Kotsu Bus "Kazurabashi-bound" or "Kubo-bound" → Get off at "Kazurabashi" bus stop	About 20 min	About ¥600
Tokushima	JR Dosan Line to Oboke Station → Bus/Taxi to Iya Kazurabashi	About 2.5 hours	¥2,500–¥3,500
Takamatsu	JR Kotoku Line to Awa-Ikeda → JR Dosan Line to Oboke → Bus/Taxi to Iya Kazurabashi	About 2.5–3 hours	¥3,000–¥4,000
Osaka	Shinkansen to Okayama → JR Seto-Ohashi Line to Sakaide → JR Dosan Line to Oboke → Bus/Taxi to Iya Kazurabashi	About 4–5 hours	¥8,000–¥10,000
By Car (from Tokushima)	Tokushima Expressway → Ikawa-Ikeda IC → Route 32/Route 45 to Iya Kazurabashi	About 2 hours	Toll + Rental Car Fee

Note: Public transport in Iya Valley is infrequent. Renting a car is the best way to explore the area.

Note: Some mountain roads are narrow and winding. Drive carefully, especially in bad weather.

Official Website

For more details, please visit the official tourism website.

Visit Official Site

Activity Information

Location: Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan
Vine Bridge Hours: Typically open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM (hours may vary by season).
The bridges may close in case of bad weather or maintenance.
Recommended Season: Spring for cherry blossoms, Autumn for foliage, Summer for lush greenery
Notes: Some roads are narrow and winding. Public transport is limited. Vine bridges may be slippery when wet.
Entry Fee (Vine Bridge): Around ¥550 for adults. Discounts available for children.

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