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This remote area is considered to be one of Japan's 'three hidden regions'.
Its tall peaks and deep gorges were historically a safe haven for the Heike Clan after their defeat by the rival Genji Clan during civil wars of the 12th century. Today the residents of the Iya Valley are struggling to preserve their traditional ways.
Chiiori House
In 1973 the American author of 'Lost in Japan', Alex Kerr, bought an 18th century thatch-roofed farmhouse in Higashi Iya and has since been restoring it to its original brilliance. He named the house Chiiori (Cottage of the Flute) and in 1998 the Chiiori Project was founded to join in the battle to keep the house and the village alive.
The farmhouse is open to visitors and guests and hosts weekend activities such as thatching for example.
Exploring the Iya Valley
Other places of interest are Mount Tsurugi, the Kazurabashi vine bridges that are suspended high over the Iya-gawa river gorge and the restored houses of Buke Yashiki and Kimura-ke.
For those looking for a little more excitement, rafting tours are available during the summer months (April - November). Please do mention this if you would like to book a trip.
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Suggested itinerary featuring Iya Valley
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Iya Valley, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Iya Valley
- Takamatsu 50 kilometers away
- Tokushima 50 kilometers away
- Shikoku 51 kilometers away
- Naoshima 64 kilometers away
- Kurashiki 83 kilometers away
- Matsuyama 121 kilometers away
- Mount Koya 146 kilometers away
- Hiroshima 159 kilometers away
- Osaka 160 kilometers away
- Miyajima Island 168 kilometers away
- Tottori 180 kilometers away
- Nara 182 kilometers away
- Matsue 198 kilometers away
- Kyoto 200 kilometers away
- Kinosaki Onsen 205 kilometers away
- Beppu 252 kilometers away
- Yufuin 259 kilometers away
- Kurokawa 287 kilometers away
- Kyushu 297 kilometers away
- Aso 302 kilometers away
- Kumamoto 335 kilometers away
- Fukuoka 341 kilometers away
- Shirakawago 370 kilometers away
- Kirishima National Park 371 kilometers away
- Tsumago 374 kilometers away
- Kanazawa 380 kilometers away
- Takayama 383 kilometers away
- Nagasaki 410 kilometers away
- Kagoshima 421 kilometers away
- Kamikochi 423 kilometers away
- Tateyama 428 kilometers away
- Matsumoto 441 kilometers away
- The Japanese Alps 460 kilometers away
- Hakuba 463 kilometers away
- Izu Peninsula 464 kilometers away
- Hakone & Mount Fuji 478 kilometers away
Photos of Iya Valley
Accommodation choices for Iya Valley
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Iya Valley. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Iya Valley Onsen hotel
Iya Valley