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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 31 miles away
- Tokushima 31 miles away
- Shikoku 32 miles away
- Naoshima 40 miles away
- Kurashiki 52 miles away
- Matsuyama 75 miles away
- Mount Koya 91 miles away
- Hiroshima 99 miles away
- Osaka 100 miles away
- Miyajima Island 105 miles away
- Tottori 112 miles away
- Nara 113 miles away
- Matsue 123 miles away
- Kyoto 124 miles away
- Kinosaki Onsen 128 miles away
- Beppu 157 miles away
- Yufuin 161 miles away
- Kurokawa 178 miles away
- Kyushu 185 miles away
- Aso 188 miles away
- Kumamoto 209 miles away
- Fukuoka 212 miles away
- Shirakawago 230 miles away
- Kirishima National Park 231 miles away
- Tsumago 232 miles away
- Kanazawa 236 miles away
- Takayama 238 miles away
- Nagasaki 255 miles away
- Kagoshima 262 miles away
- Kamikochi 263 miles away
- Tateyama 266 miles away
- Matsumoto 274 miles away
- The Japanese Alps 286 miles away
- Hakuba 288 miles away
- Izu Peninsula 288 miles away
- Hakone & Mount Fuji 297 miles 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