Feedback

Japan

City life
Modern and exciting cities make up much of the Japanese landscape, encapsulated by sleek bullet trains, flashing neon lights and dizzying skyscrapers. Scratch the surface to find hidden temples, preserved samurai quarters and local markets.
City life
Food
From delicate sashimi to prime grade steaks washed down with a local beer or a cup of hot sake, every mouthful you try in Japan will certainly be memorable and more often than not, delicious.
Food
Ryokan accommodation
A stay in a Japanese ryokan inn is an unbeatable opportunity to experience true Japanese hospitality, including kaiseki cuisine, hot onsen baths and sleeping on a tatami mat.
Ryokan accommodation
Scenery
Although the image of Japan is that of skyscrapers and flashing neon, most of the country is rural, rugged and mountainous, providing excellent walking and hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Scenery
Temples & shrines
Kyoto alone has over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines paying homage to a number of different deities and gods. Enter the through the large torii gate and contemplate.
Temples & shrines
Traditional culture
From tea ceremonies and flower arrangements to lavish Geisha attended kaiseki banquets, Japanese culture is the most refined and elaborate in the world.
Traditional culture

Japan

By Post Download Online 9063986

Visit Iya Valley, Shikoku

The Iya Valley 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.

Chiiori House, Iya Valley

Iya Valley, Japan Iya Valley, Japan Iya Valley, Japan

Iya Valley

Shikoku, Japan

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 Kazura-bashi 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.

Other places within Shikoku

Iya Valley

View place

Japan

City life

Food

Ryokan accommodation

Scenery

Temples & shrines

Traditional culture

Visit Iya Valley, Shikoku