Iya・Oboke・Mt.Tsurugi

Keka no Sato Kiyosasa

【VAN Sky Sports】 Tandem Paragliding 500 m Course

This area is one of the best in Japan for long distance tandem flights! If you take the proper precautions in advance, it's possible to take photos while flying. (Rental Phone Cases Available) 【Activity Details】 Enjoy a tandem (2 person) paragliding flight from 500 m! ※ A separate fee of 4,500 yen is charged for insurance and site maintenance fees. 【Points of Caution】 The activity may be cancelled in the case of bad weather. If the weather forecast is poor, please contact us before coming to confirm that the activity is still planned. 【Business Details】 VAN Sky Sports Address: Tachinoumayaguchi 1035-2, Mino-cho, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture Parking: Available

Deeper into the Valley! Explore the Mysterious Oku Iya Valley!【Guided Tour】

Visit the representative sightseeing spots of the Oku Iya Valley via taxi together with a guide! 【Tsuzuki Shoten: Iya Soba Making + Lunch】 Since long ago it has been difficult to grow rice in the Iya area, so soba (buckwheat) was grown in its place. As such, "Iya Soba" has become a staple food of the area. At Tsuzuki Shoten, a local, elderly woman will teach you how to properly make Iya Soba. Afterwards, you can enjoy the soba you made by hand along with a lunch comprised of mountain vegetables. 【Oku Iya Double Kazurabashi Vine Bridges】 Often called an unexplored area of Japan, two vine bridges, the male bridge and female bridge, remain here. There are large spaces in-between the bridge steps, so you can completely see the river below you. It's sure to be a thrilling experience! 【Nagoro - The Scarecrow Village】 The village of Nagoro, often called The Scarecrow Village, has more scarecrow residents than human ones! The scarecrows can be seen throughout the village, doing farm work, talking amongst themselves, studying at the school, etc. They are made by one woman who bases them off of people who used to live in the village. As she continued to make more and more scarecrows, the village eventually became quite well-known! 【Ochiai Village Viewing Platform】 This village is settled on the steep slopes of the mountain, and the viewing platform offers a beautiful, sweeping view. It evokes a strong images of Japan's mountainous villages. 【Price per Person】 For Groups of 2 - 3: 29,000 Yen For Groups of 1: 48,000 Yen 【Minimum Number of Participants】 1 【Maximum Number of Participants】 3 【Required Time】 Approx. 6 Hours 35 Min. 【Meeting Place】 Oboke Station (For those coming from Tokushima Station, there is a train that departs at 9:00 AM (Arrives at 10:37 AM).)

【AO Mitsu no Yume】Aizome Indigo Dyeing

This aizome indigo dyeing workshop is located in the nature-rich mountains of Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi City. Visitors can enjoy aizome indigo dyeing that makes use of natural dyes. 【Activity Details】 ・Handkerchief: 1,500 Yen ・Tenugui Towel: 2,000 Yen ・Stole (Cotton): 4,000 Yen 【Necessary Time】 ・1 ~ 2 Hours 【Other】 ・Reservations are available for 1 ~ 5 people per group. ・We will provide aprons and rubber gloves, but please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. 【Workshop Details】 Ao Mitsu no Yume Address: 〒779-5301 Yamatogawa 211-1, Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture

Handkerchief Indigo Dyeing & Tasting of Edible Indigo!

★★Tasting of edible indigo and indigo dyeing activity using sukumo (indigo dyestuff ) produced by our company!★★ ∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴ It has long been said that "indigo craftsmen never get sick". Due to its nutritional value and functionality, indigo has not only been popular as a dye, but also been eaten for its health benefits. Although indigo is typically known as a dye, it has been popular as a medicine since ancient times, and its use is described in China's oldest book on medicinal herbs. In Japan, indigo merchants were said to carry it in their pockets as a "good-luck charm" for long journeys during the Edo period. ∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴ ● Enjoy edible indigo by tasting "Awa Ai Tea" made from edible indigo grown without any agrochemicals in the mountains of Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture, as well as sweets made from indigo powder. *Please note that the sweets may change depending on the day of the event. ● Try your hand at dyeing a handkerchief. (45 x 45 cm). *Aprons and gloves will be provided, so there is no need to prepare anything in advance! (^^)/ *Please do not wear anything with long sleeves or hems, or shoes that you are not okay with getting dirty. 【Location】 Natural Indigo Dye - AI TANUKI 〒771-2106 　 63-1, Aza Tenjin, Kirai, Mima-cho, Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture *Site of the former Kirai Kindergarten

【Trip Shikoku River Guides】Canoe & Picnic Half-day Course

Flowing through the Shikoku Mountains and with a large amount of rainfall, the Yoshinogawa River has the highest river water volume in Japan. It is known for its magnificent scenery and beautiful waters. This tour allows participants to enjoy canoeing in the midst of this beautifully sprawling environment. Add a bit of "outdoor" to your life and even experience the historical background of this river. ------------------　Plan Details　-------------------- Participants: 2 ~ 6 People Meeting Place: Trip Shikoku River Guides Office or directly at the activity location. (We will let you know which location after you have applied.) This half-day course is perfect for exploring the wider Shikoku area. With a coffee set and snacks in hand, you will set out down the river! While paddling the canoe, enjoy the surrounding nature and ever-changing scenery. Partway through, we will stop at a nice river beach and enjoy a picnic. For those who are interested, you can also bring along your favorite camping gear. ◎ The 2-person canoe is quite stable, and we will ride approximately 4 kilometers down the river. There are no particularly dangerous points along the way, so even beginners can participate with ease of mind. This plan is available from March to December and takes place in Tsurugi Town around the Michi no Eki Roadside Station Sadamitsu Yuyukan area. ------------------------------------------------------------ 【Items to Bring】 Make sure to bring a change of clothes. Bring clothes that will dry fast, a raincoat, a windbreaker, etc. We also recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, sandals that won't slip off (long boots in the cold seasons), sunscreen, drinks, snacks, and a swimsuit for seasons when it is warm enough to swim. ※ Sandals, raincoats, waterproof backpacks, etc. are available to rent. (Free) 【In the Case of Rain】 In the event that the water levels or amount of rain exceeds our company's operating regulation levels, the tour will be cancelled. In the case of slightly poor weather, we will discuss with you about what actions to take. 【Company Information】 Trip Shikoku River Guides Address: Kaizekawamukai 122, Sadamitsu, Tsurugi-cho, Mima-gun, Tokushima Prefecture Email: trip.anabukigawa@gmail.com TEL: 0883-68-8022 ※ There are many times where we are unable to answer the phone, so we would appreciate it if you could send us an email instead.

Iya Soba Noodle Making & Meal

Enjoy traditional soba noodle making in the midst of Oku-Iya Valley's grand nature! Afterwards, relax and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal made with local plants. Iya soba is a local dish made from buckwheat flour harvested in the Iya Region. The Iya Region is able to produce good quality buckwheat flour thanks to the temperature differences that occur between daytime and nighttime. Through this activity, experience grinding buckwheat flour on a millstone that has been in use for nearly 80 years. While you're grinding the buckwheat, the kind grandmother will sing a folk song that was sung in the past while this type of work was done. Meals are served in a dining room with a sunken hearth. Enjoy the freshly prepared and boiled soba together with your meal. The taste of soba made using traditional methods that you grinded yourself is truly special! This special experience is something that you can only find here. We look forward to seeing you here in Oku-Iya!

Explore the Mysterious Iya Valley!【Guided Tour】

Visit the representative sightseeing spots of the Iya Valley via taxi together with a guide! 【Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge】 This vine bridge shakes and sways with each step, and is not a spot to be skipped when visiting Iya Valley! Although crossing might be a bit frightening at first, the view of the valley from the bridge is truly stunning, and the view of the river below is sure to get your heart racing. 【Lunch: Iya Bijin】 Since long ago it has been difficult to grow rice in the Iya area, so soba (buckwheat) was grown in its place. As such, "Iya Soba" has become a staple food of the area. At Iya Bijin, you can try these delicious soba noodles for yourselves. 【Hi no Ji Bend】 The Iya Valley offers grand nature that no big city can. The Hi no Ji Bend, named for its likeness to the Japanese character Hi (ひ), changes its face with each passing season. In spring it's a vivid green, in autumn it's dyed with seasonal colors, and in winter it becomes a white landscape. No matter when you visit, the sights are beautiful! 【Peeing Boy Statue】 According to the old folk tales, children used to prove their courage by standing on top of this rock and peeing over the edge of the gorge. Standing 200 m above the river's surface, some people find their feet frozen on this rock! Like the Hi no Ji Bend, the scenery changes with the seasons, and although a bit frightening perhaps, the views are gorgeous. 【Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Cruise + Souvenir Shopping】 Enjoy the emerald green waters and towering rocks of the Oboke Gorge from this sightseeing boat. After riding on the boat, you can enjoy perusing all of the local Iya souvenirs at the connected gift shop. 【Price per Person】 For Groups of 2 - 3: 23,000 Yen For Groups of 1: 38,000 Yen 【Minimum Number of Participants】 1 【Maximum Number of Participants】 3 【Required Time】 Approx. 4 Hours 15 Min. 【Meeting Place】 Oboke Station (For those coming from Tokushima Station, there is a train that departs at 9:00 AM (Arrives at 10:37 AM).)

【VAN Sky Sports】 Tandem Paragliding 1,000 m Course

This area is one of the best in Japan for long distance tandem flights. With an elevation distance of approximately 1,000 m and a flight distance of approximately 6 kilometers, you'll be able to fly through the air for 20 minutes! If the wind is poor at the 1,000 m takeoff site, we also have a 500 m takeoff site, which means double the chances to fly! If you take the proper precautions in advance, it's possible to take photos while flying. (Rental Phone Cases Available) 【Activity Details】 Enjoy a tandem (2 person) paragliding flight from 1,000 m! ※ A separate fee of 4,500 yen is charged for insurance and site maintenance fees. 【Points of Caution】 The activity may be cancelled in the case of bad weather. If the weather forecast is poor, please contact us before coming to confirm that the activity is still planned. 【Business Details】 VAN Sky Sports Address: Tachinoumayaguchi 1035-2, Mino-cho, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture Parking: Available Website: http://vanskysports.com/index.html

【Awa Indigo Yamauchi Udatsu Workshop】 Aizome Indigo Dyeing

【Awa Indigo Yamauchi Udatsu Workshop】 The town of Wakimachi flourished as a trading center for indigo since the Edo period (1603 - 1868). It is often referred to as the "Udatsu no Machinami" (Udatsu Townscape), due to the udatsu style roofs, which are high-winged walls built to prevent the spread of fire from one house to another. This indigo studio is nestled in the streets of the Udatsu Townscape, allowing visitors to freely enjoy Tokushima's culture. The indigo is produced in house, and the dye used for the activity is made with a natural lye fermentation method. Come stop by and make your own original indigo dyed item, a great way to remember your trip! 【Plan Details】 After listening to a description about Awa Indigo and Aizome Indigo Dyeing, participants will choose their fabric and design, dye the item, wash it, and then take it home to dry in a plastic bag. The staff will be there to help for the entire activity, so there is no need to worry. ◇Price Small Handkerchief (100% Cotton or Towel Fabric): 1,100 Yen Handkerchief (Towel Fabric, About the Same Size as a Face Towel: 1,650 Yen Scarf: 4,400 Yen Eco-bag: 4,400 Yen Drawstring Bag: 1,650 Yen Socks: 2,200 Yen ◇Days/Times Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Times: 10:00 - 14:30 Necessary Time: Approx. 1 Hour ◇Group Number Restrictions Minimum Number of Participants: 1 Maximum Number of Participants: 10 【Business Details】 Awa Indigo Yamauchi Udatsu Workshop ◇Address Totsukinuki-cho 45-1, Wakimachi, Oasa, Wakimachi, Mima City ◇Access By Car: Approx. 7 Minutes from Wakimachi IC By Train/Taxi: Approx. 9 Minutes by Taxi from JR Anabuki Station ◇Parking Please park at the Michi no Eki Ai Land Udatsu. ◇TEL 0883-52-5168 ◇Business Days/Hours & Closed Days Business Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays Business Hours: 10:00 - 16:00 Closed Days: Tuesdays, Year End Holiday ◇Website http://aizomeya.jp/