Iya・Oboke・Mt.Tsurugi
The deep mountainous area of the western part of Tokushima Prefecture includes Mt. Tsurugi, the second highest mountain in western Japan; the beautiful gorges of Oboke and Koboke; and the Iya Valley. Visitors can experience the rural lifestyle of people living in this area, and at the traditional townscape of Udatsu, they can see the houses of prosperous indigo merchants who used the Yoshinogawa River to transport indigo around Japan. Visitors can also enjoy the unique cuisine of this area, such as Iya soba noodles, Handa somen noodles, and gibier game meat.
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Iya Vine Bridges
In the secluded area of the Iya Valley lies a vine bridge made from hardy kiwi, which is 45 meters long and 2 meters wide and is 14 meters above the water. The beautiful shape of the bridge is reflected in the clear water of the Iya River that lies below, creating a scene that is in harmony with nature and shows different colors throughout the four seasons. Designated as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property, it is now a popular sightseeing area.
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Udatsu Townscape
"Udatsu" is a firewall built on the second floor of a building to prevent fire from spreading to neighboring houses and this area is commonly known as "udatsu-no-machinami" ( udatsu townscape) because of the large number of udatsu at both ends of the townhouses. Udatsu were originally built for fire prevention, but since it cost a lot of money to install them, they became more decorative and gradually became a symbol of wealth and success. This street is ideal for strolling the town with its restaurants and general stores.
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Mt. Tsurugi
This has been chosen as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. At 1,955 meters above sea level, it is the second highest mountain in western Japan and you can take the mountain lift up to near the top. After about an hour's walk from the lift, you will arrive at the summit, where the observation deck offers a wonderful panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Ishizuchi, which rises at the western edge of the Shikoku mountain range, as well as the Seto Inland Sea and Tosa Bay in the distance.
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Oboke Gorge Cruise
The majestic flow of the Yoshinogawa River, which runs through Tokushima Prefecture from west to east, has created beautiful gorges in the valley. The V-shaped valley of the Oboke Gorge, with its steep slopes and rock walls approaching from both banks, has been known as a difficult place to pass through. The rocks on both banks of the Oboke Gorge are said to have been created 200 to 100 million years ago. While listening to the boatman's guide, the boat will take you on an 8-kilometer tour of the canyon, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery and the mystery of nature.
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