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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・Oboke・Mt.Tsurugi area
Indigo Merchants in Wakimachi
Indigo is often referred to as “Japan Blue” by those from overseas. During the Edo period when indigo dyed clothing was abundant, Awa Ai Indigo flourished to the point where it is said to have “dyed the whole of Japan”. In Tokushima Prefecture, there are still indigo merchants who ship sukumo, necessary for indigo dye, all across Japan. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets of indigo’s hometown.
#Udatsu townscape
#Aizome
#Indigo dyeing
#Japan Blue
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Iya・Oboke・Mt.Tsurugi area
Iya Valley
In the western part of Tokushima, there is an area called Iya, where the old agricultural and mountain village life is still preserved and the scenery conveys the harshness of living on steep slopes. One charm of the Iya Valley is observing the daily lives of the people who have lived here for generations.
#Iya Valley
#Unexplored region
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Mima・Wakimachi・Mt. Tsurugi
During the Edo period, the mysterious blue that color Japan was known as Awa Ai Indigo. Experience the culture of indigo firsthand at Wakimachi, where the residences of Awa indigo merchants from long ago still remain. Visitors can also enjoy playing in the waters of the Anabuki River, said to be one of the clearest rivers in Japan, or enjoy the brilliance of the four seasons on the sacred Mt. Tsurugi. The thick and chewy Handa somen noddles, nurtured by the cold winds that blow from Mt. Tsurugi, are truly a treat!
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Iya・Oboke・Ikeda
Are you fed up with the everyday scenery of the city? Then the deep mountain valley of Iya/Oboke is the perfect place for you. Enjoy the slow passing of time in this secluded valley, or a refreshing soak in a hidden hot spring. Raise your voice while enjoying rafting, or enjoy delicious konnyaku or tofu hand-made by the local grandmas. Raise a toast of Ikeda’s local sake, and dig into a special treat of gibier game meat.
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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
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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!
Recommended Tourism Information
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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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We can prepare a personalized trip based on where you would like to go and what you would like to do.
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