Iya Valley Half-Day: Private Car & Driver, No Guide

In the past centuries over 13 of these bridges offered passage over the Iya River, but nowadays only 3 remain.

Visitors have a stunning view over the steep surrounding mountains and the turquoise Iya river, flowing more than 200 meters below them.

Oboke Gorge (大歩危, Ōboke) and neighboring Koboke Gorge (小歩危) a little ways downstream, are narrow, steep sided gorges near the entrance to the Iya Valley and popularly combined with a visit there. Cut by the swirling rapids of the Yoshino River, their names mean "big dangerous steps" and "small dangerous steps" as their jagged, rocky walls can be perilous to navigate. The gorges are one of the leading outdoor destinations in Japan, rivaling Minakami in Gunma Prefecture, and are known for their beautiful natural scenery and for the variety of outdoor attractions, such as whitewater rafting and canyoning, that can be enjoyed on the river.

A small hamlet in the heart of Iya Valley with a collection of historical farm houses dating back to the mid-Edo era. Perched on a mountain side visitors can get an insight on the rural lifestyle and traditions that have been kept alive until the present day.