Spectacular Gorges, Valleys, and Waterfalls
Iya Gorge
Iya Gorge is one of Miyoshi’s signature attractions, with deep ravines, steep mountainsides, and lush forests creating a dramatic landscape. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, and autumn is particularly popular when the hillsides turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Winding mountain roads offer striking viewpoints, making the gorge an unforgettable destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge
The Iya Kazurabashi is a traditional suspension bridge woven from plant vines and set high above a mountain stream. Historically, bridges of this kind served as important crossing points in the isolated Iya Valley. Today, crossing the swaying bridge offers a memorable combination of adventure and scenery, with glimpses of the river visible through the gaps beneath your feet.
Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges
Further into the mountains, the Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges provide another opportunity to experience this distinctive form of traditional bridge construction. Surrounded by dense woodland and rugged terrain, the two bridges blend naturally into their remote surroundings. Their secluded setting makes them especially appealing to travelers seeking a quieter encounter with Iya’s mountain landscape.
Little Peeing Boy Statue
Perched on a rocky outcrop above Iya Gorge, the Little Peeing Boy Statue is one of the area’s most unusual landmarks. The statue stands above a dramatic drop, recalling stories of daring behavior on the precipitous cliffs. It has become a familiar symbol of the gorge, and visitors often stop at the viewpoint to take photographs of this distinctive sight and the surrounding valley.
Oboke and Koboke Gorges
The Oboke and Koboke gorges are celebrated for their towering rock formations, rugged cliffs, and fast-flowing river. The Yoshino River has carved these dramatic formations over countless years, creating a landscape that is beautiful in every season. The area is particularly attractive to visitors who enjoy scenic river journeys, outdoor activities, and the striking contrast between the pale rock faces and emerald-green water.
Other Natural Attractions
Miyoshi has many other scenic places to explore, including Higashi-Iya Ochiai, the terraced rice fields of Shimo-Kage, Kurosawa Marsh, and the historic route known as the Iya History and Culture Trail. These landscapes reveal how people have adapted to life in the steep mountains, where traditional villages and cultivated slopes remain closely connected to the natural environment.
The city also features several waterfalls and unusual rock formations. Ryuto Falls and Kongo Falls are known for their impressive water flow and picturesque surroundings, while Goraiko Falls and Handa Rock offer further opportunities to appreciate the area’s rugged beauty. Ikeda Dam and the adjoining reservoir, often called Ikeda Lake, add another dimension to the scenery.
Bridges and mountain landmarks, including Seiun Bridge, Miyoshi Bridge, and Mount Ryugatake, are also worth discovering. Exploring these places provides a chance to slow down, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of rural Shikoku.
Mountains, Rivers, and Outdoor Adventures
Mount Tsurugi
Mount Tsurugi is the second-highest mountain in Shikoku and a popular destination for hikers and trekkers. Its elevated viewpoints reveal sweeping panoramas of the surrounding mountain ranges, making it a rewarding place to experience the scale and beauty of Shikoku’s interior. Other notable mountains in and around Miyoshi include Mount Miune, Mount Kunimi, and Mount Tomaru, each offering opportunities to explore the region’s rugged terrain.
Rafting on the Yoshino River
The Yoshino River is one of Japan’s best-known destinations for white-water rafting. Its powerful currents and exciting rapids attract outdoor enthusiasts from across Japan and overseas. In 2017, Miyoshi and the neighboring town of Otoyo in Kochi Prefecture jointly hosted the World Rafting Championships, bringing international attention to the river and reinforcing its reputation as a premier rafting destination.
Beyond rafting, the Yoshino River and its tributaries, including the Dozan River and Iya River, shape much of the region’s scenery and provide opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Depending on the season and local conditions, visitors can explore the river valleys, follow mountain trails, or simply admire the views from scenic roads and riverside stops.
Ikawa X Park and Other Parks
Ikawa X Park is a sports and recreation park popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. It provides a place to enjoy active recreation in a natural setting. Miyoshi also has numerous smaller parks, including Kinryuzan Rural Park, Ryugu Cliff Park, Fuji no Sato Park, Heso-kko Park, Maruyama Park, and Suwa Park. These green spaces are suitable for leisurely walks, picnics, and enjoying the changing seasons.
Discovering Miyoshi’s History and Traditional Culture
Awa Ikeda Udatsu House and Tobacco Museum
The Awa Ikeda Udatsu House and Tobacco Museum introduces visitors to the history of Ikeda and the tobacco industry that once played an important role in the local economy. Exhibits explore the region’s tobacco-growing and trading traditions, while the historic merchant-house setting provides a glimpse into the architecture and commercial life of an earlier era.
Heike Yashiki Folk Museum
The Heike Yashiki Folk Museum, housed in the Nishioka family residence, preserves stories and traditions associated with the Taira clan, also known as the Heike. According to local legend, members of the defeated clan fled to remote mountain communities after the late-12th-century conflicts that ended their dominance. The museum offers insight into these traditions and the way people lived in the isolated Iya region.
Other Museums and Historic Houses
Visitors interested in local history can also explore Tokuyoshi Residence, the former Kita family samurai residence, the Higashi-Iya History and Folk Museum, and Lapis Oboke. Together, these sites reveal the region’s distinctive mountain lifestyle, traditional architecture, folklore, and relationship with the surrounding landscape. Lapis Oboke offers a particularly unusual combination of geological displays and stories about yokai, the supernatural creatures of Japanese folklore.
Ikeda Castle and Other Historic Sites
Ikeda Castle is one of Miyoshi’s historic castle sites, offering a connection to the region’s turbulent medieval past. Other remains, including Shiroji Castle, Tao Castle, and Yatsuiwa Castle, help tell the story of the mountain strongholds that once controlled important routes through Shikoku.
The region played a significant role in the struggles for power during the Sengoku period, when rival warlords competed to control the island. These historic sites are especially interesting for visitors who want to look beyond the scenery and understand Shikoku’s wider political and military history.
Temples, Shrines, and Pilgrimage Routes
Unpenji Temple
Unpenji Temple is associated with the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage and is traditionally numbered Temple 66. Located in a mountainous setting, it is an important destination for pilgrims and travelers interested in Japanese Buddhist culture. The temple’s elevated surroundings add to its atmosphere of quiet contemplation, and the journey to the site offers a different perspective on the region’s mountain landscape.
Hashikuraji Temple
Hashikuraji Temple is an important temple associated with the Shikoku Bekkaku 20-Temple Pilgrimage, a supplementary pilgrimage route connected with the broader Shikoku religious tradition. Set in the mountains, the temple offers visitors a chance to experience the region’s longstanding Buddhist heritage and the close relationship between religious practice and the natural environment.
Miyoshi is also home to sites connected with other regional pilgrimage traditions, including the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage and the Shikoku 36 Fudo Pilgrimage. These sacred places reflect the enduring importance of religious travel in Shikoku and provide opportunities to discover lesser-known temples away from the main tourist routes.
Historic Shrines
Numerous Shinto shrines are scattered throughout Miyoshi’s mountain communities. Among them are Takeo Shrine, Imamiya Shrine, Seiriki Shrine, Izumo Shrine, Maruyama Shrine, and Suwa Shrine. Other places of worship include Ichinomiya Shrine, Sakaimiya Shrine, Take Shrine, Kawasaki Sansho Shrine, Kenmi Shrine, Shisho Shrine, and Tsuedate Shrine.
Ohiromeme Shrine, Kurishitowatari Hachiman Shrine, Hoko Shrine, and Tsurugi Shrine are also rooted in the region’s religious traditions. Visiting these shrines offers a glimpse into local beliefs, community history, and the spiritual significance that mountains and forests have held for generations.
Hot Springs in the Mountains
Iya Onsen
Iya Onsen is one of the best-known hot spring destinations in Miyoshi. Its dramatic mountain setting makes it especially appealing to travelers seeking relaxation after hiking or sightseeing. Soaking in an outdoor bath while looking out over a deep forested valley offers a memorable way to appreciate the quiet beauty of the Iya region.
Hikyo no Yu and Other Hot Springs
Hikyo no Yu, whose name evokes a hidden or secluded retreat, is another popular choice for visitors looking to unwind in a natural setting. The peaceful atmosphere and surrounding greenery make it a welcome stop on a journey through the mountains.
Other hot spring areas include Shin-Iya Onsen, Momiji Onsen, Shiraichi Onsen, Oboke Onsen, Oku-Koboke Onsen, Kenmi Onsen, and Matsuo River Onsen. Each offers a different setting for enjoying Japan’s bathing culture. A hot spring visit can be a particularly rewarding addition to a trip through Miyoshi, where travel often involves winding mountain roads and outdoor activities.
Festivals and Local Traditions
Shikoku Sake Festival
The Shikoku Sake Festival celebrates the region’s sake-brewing heritage and attracts visitors eager to learn about local drinks and traditions. The event brings together people interested in Japanese sake culture and provides an opportunity to experience the character of the area through its local producers.
Other Local Festivals
The Tobacco Festival and Yoshiko no Sato Festival are among the other events that celebrate Miyoshi’s cultural identity. These gatherings reflect local customs and community pride, giving visitors a chance to experience traditions that are closely connected to the area’s history and everyday life.
Mountain Agriculture and World Agricultural Heritage
Miyoshi’s steep mountainsides have shaped the way people live and farm for centuries. Rather than relying solely on flat fields, local communities developed distinctive agricultural techniques suited to sloping land. These methods help make use of the terrain while reducing soil loss and preserving cultivated landscapes.
In 2018, the Nishi-Awa Slope Land Agricultural System, which includes Miyoshi and neighboring areas, was recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The designation recognizes the region’s traditional farming practices and the knowledge passed down through generations.
The landscape itself is part of the attraction. Terraced fields, scattered settlements, and cultivated mountain slopes demonstrate how local communities have adapted to a challenging environment while maintaining a distinctive rural culture.
Climate and Seasonal Travel
Miyoshi’s climate varies considerably according to elevation and location. In Ikeda, the city’s central area, average temperatures are broadly comparable to those of Niigata City. The higher and colder Higashi-Iya Kyojo area experiences temperatures more similar to those of Sendai or Akita.
Rainfall also differs between the northern and southern parts of the city. Areas closer to the Seto Inland Sea generally receive less precipitation, with some locations recording less than 1,500 millimeters annually. In the southern Shikoku Mountains, annual precipitation can exceed 2,000 millimeters.
Winter brings snow and icy road conditions to some mountain areas, and certain roads may close seasonally. Landslides and falling rocks are also potential hazards on steep roads, particularly after heavy rain. Travelers planning to drive into the mountains should check road conditions and weather forecasts in advance, especially during winter and periods of unsettled weather.
History: From Heike Legends to the Miyoshi Clan
Legends of the Heike Refugees
Miyoshi’s history is closely connected with the legends of the Heike, the Taira clan defeated in the late 12th century. Local tradition holds that members of the clan fled into the mountains after their defeat at the Battle of Yashima. Some stories describe their passage through Jifukuji Temple in Ikawa before reaching the secluded Iya region, where they are said to have established new lives far from the political centers of Japan.
Although such stories belong partly to local legend, they remain an important part of the cultural identity of the mountain communities. They also help explain the region’s reputation as a remote refuge where distinctive traditions survived over generations.
The Rise of the Miyoshi Clan
In the 16th century, the Miyoshi clan rose to prominence from its base in the region and briefly exercised considerable influence over the Ashikaga shogunate. The clan became one of the major political powers of its era, and the name Miyoshi is associated with a significant chapter in Japan’s medieval history.
As the Miyoshi clan’s power declined, the Chosokabe clan from Tosa Province, now part of Kochi Prefecture, expanded into the area. Shiroji Castle served as an important base during efforts to unify Shikoku. These conflicts made the region a strategic crossroads in the island’s wider history.
Local Food and Regional Specialties
Miyoshi’s cuisine reflects its mountain environment, traditional farming practices, and clear rivers. The Iya area is particularly well known for Iya soba, a rustic buckwheat noodle dish with a distinctive aroma and a firm, hearty texture. Another local specialty is Iya tofu, traditionally made so firm that it can be skewered without falling apart.
Other regional foods include soba-gome zosui, a comforting rice-like buckwheat soup, and dekomawashi, a traditional dish of skewered ingredients grilled over an irori-style hearth. Amago trout is another local favorite, often prepared in simple ways that highlight its flavor. The area is also known for Handa hand-stretched somen noodles, a thicker style of somen with a satisfying bite.
Local agricultural products include shiitake mushrooms, tea, highland vegetables, mountain greens, and hassaku citrus. The region’s rivers support fish such as sweetfish, amago trout, and eel, while mitsumata, a plant used in traditional Japanese paper production, remains an important part of the area’s agricultural heritage.
Miyoshi also has a sake-brewing tradition, with local brands including Miyoshikiku, Hōsui, Imakomachi, Sasamidori, and Awa Odori. Miso, soy sauce, yokan sweet bean jelly, and other traditional processed foods make appealing souvenirs. Visitors can discover many of these products at local shops and roadside stations.
Access and Getting Around
By Train
Awa-Ikeda Station is the main railway hub for Miyoshi City, served by JR Shikoku’s Tokushima Line and Dosan Line. The Dosan Line also stops at Oboke and Koboke stations, providing convenient access to the famous gorges and surrounding scenery. From Tokushima City, the journey to the Miyoshi area generally takes more than an hour by train, depending on the service.
Because Miyoshi lies in western Tokushima near the borders of Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi prefectures, it is also geographically connected to other parts of Shikoku. Travelers planning a wider island itinerary may find it convenient to combine Miyoshi with destinations in neighboring prefectures.
By Bus
Highway and local bus services connect Miyoshi with destinations including Tokushima, Osaka, and Kobe. Operators include Shikoku Kotsu, Shinki Bus, and Hankyu Bus. Local buses also serve major sightseeing areas, including routes toward the Iya region and its famous vine bridges. Since services into remote mountain communities may be limited, checking timetables before setting out is recommended.
By Car
The Tokushima Expressway serves the area, with Ikawa-Ikeda Interchange providing access to Miyoshi City. National Routes 32, 192, and 438 connect the city with other parts of Shikoku and provide access to many of its attractions. The nearest major airports include Takamatsu, Tokushima, and Kochi, although actual journey times depend on the starting point, traffic, and road conditions.
Driving offers flexibility when exploring remote valleys, mountain villages, and waterfalls, but some roads are narrow and winding. In winter, snow and icy surfaces can make travel more difficult, and seasonal closures may affect access to certain areas.
Roadside Stations
Miyoshi has several roadside stations, including Michi-no-Eki Mino, Michi-no-Eki Nishi-Iya, and Michi-no-Eki Oboke. These stops are useful places to take a break, purchase local produce, and discover regional specialties and handmade foods. They can also provide a convenient introduction to the communities and landscapes encountered along the way.
Experience the Wild Beauty of Shikoku
Miyoshi City brings together dramatic mountain scenery, exciting river adventures, traditional villages, historic temples, and distinctive regional cuisine. Whether you cross the vine bridges of Iya, admire the rock formations of Oboke Gorge, hike in the mountains, or relax in a secluded hot spring, the city offers a rich experience of Shikoku’s natural and cultural heritage.
Its remote valleys and steep agricultural slopes also tell the story of communities that have adapted to life in a challenging landscape. For travelers seeking a deeper connection with rural Japan, Miyoshi is an exceptional destination where nature, history, and local traditions remain closely intertwined.