Did you know Japan has "Three Great Hidden Regions"?
You might be thinking, “Wait, hidden regions?”
Yes—it’s true. Japan has three areas officially called “The Three Great Hidden Places.”
They are: Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Iya Valley (Tokushima), and Shiiba Village (Miyazaki).
So! This time, I ventured into one of them: **Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture.
Iya Valley: A Remote Mountain Escape in Tokushima
The weather wasn’t great when I visited Iya.
Low-hanging clouds covered the mountains like a blanket.
The mountains are deep, the roads have intense elevation changes...
Even on mountaintops, there are small villages. It didn’t feel completely deserted—people do live here (of course!).
The drive was smooth at first, but once we reached this sign…
the road got sketchy. One of those roads where passing another car seems impossible.
On the way to Iya Onsen, we drove National Route 32.
The road is narrow, with rocks and fallen branches. Gotta drive slowly and carefully.
Meeting the Famous Peeing Boy of Iya
Almost there! Right before reaching Iya Onsen, we ran into the iconic “Peeing Boy of Iya.”
Why is this kid peeing off a cliff!? Dangerous, buddy…
According to the Miyoshi City Tourism Association, this bronze statue was created in 1968 by sculptor Ryoko Kawasaki from Tokushima.
It was inspired by old workers and travelers who used to relieve themselves here as a test of courage while walking the dangerous Iya Road.
Iya Onsen
After carefully navigating narrow roads, we finally arrived at Iya Onsen. What a relief!
There's even a mini version of the Peeing Boy in the hotel’s parking lot
This hotel is famous for having a cable car that takes guests down to the open-air hot spring—so unique!
BUT!
I was absolutely blown away by the room.
This view!? I’ve never stayed somewhere like this before—everything through the window was lush green.
Seriously—breathtaking!
Though… I did wonder how pitch-black it must be at night
The room had its own open-air bath too.
Just look at that view from the tub! I couldn’t wait for morning bath time.
Riding the Cable Car to the Onsen
This hotel is the only one in the area. To get to the hot spring at the bottom of the valley, you take a cable car down.
It’s about 170 meters down and takes 5 minutes. The 42-degree slope makes it feel like an amusement ride!
Kids (and adults) are bound to get excited.
All you see through the window is green. It’s beautiful.
After 5 minutes—arrival at the riverside onsen.
This open-air bath by the river was incredibly freeing and peaceful.
The water even felt slightly carbonated—warm and soothing.
Here's how the cable car looks from outside. Super steep slope, right?
Time to hop back on and return to the hotel.
You control the cable car yourself by pressing this button. Fun!
Breakfast the next morning. Still that incredible view from the dining room.
Everything about this hotel was amazing—including the food!
After checking out, we strolled around Oboke Gorge and headed to the vine bridge.
The Vine Bridge of Iya
This ancient vine bridge looked intense and primitive—massive vines everywhere.
Don’t worry—it’s reinforced with steel wires inside, so it won’t actually snap.
BUT—it sways a lot. And the floor has big gaps. Not for the faint of heart!
Even I almost lost my footing for a second
Hotel Iya Onsen
A hidden hot spring inn in Tokushima, only accessible via cable car.
Along with Niseko Yakushi Onsen (Hokkaido) and Yachi Onsen (Aomori), Iya Onsen is considered one of Japan’s **Top 3 Secret Hot Springs**.
Hotel Iya Onsen
367-28 Matsumoto, Matsuo, Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi City, Tokushima
Approx. 25km from Ikawa-Ikeda IC (via Route 32)
About 30 minutes by Shikoku Kotsu bus from JR Oboke Station