Escape to one of Japan’s Top 3 Hidden Valleys – Iya Valley (祖谷渓)
Deep in the mountains of Tokushima lies a hot spring retreat like no other. Iya Onsen Hotel is a secluded ryokan perched on a cliffside, offering breathtaking views and a private cable car ride down to a riverside open-air bath.
Nestled in the heart of nature, Iya Valley is famous for its vine bridges, steep gorges, and untouched serenity – a perfect off-the-beaten-path getaway.
The onsen water here is silky-smooth alkaline sulfur spring water, known as “beauty bath” for its skin-softening effect. Relax in the open-air bath surrounded by forest and mist, far from the crowds.
Enjoy traditional Japanese meals with local specialties like river fish, handmade soba, and premium Awa beef.
Don’t miss the cable car ride down the canyon — it’s not just transportation, it’s part of the adventure.
Location: Iya Valley, Tokushima
Type: Ryokan (Japanese-style inn) with onsen
Vibe: Peaceful, hidden, rejuvenating
I Took a Cable Car to an Open-Air Bath: Iya Onsen, a Hidden Gem in Tokushima
Travel date: June 2020
Published: January 20, 2025
Did you know there are places in Japan called “hidden wonders”? Among them, the three greatest hidden landscapes are Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Iya Valley (Tokushima), and Shiiba Village (Miyazaki). This time, I traveled to Iya in Tokushima Prefecture—considered one of these hidden wonders.
Heading Into Iya, Tokushima’s Mountain Valley
On the day I visited, the weather was gloomy—with clouds hanging low over the mountains.
The valley is deep, with drastic elevation changes. Some hillside villages exist, so it's not completely deserted, but it's definitely remote.
Driving along Route 32 toward Iya Onsen got nerve-wracking as the road narrowed, littered with fallen rocks and branches—definitely a “road of terror.”
Meeting the “Peeking Boy” Statue
Just before reaching Iya Onsen, I encountered a quirky statue of a little boy urinating off a cliff’s edge. Legend has it that back in the day, road workers and travelers would test their courage by peeing off this rock during road construction. In 1968, Tokushima-born sculptor Ryoko Kawasaki created the figure.
Arriving at Iya Onsen
After gripping the steering wheel tight on the narrow roads, I finally arrived—and exhaled with relief. Iya Onsen is famous as a cliffside inn where guests ride a cable car down to the riverside open-air baths.
I was blown away by the rooms—the entire window view was green and breathtaking. At night, though, I wondered if it would go pitch black out there! Thankfully, many rooms have open-air baths with equally stunning views, perfect for morning soaks.
Cable Car Ride to the Open-Air Baths
The onsen is a standalone facility: the natural hot spring baths are located at the bottom of the gorge and accessed only by cable car. The ride is about 170 m down, taking five minutes along a steep 42-degree incline—a fun, attraction-like experience that brings out your inner child (or big kid!). tabi-1.net
Riding down through lush greenery is a thrill, and the riverbank open-air baths are especially liberating—complete with carbonated-spring vibes that warm your body gently.
Guests control the cable car themselves, making the experience even more fun.
A Peaceful Morning & Scenic Breakfast
The next morning, I enjoyed breakfast in the dining room, which has another grand window with the same mesmerizing view. The food was delicious—and the serene setting made it even more enjoyable.
Visiting the Iya Vine Bridge
Nearby, I also visited the famous vine bridge (kazurabashi). Made of thick vines, it has a rustic charm and considerable heft—although supported by a steel cable beneath, it still sways dramatically. The walkway gaps can make anyone with a fear of heights feel a little weak in the knees!
About Hotel Iya Onsen
Iya Onsen is a single-inn hot spring resort accessed by cable car. It’s regarded as one of Japan’s "three great secluded hot springs" along with Niseko Yakushi Onsen (Hokkaido) and Yachi Onsen (Aomori).
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Location: 367–28 Matsuo‑Matsumoto, Ikeda‑cho, Miyoshi‑shi, Tokushima
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Access: ~25 km from Ikawa-Ikeda IC via Route 32 -
Public Transit: ~30 min by bus from JR Ōboke Station
“Click here for reservations and detailed information about the facility featured in this blog.”