Iya Valley and Oboke-Koboke Gorges

Getting Here and Around

The Yoshino-gawa is an amazing river, and it's easy to access and enjoy. Express trains go to Awa-Ikeda in northern Tokushima-ken, where local trains run south to Oboke Station. Once there, local buses can bring you to the sights: ask Chiiori house for up-to-date bus tables and advice on getting around.

A car is the best way to see the valley. The closest rentals are in Awa Ikeda, but coming from any of Shikoku's big northern cities shouldn't take more than a couple of hours, even on the prefectural roads. Make for Awa Ikeda (get off at the Ikeda Interchange from the expressway) and follow Route 32 south alongside the Yoshino River to Oboke station. Coming north from Kochi, go toward Otoyo or the Otoyo Interchange and take Route 32 north.