2025 Miyoshi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

Shikoku is one of the best places for a road trip. Due to the underdeveloped railway network and scattered attractions, driving is the best way to fully enjoy the trip. First, we recommend visiting Tokushima's Iya Valley, which is far from any train station and lacks direct bus access. The Iya Vine Bridge, located in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, is one of Japan's three most unusual bridges. This bridge spans the Iya River, is about 45 meters long, and is woven from vines. Walking on it, you can see the flowing water of the valley below, which is thrilling and exciting. The history of the Iya Vine Bridge dates back to ancient times and is said to have been built to prevent enemy pursuit, with the ability to be quickly cut down if necessary. Near the Iya Vine Bridge, there is the famous Shin-Iya Onsen Kazurabashi Hotel. The hot spring facilities here include an open-air bath with a view of the Iya Valley, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery while soaking. The hot spring water is a simple sulfur spring, which helps to relieve fatigue and beautify the skin. Staying at the nearby hot spring hotel for a night, you can enjoy the illuminated night view again in the evening. The best seasons to visit the Iya Vine Bridge are spring and autumn. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage add vibrant colors to the valley, making it the best time for photography and enjoying natural beauty. The lush greenery of summer and the snowy scenery of winter also have their own charm, suitable for visitors in different seasons to experience. You can reach the Iya Vine Bridge by driving along Prefectural Route 32. There is a parking lot near the Iya Vine Bridge, making it convenient for road trippers to park.

In recent years, there have been direct flights from Hong Kong to Shikoku, and many people have traveled there. One of the major tourist attractions in Shikoku is the Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat tour in Tokushima Prefecture. Today, I want to introduce you to Hanan Coffee, which is just a 5-minute walk from JR Oboke Station. Oboke and Koboke are narrow canyon rapids, and the JR Dosan Line is very winding and twisting. The Oboke Station is located right next to the river, and as soon as you get off the station, you will see the word 'COFFEE' written in large letters on the other side of the canyon. This is Hanan Coffee. This small shop only offers coffee and snacks like pastries, but the view of the canyon, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and noisy crowds, provides a comfortable environment where every sip of coffee lingers in your mouth. Trains arrive almost every hour, and watching the train slowly pull into the station while sipping coffee is one of my favorite sights. If you plan to visit Oboke for a sightseeing boat tour or even visit the Iya Kazurabashi Bridge, don't miss this canyon café. 🕰️ Business Hours: Irregular holidays, please check their Instagram before visiting 📍 Address: 2158-4, National Route 32, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku (next to Oboke Bridge) 💰 Average Spending: HKD 60

The 'Shikoku Mannaka Millennium Story' sightseeing train offers the best railway journey in Shikoku 🚞. Last year, during my trip to Kagawa Prefecture, I had the chance to ride this train. It slowly traveled along the river, allowing passengers to admire the scenery through the large windows, which was truly breathtaking. Japanese sightseeing trains are renowned far and wide. Among them, the train running between Tadotsu in Kagawa Prefecture and Oboke in Tokushima Prefecture stands out with its exterior themed around the four seasons 🌸☀️🍂❄️ and its interior showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The seats on the train offer direct views through large windows of the passing scenery, such as Mt. Iino and Manno Pond in Kagawa Prefecture. The train transitions from urban areas to rural landscapes, and then into forested streams, making the changing scenery highly anticipated! Additionally, the train provides exquisite dining options, featuring Western cuisine made with local Sanuki ingredients from Kagawa Prefecture, allowing passengers to enjoy both the views and the food for a perfect experience! The journey includes a stop at Kotohira Station, where you can visit Kotohira Shrine and a dedicated VIP lounge before continuing south to enjoy the rest of the trip. The railway journey in Kagawa is perfect for families, offering an easy way to explore the natural beauty and local culture along the route. Due to the popularity of these sightseeing trains, it's essential to book nearly a month in advance. So, next time you plan a trip to Kagawa Prefecture, make sure to plan ahead and reserve your spot on the 'Shikoku Mannaka Millennium Story' sightseeing train!

Address: Higashiyamada-55-2 Oasachohinoki, Naruto, Tokushima 779-0225, Japan. Getting there: You can take a bus and get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop. Highlights: The Oku-Iya Kazurabashi is two of the surviving bridges still stand side by side deep in the inner valley. They are total of 13 suspension bridges made of mountain vines (kazurabashi) used to exist in the Iya Valley and provided a vital means of getting people and goods across the river in the past. This is really eye-opening as you wont be able to have this spectacular experience else where. The bridges are constructed with steel cables hidden within the vines for safety and are rebuilt every three years. They are connected to each other by a network of paved hiking trails that also lead to camping facilities on the far side of the river. Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily Admission fee: 550yen #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk #awesomepic

Day 10 of Summer Vacation: From Kochi Prefecture to Tokushima Prefecture. In the far western edge of Tokushima Prefecture's western region, there is a place called Iya, located deep in the mountains. It is one of the areas that has preserved its pristine natural environment and is listed as one of Japan's three great hidden spots. Here lies the famous suspension bridge, Iya Kazura Bridge, which spans the Iya River. Walking on the bridge, 14 meters above the water, is already nerve-wracking, and hearing a little Japanese boy crying behind you makes it even more terrifying! Near the suspension bridge, there is a place called Biwa Waterfall, which is said to be where the fallen samurai of the Heike clan played the biwa to comfort each other.

Beautiful view in Oboke. Managed to get to monster festival. I recommend to everyone visit, is in middle of November 🫣#festival #japan

Tucked away in the remote Iya Valley of Shikoku, Japan, lies Nagoro, a quiet village unlike any other. Known as the "Scarecrow Village," Nagoro is famous for its unique population of life-sized dolls, lovingly created by a local artist to honor the memory of its dwindling residents. 🎎 The Story of Nagoro Once a bustling village, Nagoro's population has dramatically declined over the years due to urban migration. Today, fewer than 30 residents remain. To preserve the spirit of the village, Tsukimi Ayano, a local artist, began crafting scarecrow-like dolls to represent former villagers and their roles in the community. 👩🎨 The Scarecrows There are now over 350 dolls, placed throughout the village in lifelike poses. You’ll find them in schools, fields, homes, and even at the bus stop, creating an eerie yet heartwarming tableau of village life. Each doll has its own story, reflecting a real person who once lived in Nagoro. 🏞️ Visiting Nagoro Explore this open-air art installation and see the village frozen in time. Experience the serene beauty of the Iya Valley, surrounded by rugged mountains and lush greenery. Learn about the challenges faced by rural communities in modern Japan and the creative ways they preserve their history. 🌟 Why It’s Worth a Visit Nagoro is more than just a quirky destination—it’s a poignant reminder of the changing face of rural Japan. Walking through the village feels like stepping into a living museum, where art and history blend seamlessly. #Nagoro #ScarecrowVillage #HiddenJapan #CulturalTravel #IyaValley

About an hour's drive from Oboke Station, you'll find yourself deep in the mountains, arriving at the mysterious 'Togenkyo Zokusanri.' This place, with over 100 years of history, has been transformed from traditional thatched-roof houses while retaining the charm of old folk residences. It is equipped with modern amenities, allowing you to relax comfortably indoors. The large kitchen inside is perfect for family, friends, or couples to enjoy their stay.

The 'Nishi Awa Fireworks' held in Miyoshi City is not just an ordinary fireworks event, but a competition where fireworks artists from all over Japan showcase their masterpieces and compete against each other. It features a dazzling array of fireworks, including rainbow-colored fireworks and the Music Starmine fireworks that reach up to 300 meters in sync with background music. Each fireworks artist displays their unique skills.

Located in Miyoshi City, the 'Iya Vine Bridge' is one of Japan's three unusual bridges. It is approximately 45 meters long and 2 meters wide, made from about a ton of hardy kiwi vines. The bridge itself showcases natural beauty, but the surrounding natural scenery of Miyoshi City is equally unmissable. Each season offers its unique charm: wisteria flowers in spring, fresh greenery in summer, red leaves in autumn, and white snow in winter.

Located in Miyoshi City, Kazuraya Inn in Iya offers open-air baths where you can enjoy the sound of birds while soaking, fully experiencing the feeling of being in the forest. The dishes made with Iya's vegetables and river fish are delicious and healthy. From the guest rooms, you can see picturesque, pristine scenery.

Located about a 3-minute walk from Vine Bridge, the Vine Bridge Dream Stage is a large tourist facility that includes an event plaza, a product hall, and the Vine Bridge Pavilion cafeteria. The product hall features thousands of Tokushima specialties, making it a perfect place to explore and find treasures. When you get hungry, you can head to the cafeteria to enjoy local delicacies such as Iya soba, soba rice porridge, and Tokushima ramen.

Miyoshi City's 'Iya FUREAI Park' is surrounded by mountains. In addition to camping and picnicking, you can also ride the park's famous beetle monorail with your friends and family. The cute beetle monorail takes about 8 minutes to travel through the forest, providing a refreshing experience. The autumn foliage is particularly beautiful, making it a popular spot.

Miyoshi City's '和之宿 Iya Onsen Hotel' is located near the Iya Valley, offering spectacular views of the cliffs. The rooms feature open-air baths, perfect for those seeking a private bathing space. The open design allows you to escape daily life and get close to nature. The most surprising feature is the cable car that takes you to the open-air hot springs at the bottom of the valley. Visiting in autumn means you can also enjoy the autumn leaves.

Located in Miyoshi City, the natural attraction 'Mount Tsurugi' is famous for its beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. After the lush green summer and the autumn filled with red leaves, winter brings the ice trees to greet visitors. Under the right climatic conditions, crystal-clear ice particles form on the trees from the summit to the mountainside, creating a dreamy winter-exclusive landscape. At dawn, the sunlight refracting through the ice trees makes the scene even more magical.

Standing at an elevation of 1,955 meters, Mount Tsurugi is the second highest peak in western Japan and is suitable for beginners to challenge. In addition to easy hiking trails, there is also a cable car that takes you halfway up the mountain. Whether at the summit or the base, there are facilities such as restaurants, restrooms, and campsites, making it very convenient. The mountain paths are wide and easy to walk, making it perfect for a family outing. You might even encounter autumn leaves or a sea of clouds.

The youth hostel '4S STAY Awa Ikeda Ikeda Onsen Yoko' in Miyoshi City will open in February 2024. It is about a 2-minute walk from the nearest station. The 8 rooms feature elements of Tokushima specialties such as 'Blue,' 'Sudachi,' 'Naruto Kintoki,' and 'Yoshino River,' offering you an accommodation experience with the characteristics of Shikoku. The facilities are fully equipped, and the entire building is non-smoking. There are also women-only bathrooms and toilets, ensuring a safe stay for female guests.

#japantrip Shikoku is one of Japan’s most rural islands. It is popular for that pilgrimage route and natural beauty. There are about 88 Buddhist temples you'd pass by on this route. While the island is not served by mainland transport like Shinkansen, there are efficient alternatives like the apid trains, it takes only three hours to get to Tokushima, one of the principal cities of Shikoku, from Osaka. The toshushima city in tokushima prefecture is one of the culturally most rewarding regions in Shikoku. In addition to some of the most beautiful temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route, the prefecture is also home to Iya Valley, which centuries ago was the hiding ground of Heike soldiers trying to escape the Genji Clan after the Genpei War. The valley is also home to picturesque vine bridges that connect the two sides of the river. I recommend staying at an onsen place which has those onsens facing the view of the river.#japantrip #scenic #offbeat

Take the JR Dosan Line and get off at Oboke Station, then take a bus to reach the famous Kazurabashi (Vine Bridge). The entrance fee is 500 yen! After walking for more than 20 minutes from Oboke, I visited the Yokai House at Michi-no-Eki Oboke. The entrance fee is 700 yen, and the museum provides information about Shikoku's yokai (monsters) with explanations in Chinese. Finally, I tasted Oboke's local delicacies such as Iya soba noodles, grilled dumplings, and dekomawashi.

[Shikoku Tokushima Obakugan] When you come to #Obouto, you can't miss the three secret hot springs in Japan - #Isoya Onsen 😍😍😍 The whole trip I was most looking forward to staying at this Shinsoya Onsen ホテルかずら Bridge🥰 At first I was hesitant to think about staying at #Wano-yaku, which has a #private cable car for guests to go up to the mountain open-air bath, or #Izuya Beauty, which specializes in Tokushima-date barbecue local cuisine, and later I discovered this #Newzu Valley Hot Spring Hotel Manqiao has both, book now without saying anything! "traffic" We do not drive ourselves, however there will be a bus directly to the hotel door at the right time. Otherwise, you can take a taxi at JR Obu Danger Station, the fare I saw online is about 3000yen🚘 "Hot Spring" The hotel has an inner bath and a sky bath 😚 #Sky Bath You need to take the hotel's private cable car up, the scenery is great 🚡 I go in winter is not very cold, after soaking in the hot spring is very warm, more do not worry! In addition to men's soup and women's soup, there is also #foot soup, most notably there is also a #Japanese-style little house, you can enter after soaking in the hot spring, around the charcoal stove to sip tea to keep warm. If you don’t want to soak with others, there is also a #loan cut bath (2200yen/40min) on the mountain! The view at night is not so clear, so I got up at 6am and soaked again, looking at the dark to slowly light, very healing. (There is no one in the morning, so you can take a picture inside for everyone to see) I heard that in certain months, you can see the #sea of ​​clouds in the morning! #The spring water in the inner soup is actually the same as the one on the mountain, but the scenery is not so good, but the skin care products and toiletries in the inner soup are more complete 👍🏻 #See the Earth Instantly #Japan Travel #Eleven Consumption Voucher #Staycation #Overseas Travel

Address: Japan, 778-0204 Tokushima, Miyoshi, Higashiiyakyojo, 14-3. Getting there: You can take a bus and get off at the Kyojo bus stop. The museum is about 5 minutes walk from the bus stop. Highlights: The Higashi Iya History and Folk Museum is a small history museum at the entrance to Oku Iya. Inside you will find exhibits and displays of tools, household items, clothes and other traditional items. You will be able to gain valuable insight into the lives and culture of the people of the Iya Valley. Informative bilingual signs and long-form descriptions are also on hand in Japanese and English, allowing anyone to more deeply understand the wonderful presentations. Opening hours: 10am to 4pm daily, closed on Wednesday Admission fee: 410yen #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk

check this mysterious town in tokushima prefecture. it is the famous nagoro village which also called the scarecrow village. it is fascinating to meet so many life-sized human scarecrows. there are children in the classroom and infants in the stroller. the scarecrows are literally scattered everywhere. it may look very creepy but they are harmless and has a beautiful smile on every each scarecrows. it is a must see itinerary when you visit nagoro.

#tripaway tried the river cruise in a Aqua Iiner which can shorter its height to fit in the short bridge. It was relaxing trip. #aqualiner #bridges #tripaway