Iya Valley Tours

Nobody can show you Iya like us

Based in the heart of Shikoku's Iya Valley, we offer the widest range of one-of-a-kind guided tours and experiences of this secluded region, with both fixed or flexible routes to meet your specific needs or interests.

Explore ancient hillside hamlets like Ochiai Village and its historic thatched roof farmhouses, taste the area's delicious food and maybe learn to cook some as well, sway across the daring vine bridges that are unique to the valley, climb lofty mountain peaks like Mt. Tsurugi and encounter stunning viewpoints, discover amazing spots like the Scarecrow Village of Nagoro, and all the while be charmed by the humble Iya people.

Led by an English speaking local guide and taken by private car and driver, we can help you create the perfect tour itinerary for your half-day, full day, or multi-day visit.  See more about our tours >>

Welcome to a Magical Place

The Iya Valley is considered one of the three "hidden" places in Japan, and rightly so. Set deep within the lush, steep mountains of central Shikoku, for centuries this valley was a refuge and hide-out for wandering aesetics, hardened woodsmen, and fugitive samurai warriors. 

Until fairly recently, much of the valley remained in many ways cut off from Japan, and it wasn't until the early/mid 20th century that the first road into here was even built. As a result, Iya developed its own unique customs, traditions, and ways of life, much of which has not yet been lost and remains alive today.

Welcome to a Magical Place

The Iya Valley is considered one of the three "hidden" places in Japan, and rightly so. Set deep within the lush, steep mountains of central Shikoku, for centuries this valley was a refuge and hide-out for wandering ascetics, hardened woodsmen, and fugitive samurai warriors. 

Until relatively recently, much of the valley remained in many ways cut off from the rest of Japan, and it wasn't until the early/mid 20th century that the first road into here was even built. As a result of such isolation, Iya developed its own unique customs, traditions, and ways of life, much of which has not yet been lost and remains alive today.
With personalized service,
Expert planning and knowledge,
And skilled local guides.

Iya Valley Tours,
Discover the wonders of our hidden home.

Iya is all we do

Iya Valley Tours specializes in in-depth and one-of-a-kind private tours which let you fully encounter the hidden wonders of the Iya Valley. Our professional local drivers are experts with navigating the valley's infamous winding roads, while our top-notch local guides will introduce Iya's renowned sights, historic villages, unique culture, rugged mountains, and charming people.
More About Us

Iya is all we do

Iya Valley Tours specializes in in-depth and one-of-a-kind private tours which let you fully encounter the hidden wonders of the Iya Valley. Our professional local drivers are experts with navigating the valley's infamous winding roads, while our top-notch local guides will introduce Iya's renowned sights, historic villages, unique culture, rugged mountains, and charming people.
More About Us

Our Tours

We offer a wide variety of tours featuring English speaking local guides along with safe and skillful drivers in private cars, taking you places most visitors never get to go. We also provide tours for large groups as well as guide-only and taxi-only tours. And we also offer custom tours with flexible routes to suit you own personal needs and interests. 
Find a tour

Our most popular tours

Iya Valley All Iya Tour

All Iya Tour

Fixed Route

7 hours
Iya Valley Highlights Tour

Iya Highlights Tour

Fixed Route

4.5 - 5 hours
Iya Valley Soba Workshop Tour
Iya tour personal touch

A personal touch

At Iya Valley Tours, we do not offer our services through outside tour aggregators and other middle-man operators that are not located anywhere near the Iya Valley. We work directly with you to understand your specific needs and interests, allowing you to have confidence that your tour will happen smoothly and pleasurably. We are proud of our ability to give unparalleled local insight along with top quality service in English or Japanese. 
As we say, nobody can show you Iya like us.
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