Staying in Iya
Info on booking accommodations
Recommended Accommodations
We do not do accommodation bookings with out tours, so you will need to arrange this yourself. But to help you decide where to stay, we have a list below of some of the best places to stay with specific details about each location, along with some helpful info for making reservations.
We do not do accommodation bookings with our tours, so you would need to arrange this yourself. However, it can be a little tricky to understand, so please be patient. Iya is beautiful, so it is worth the effort!
We give details below about some of the best locations we can reccommend in the Iya Valley area and how to contact, however this is not a complete list and there are many other wonderful places to stay.
Best Booking Methods:
Aside from trying to book direct, the booking website with probably the most Iya Valley area (Miyoshi City) options would be Rakuten Travel
(this link goes to their Miyoshi listing page). Rakuten is a major Japan based booking agent which is available in English. Rakuten shows most (but not all) Iya Valley accommodations, including a few which are not listed on other booking websites.
Other good booking websites in English with many options for the Iya Valley area would be Jalan Travel , Booking.com and JAPANiCAN.com as well as others like Trip.com, Hotels.com, Trip Advisor, Expedia, etc. With any of these you should search in the area of "Miyoshi, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan" (there are other 'Miyoshi' in Japan, so be careful). But realize that no single booking website lists all possible places, especially for guesthouses and farmhouses. (See the individual listings below for specific booking info.)
Specific Considerations To Know:
- Sometimes one booking website will show a location as being full on a date, but a different website shows it as available on the same date. Japan-based booking websites tend to show the most availability (but not always) so it is important to search around a bit to see all the possibilities.
- Most locations in Iya or elsewhere in Japan do not show availability (or simply do not appear on booking websites) until 5 or 6 months prior to the requested date, and this can be especially true if looking to book before January for anytime the following spring or later.
- If trying to book two or more rooms then sometimes a hotel may seem full even though multiple rooms may actually be available. This may be because they have a variety of room styles and pricing levels, and unless two (or more) rooms are available at the same level then it will not show availability, so you may need to individually book the rooms instead.
- If trying to book a room for two or more nights but a hotel seems full, they may actually have rooms available for these dates, however it may not be the exact same room for every day (some hotels have several one-of-a-kind rooms). So you can instead book the nights individually and get different rooms, but of course you would then need to change rooms between the dates (it could be good to write the hotel a simple English email before check-in explaining you plan to do this. This often happens, so they will keep your bags for you).
- If using a third-party booking website (like Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia, etc) then do be sure that the accommodation is actually located in the Iya Valley area (some websites include listings for places that are actually rather far from the Iya Valley, such as Ikeda, Kanonji, or Kotohira).
- Though popular elsewhere, AirBnB
is not really used by places in the Iya Valley area.
- If traveling alone do understand that many locations have a two person minimum and/or no single room option.
Again, we give details below about some of the best locations we can reccommend in the Iya area, but if you have any questions about a particular accommodation, please ask us when making your tour reservation. But sorry, we can not make the reservation for you.
Most hotels offer a variety of room styles and meal options, and some hotels also offer special outdoor baths that can be reserved for private use as well as suite rooms with beautiful tubs on the room balconies, but sometimes these options may not be listed on third-party booking websites (and if the hotel's website is only in Japanese, then you may not know what is on offer).
In the hotel details below we briefly explain the main options available, and if you could not do so when making the reservation, then you should contact the location directy by email to make any request (such as with reserving a private bath).
But if you are having any trouble with contacting a location, then please just let us know when reserving a tour. We know the owners/managers of all Iya locations and can assist to make sure you have the most enjoyable stay possible!
Most locations listed below include dinner and breakfast. In particular, dinners are usually pre-arranged sets (not ordered with a menu on arrival), so if you or anyone in your group has a food allergy or restriction (such as vegetarian or halal), then you would need to contact the accommodation directly prior to arrival, and as far in advance as possible.
So if booking through a third-party website and it is not possible to arrange this, then you should send an email to the accommodation afterwards at some point to explain your meal request. But if you have any difficulty with arranging this, please just let us know and we will do our best to help!
* When arranging your tour, we make the plans based on where you will be staying, so telling us this is important for creating the optimal itinerary and price quote.
Iya Valley Hotels with Hot Springs (onsen)
The Iya Valley has several top-notch hotels with thermal hot spring baths. Each has its own unique style and bathing offerings, and all include locally influenced kaiseki style set dinners (most places have multiple meal options) as well as breakfast.
**Be sure to read "How to Reserve Accommodations" above to know important things to consider when trying to book a place to stay in the Iya Valley area.
Hotel Kazurabashi
Located in central Iya Valley. Traditional Japanese style with some modern touches. Family owned and operated. Beautiful hilltop outdoor baths and teahouse in garden setting with several options.
web: https://www.kazurabashi.co.jp/lg_en/
(website in English)
Though from the roadside it may not seem too special, but the service, quality, food, and above all the baths at Hotel Kazurabashi are particularly exceptional. We do not want to show any bias, but everyone we meet staying here are enamored with everything on offer.
Baths: Access to Hotel Kazurabashi's outdoor baths is via a short cable-car ride up behind the hotel. All baths are built with blue river stones, offering broad valley views in a lovely garden setting. They have 3 outdoor baths: a shared women's bath; a shared men's bath; and a rather large private bath (for couples/families) which needs to be reserved in advance for a specific time with additional fee.
Up at their outdoor baths there is also a thatched roof tea house to relax in (no extra fee or reservation needed), as well as a shared foot bath with a panoramic view. And they also have unique "goemunburo" baths in private huts, which are traditional iron bath-tubs that are heated from below by wood fires (additional fee and prior reservations needed).
They also have standard indoor baths down at the hotel (shared womens and shared mens) with jet pool, sauna, etc.
Meals: With exceptional hospitality, meals in the main dining room are with tables that have "irori" hearths set in the table with some dishes cooked over it. Though it is floor seating, there is a sunken space under the table to put your legs as if in a chair. Various meal option available when booking, and traditional Iya dishes and ingredients are always featured. And while dining, it is a common practice of the kimono-clad owner to usually seranade her guests by singing a traditional Iya song.
In the evenings they operate a free classic-style shuttle bus to the Kazurabashi Vine Bridge to see it lit up with special spotlights (crossing not possible, only for viewing from dusk to about 9pm). Reserve these shuttle seats at check-in.
Rooms: Hotel Kazurabashi's rooms are Japanese style with tatami mat flooring. Most rooms have traditional futon bedding, but a few have beds. A couple of the suite rooms have private baths on their balconies or special tubs with panoramic views (if seeking one of these rooms, it should be specified when booking).
Access: Hotel Kazurabashi is located in central Nishi-Iya, about a 20 minute drive from Oboke Station, and is accessable by public bus or by taxi, or you can be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour. We give complete details about how to access the hotel and the options that are possible on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".Reserve: Hotel Kazurabashi has an English website which has a direct booking option and reservations are taken up to 6 months in advance.
It has been noticed that if you are trying to book two or more rooms then sometimes they may seem unavailable even though rooms may actually be available. This is probably because they have a variety of room styles and pricing levels, and unless two (or more) rooms are available at the same level, then you may need to individually book the rooms instead.
Similarily, if trying to book a room for two or more nights but it seems full, they may actually have rooms available for these dates, however it may not be the exact same room for every day (they have several one-of-a-kind rooms), so therefore you can book the nights individually, but of course you would then need to change rooms between the dates (it could be good to write the hotel a simple English email before check-in explaining you plan to do this. This often happens, so they will keep your bags for you).
Iya Bijin
(or Keikuko no Kakure Yado Iyabijin)
Located on the hillside in a narrow part of the central Iya Valley. A traditional style boutique inn with modern amenities. Family owned with a local feel. All rooms have a private balcony bath with lovely views.
web: https://iyabijin.jp/
(website only in Japanese, but English reservations possible via 3rd party booking websites)
Iya Bijin has only nine rooms in total and provides top-notch service. Located on the side of the valley overlooking the Iya River and dense forest, it has a cozy yet opulent feel.
Rooms: There are several room designs, including multi-room suites with private in-room dining areas. All rooms are traditional style with tatami mat flooring. Only the largest suite has beds, while the others have fluffy futons. Unfortunately, it is only possible to book the standard (non-suite) rooms in English. See about reserving here below.
Baths: There is no shared hotspring bathing area at Iya Bijin, and instead all rooms have their own hotspring-fed bath tub (large enough for two) on enclosed balconies overlooking an uninhabited section of the Iya Valley (so nobody would see you when undressed). In the evening spotlights shine onto the forest to allow illuminated views. Depending on the room chosen, the bath tub is either made of ceramic or cypress wood.
Meals: Meals in the main dining room are semi-private with the spaces separated by sliding paper doors in a traditional way. The tables have "irori" hearths set in them with some of the dishes cooked over it. Though it is floor seating, there is a sunken space under the table to put your legs as if in a chair.
Iya Bijin was originally a renowned Iya Soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurant, and expanded into an inn in the early 2000s. The restaurant (lunch only) is on the main floor and open to the public, with the inn's rooms and dining area separate and on the lower floor. Dinners at the inn feature Iya ingredients, traditional dishes, and of course, their famed soba.
Access: Iya Bijin is located in central Nishi-Iya, about a 20 minute drive from Oboke Station, and is accessable by public bus or by taxi, or you can be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour. We give complete details about how to access the hotel and the options that are possible on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".Reserve: Iya Bijin's website and their direct booking option on there are only in Japanese, but don't take this as a sign that they may not want foreigners. They treat all foreign guests with welcoming hospitality.
You can find Iya Bijin on some 3rd party booking websites (but with only nine rooms, it gets easily full, especially weekends & holidays). They tend to be most available on Japan-based booking websites like Rakuten ( See Here for Iya Bijin's English booking page on Rakuten)
However, on indirect booking websites in English, it is not possible to book their few suite rooms amd only their standard rooms are listed. So for one of the suites, you need to book direct via their Japanese-only booking option.
It has also been noticed that if trying to book two or more rooms then sometimes they may seem unavailable even though rooms may actually be available. This is probably because Iya Bijin has different room styles and pricing levels, and unless two (or more) rooms are available at the same level, then you may need to individually book the rooms instead.
Similarily, if trying to book a room for two or more nights but it seems full, they may actually have rooms available for these dates, however it may not be the exact same room for every day (they have several one-of-a-kind rooms), so therefore you can book the nights individually, but of course you would then need to change rooms between the dates (it could be good to write the hotel a simple English email before check-in explaining you plan to do this. This often happens, so they will keep your bags for you).
Hotel Iya Onsen
(or Hotel Iyaonsen)
Perched on a steep hillside in the Iyakei Gorge, its isolated location has fantastic views. Modern Japanese style with some traditional touches. Riverside outdoor baths accessed by cable-car.
web: https://www.iyaonsen.co.jp/en/
(website in English)
Situated on an ourcrop within the Iyakei Gorge, the views from Iya Onsen are certainly impressive. Its isolated position (about 5 km to the closest other building) allows for uninterrupted valley views, with the single exception being the small Peeing Boy Statue, which is about a 3 or 4 minute walk away.
Baths: Access to their beautiful riverside baths is via a 7 or 8 minute long cable-car ride down the side of the mountain. The baths are separated into shared womens and mens, and there is also a private riverside bath for couples which needs to be reserved in advance with additinal fee. With a lovely view along the gurgling Iya River, the bath water comes directly out of the earth here and is geothermally heated.
**Do note that the riverside bath water is not overly hot, which can be quite nice for extended lounging during the warmer months, but during cooler weather times from about early November to mid-April (especially in evenings and mornings) you will probably wish the water was a bit hotter and you may immediately feel cold as soon as you exit the water.
Up at the hotel they also have standard indoor baths (shared womens and shared mens) each with a large pool and views unto the mountains, and the water is heated to a bit higher temperature than at the riverside bath, so it is more comfortable here during the winter months.
Rooms: Iya Onsen's rooms are modern Japanese style with most having tatami mat flooring. Some rooms have traditional futon bedding, but several also have beds. Elegantly arranged, there are multiple suite rooms with different styles, and these feature private baths on their balconies or special tubs with panoramic views (the room choices are listed on the hotel's booking website).
Meals: The main dining room has expansive views into the valley, and is arranged with tables and chairs. The sumptuous meals have several options available (specified when booking) and feature Iya ingredients.
Access: Hotel Iya Onsen is located within Iyakei Gorge, about a 25-30 minute drive from Oboke Station. It is accessable by the hotel's private shuttle bus, by public bus, or by taxi. Or you can be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour. We give complete details about how to access the hotel and the options that are possible on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".** If the tour you choose does not include going to "Iyakei Gorge Viewpoints", then extending the tour for an additional 30 minutes would help allow for the extra driving time needed to reach this hotel and not make the rest of the tour feel too rushed. And if doing so, we would of course include stops at the Iyakei viewpoints.
Reserve: Iya Onsen has an excellent English website which details everything, but it has been noticed that sometimes via their direct English booking option it can show a date as being full, but when checking via a third-party booking website (Rakuten, JAPANiCAN, Booking.com, Jalan, etc) they still have rooms available that day (or vice-versa), so it can be worth checking around a bit if not initially successful with finding availability for your dates.
Also, it has been noticed that if you are trying to book two or more rooms then sometimes they may seem unavailable even though rooms may actually be available. This is probably because they have a variety of room styles and pricing levels, and unless two (or more) rooms are available at the same level, then you may need to individually book the rooms instead.
Similarily, if trying to book a room for two or more nights but it seems full, they may actually have rooms available for these dates, however it may not be the exact same room for every day (they have several one-of-a-kind rooms), so therefore you can book the nights individually, but of course you would then need to change rooms between the dates (it could be good to write the hotel a simple English email before check-in explaining you plan to do this. This often happens, so they will keep your bags for you).
Kazuraya
(or Iyanoyado Kazuraya)
Surrounded by forest and a short walk away from the main Kazurabashi Vine Bridge. Traditional style inn with a local Iya feel. Family owned and operated with tranquil hot-spring baths.
web: https://iyanoyado-kazuraya.com/
(website only in Japanese, but English reservations possible via 3rd party booking websites)
Located about a 10 minute walk from the main Kazurabashi Vine Bridge and tucked into the surrounding forest, Kazuraya offers more of a traditional inn feeling than what would be had in other hotels.
Rooms: The rooms are classic Japanese style, with tatami mat flooring, tokonoma alcoves, and soft futon bedding that is taken out in the evenings for sleeping. All rooms have similar furnishing arrangements, but a few rooms have shared toilets/bath while others have en suite bathrooms.
Baths: The hotspring facilities at Kazuraya are not overly extravagant, but they are well presented and enjoyable. There are separate mens and womens sections, and each has stone-lined outdoor baths that are enclosed in their lovely gardens.
Meals: There are two dining areas at Kazuraya, one with modern tables and chairs, and the other being traditional style with floor seating on tatami mats. Meals focus on traditional Iya foods and include a variety of local specialties. They have a few different meal plan options that can be reserved.
Due to its close proximity, in the evenings it can be nice to stroll over to the Kazurabashi Vine Bridge to see it lit up with special spotlights (crossing not possible, only for viewing from dusk to about 9pm).
Access: Kazuraya is located in Nishi-Iya close to the main Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, about a 20-25 minute drive from Oboke Station. It is accessable by public bus (with a bit of walking) or by taxi, or you can be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour. We give complete details about how to access the hotel and the options that are possible on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".Reserve: Kazuraya's website and direct booking option are only in Japanese (use Google Translate to see more), but don't think that they may not accept foreigners. They treat all foreign guests with welcoming hospitality.
You can find Iya Bijin on some 3rd party booking websites but hey tend to be most available on Japan-based booking websites like Rakuten ( See Here for Kazuraya's English booking page on Rakuten)
Hotel Hikyo-no-Yu
(or Iyakei Onsen Hikyonoyu)
This larger modern hotel has a wide variety of room styles including many with beds, as well as some of the most extensive indoor baths in the Iya Valley area.
web: https://hotel-hikyounoyu.co.jp/en/
(website has English, but its a bit clunky. Reservations in English available on most 3rd party booking websites)
Hotel Hikyo-no-Yu is the largest hotel in the Iya Valley area.
Baths:
Their indoor baths are also the largest in Iya and include a variety of jet pools, jacuzzi baths, dry saunas, herbal baths, and cold tubs. The outdoor bath area is also nice (but not as extensive), and is lined with blue river stones in a garden setting.
Rooms: This hotel also offers a wide selection of room types, including traditional Japanese style, Japanese-Western mixed style, and full Western style, with the latter two styles offering proper beds.
Meals: The large set meals feature local ingredients and several pre-reserved options are avaiable. Meals are served in one of their two dining areas, one has reguar tables and chairs, while the other is more traditional style with floor seating and low tables (there is a sunken space below the table to put your legs as if sitting in a chair).
**Do note that it is possible to book a room here without including the meals (dinner and breakfast), but we do not suggest that you do this. There is no restaurant anywhere near the hotel that serves dinner and/or breakfast, nor are there any shops close to here that sell food (the closest grocery store is next to Oboke Station). And once you are there, if you do decide to have their meals, they need at least one day prior reservation to get their meals, so do yourself a favor and be sure to include the meals when booking your room (or if you already booked a room without meals, then contact them directly in advance before arriving to have the meals included).
Access: Hotel Hikyo-no-Yu is located in Nishi-Iya, about a 15-20 minute drive from Oboke Station, and is accessable by hotel shuttle bus, public bus, taxi, or you can be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour. We give complete details about how to access the hotel and the options that are possible on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".
Reserve: Hotel Hikyo-no-Yu is on most booking websites and due to the larger number of rooms, it does not fill as quickly as other locations. The hotel's website has English and can give more insight about rooms, but its a bit clunky since its mainy just done with Google Translate. Their direct booking option goes to their listing on JAPANiCAN here.
Oboke Area Hot Spring Hotels
The nearby Oboke Gorge along the Yoshino River has a couple nice hotels with pretty views and soothing baths, but if staying in the Oboke area (especially at Sun River), due to the additional time needed to travel between here and the Iya Valley, it may be better to add an additional 30 minutes onto the tour time so that the tour does not feel too rushed.
Hotel Obokekyo Mannaka
Near Oboke Station on the edge of Oboke Gorge area just across from the Oboke Boat Cruise. With exceptional hospitality, a variety of well appointed rooms (several with beds), and top-notch meals. The baths overlook the edge of the adjacent river area.
web: https://www.mannaka.co.jp/
(website mainly Japanese, but booking options are in English)
Obokekyo Mannaka Hotel is located near the entrance to Oboke Gorge, a few minute drive from Oboke Station. This nicely decorated modern-style hotel has lots of traditional touches, and simple yet nice open-air baths that look out towards the Yoshino River. If staying here, you may wish to add 30 minutes to any full day tour to alow for the extra driving time needed to go to and from the Iya Valley.
Having a good number of rooms, Obokekyo Mannaka does not fill up as quickly as other hotels, so rooms are often available. The family that owns the hotel also operate the Oboke Gorge Boat Cruises, which are conveniently located just across the road from the hotel.
Due to its location in the Oboke area, it would be better to add 30 minutes to the tour to allow for the additional time needed to go to/from the Iya Valley.
Rooms: This hotel also offers a wide selection of attractively arranged room types, including traditional Japanese style (with tatami mat floors and futon bedding), Japanese-Western mixed-style, and Western style twin rooms, with the latter two styles offering actual beds.
One unique room type is their "Hollywood Style" room which features a sofa and large screen TV, along with a pair of beds.
Baths: The baths are located on the lower floors of the hotel and separated into two parts, which include a washing area and a basic main bath in the fully indoor section, and down back a separate room that is open-air (one wall is removed) with cyprus-wood baths that look out under the bridge to the river below.
Meals: The nicely presented "kaiseki" set meals feature local ingredients and are sure to satisfy. For dinner there are actually a few meal options, however these can only be chosen via their Japanese language online booking page, and only the main kaiseki set dinner is available when booking in English.
They also offer the booking option of having breakfast only (without dinner) but you would probably be fooloish to do so, since not only are their dinner sets pretty delicious, but there are no restaurants anywhere near here that serve dinner.
Access: Hotel Obokekyo Mannaka is located just a few minutes away from Oboke Station, and the easiest way to get there would be via the hotel's shuttle bus. But it is also accessable by public bus, by taxi, or even by walking. Or you can also be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour.
We give complete details about how to access the hotel and the options that are possible on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".
Reserve: Obokekyo Mannaka is on most booking websites but the hotel's website and direct booking option are only in Japanese. But on their website they have an English language booking link which goes to their page on Rakuten Travel. See here for their English page on Rakuten, which also gives more details on room types.
Sun River Oboke
On the further end of Oboke Gorge with a riverside location. The upper floor baths have nice views looking across the mountainous gorge area. Some rooms also have private balcony baths. (please consider adding 30+ minutes of tour time for the extra distance to/from here)
web: http://www.oobokeonsen.jp/
(website in Japanese, but English reservations possible via 3rd party booking websites)
Situated along the Yoshino River on the opposite end of Oboke Gorge from Oboke Station, this modern-style hotel has a good number of rooms, so it does not fill so quickly, but it is a bit farther from the Iya Valley than other places so it would probably be necessary to add time (30 or more minutes) to the tour. A bit basic and a good value, but not as plush as some places in the Iya Valey.
Room: They have both Japanese-style rooms (with futon bedding on tatami mat floors) as well as Western-style rooms (with actual beds). Some rooms have both a private bathroom and toilet attached to the room, while others have only a toilet (with the bath being only the main hotspring baths that are available to all guests)
Some of the Japanese style rooms also have private hotspring-fed bath tubs on the room's balcony.
Meals: Dinner meals are traditional Japanese kaiseki sets that are nicely presented featuring a range of local specialties. Breakfast usually is a buffet style with both Japanese and western dishes.
It is also possible to book a room without meals, but the only dinner dining option in the area is the WestWest service area which has a 24hr convenience store with a variety of bento meals, snacks, and drinks. Its about a 5-10 minute walk from the hotel.
Bath: The spacious hotspring baths are on the upper floors of the hotel and offer views across the Yoshino River to the forested mountainside (its nice, but not really panoramic). There are a couple different types of pools, as well as a sauna, and a not-so-big open-air bath.
Access: SunRiver Oboke is located about 10 minutes away from Oboke Station, and the easiest way to get there would be via the hotel's shuttle bus. But it is also accessable by public bus, by taxi. or you can also be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour.
We give complete details about how to access the hotel and the options that are possible on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".
Or, if looking to have taxi service between here and the station separate from the main tour, it may be possible, but please understand that the hotel is located in the oppsoite direction of the Iya Valley from Oboke, so it may be hard for us to juggle the taxi schedule and go out to there to provide this relatively short ride.
Reserve: The website and direct booking option for Sun River Oboke is in Japanese only, but you can book via their English booking page on Rakuten Travel here. They are also listed on most other booking sights, including Booking.com, Jalan, Expedia, Trip.com, etc.
Traditional Farmhouses & Guesthouses
The Iya Valley renowned for its abundance of traditional architecture, especially its thatched roof farmhouses which sit perched on the hillsides of the local villages. And while we always try to include visiting a historic farmhouse or two with our tours, it is also possible to stay in one of these amazing ancient homes for a wonderfully unique experience.
Depending on the location, the farmhouses are either hosted by the owners (with meals prepared for you), or are without hosts such that it is more like a rental home, where you can either order meals for delivery or cook yourself.
Kouya
(or Kominka Yado Kouya)
The welcoming hosts of this beautifully restored traditional farmhouse deep in the Iya Valley do a wonderful job, with outstanding meals cooked together over their irori floor hearth.
https://kouya18508.wixsite.com/kominkayado
(website in Japanese only, booking via basic English email only)
Located deep inside the Iya Valley within the hillside hamlet of Kubo, this traditional Iya thatched roof farmhouse is about 150 years old and is registered as a historic landmark. With massive wooden beams, sliding paper doors, and delicate accents, you will feel like you are stepping back in time. The exterior of the thatched roof is covered with metal sheets to prevent deterioration, but inside it is amazing to look up at the intricately woven thatch of the massive roof.
Only one group of guests stay at Kouya per night (feel lucky if you can successfully reserve), so you will not be sharing with others. The delightful owners/hosts stay in the neighboring building, and provide superb meals along with a welcoming atmosphere.
Room: There are a couple rooms to sleep in if you happen to have a larger group, but the main room for sleeping is quite spacious. Bedding is traditional futon style upon the ancient wooden floor.
Meals: Most definitely the best traditional cuisine served at any Iya location, including hotels. The family of the owners have been living in Iya for generations, so the food here as authentic as you can get.
Much of the meal will be cooked over the house's large irori floor hearth (you will eat around this too) and dishes include roasted river trout, hirara-yaki (miso-based stew only found in Iya), Iya's dense and delicious "stone" tofu, wild game (deer or boar), and traditional hagama cooked rice. Meals include several other side dishes like soup, pickles, and salads which use freshly picked vegetables from Kouya's garden.
Bath: Kouya has a modern bath tub and shower, as well as modern toilet facilities.
Access: Kouya is located deep in the Iya Valley, about a 1 hour drive from Oboke Station. It is accessable by public bus or by taxi, and with the bus you can arrange for the guesthouse owners to pick you up from the closest bus stop. Or you can also be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour.
We give complete details about how to access the guesthouse and the options that are possible on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".
**It is highly recommended that you make plans to arrive before it gets dark outside to enjoy the mountain landscape. In the autumn and winter, the sun sets as early as 5 or 5:30pm.
Reserve: Though it may be easier to cast Bill Murry in a movie, please don't feel too daunted with trying to make a reservation with Kouya.
Their basic website is only in Japanese and you can only contact about reserving via email (kouya.18.508@gmail.com). When writing your request, you should use basic English with short clear sentences. It would be best to at first only ask about your requested dates (maybe give more than one possible date if you are flexible) and tell your full name and say how many people in your group (if children, say their ages).
If they are available, they will then send a form letter in English asking about any specifics (like food allergies, arrival time, etc). Mentioning that you will be going with Iya Valley Tours will also put them at ease with knowing they won't need to explain how to access and travel to/from their house.
Kajiya Iya Romantei
The jovial host at this old farmhouse is sure to give an authentic countryside experience. Food is prepared over the irori floor hearth and the outdoor bath is heated by a fire you would help build.
https://iya-romantei.wixsite.com/kajiya
(website in English)
Kajiya Iya is located on the hillside overlooking the small "downtown" section of Oku-Iya ("Deep Iya"). Visitors love the hands-on experience here, and the host Shino-san will welcomingly get you involved with the variety of chores necessary for setting up the wood-fired outdoor bath and with preparing the traditional-style meals.
Though Shino-san only speaks a bit of English, he is a particularly engaging host adept in using Google Translate, and he will become your friend within moments of meeting him.
It is worth possibly noting that staying here is a somewhat rustic experience, so those seeking pampered comfort would probably be better suited elsewhere.
Room: Only one set of guests are taken per night at the house, and Shino-san stays in his small bungalow next door. The whole main building and outdoor area displays his extensive collections of antiques and knick-knacks that he has spent decades procuring.
When the weather is nice, much of your time here may be spent outside, either chopping firewood for literally firing up the cast-iron outdoor bathtub, or simply lounging out on the balcony.
Inside the house, the large irori
floor hearth is great for sitting around in the evening as you take in the enormity of Shino-san's hospitality. A large separate tatami mat room is the main bedroom, and big enough for 6 or 7 guests upon futon bedding.
Meals: Dinner and breakfast are simple traditional style, and eaten around the irori floor hearth, upon which some of the dishes may be cooked depending on what he has conjured for the day's menu. The overall experience of the meal is perhaps more of a draw than the food itself (he is not quite a Michelin star chef..), but you will certainly feel you are having a rather authentic Japanese countryside encounter while sampling local ingredients. You may also be enlisted to help make the rice in a traditional way in a hagama pot upon a wood fired stove.
After dinner, if you wish, you can also indulged in his massive sake collection, which has so many bottles that it fills an entire room. If looking to partake in sampling as much as you'd like, all he asks is that you donate a bottle to his collection from somewhere you have visited in Japan before arriving.
Bath: One of the most intriguing aspects of Kajiya Iya is the bath-house that features an outdoor goemunburo bath, which is essentially a large iron pot that is heated from directy below by a wood fire. The view from the bath is supurb, and nice to enjoy with a beer in hand. He also has an indoor bath here as well, and the whole bath-house is decorated with his eclectic collection of nautical-themed ornaments.
Access: Kajiya Iya Romantei is located deeper in the Iya Valley, about a 35 minute drive from Oboke Station. It is accessable by public bus or by taxi, or you can potentially arrange for the guesthouse owner to pick you up with his vehicle. Or you can also be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour.
We give complete details about how to access the guesthouse and the options that are possible on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".
Reserve: Kajiya Iya has a nicely presented website in English which also has a contact form for reserving, including a booking calendar showing when it is or isn't available. And do note that Kajiya Iya starts filling up months in advance, so reserving early and/or being flexible with your dates would be helpful.
Togenkyo-Iya
This collection of 8 elegantly restored thatched roof farm houses within Ochiai Village all have their own unique character. You have the house to yourself (no hosts), with meals either cooked on your own, or local bentos ordered for delivery.
web: https://www.tougenkyo-iya.jp/
(website in English)
Togengkyo-Iya is comprised of eight different thatched roof homes spread throughout the historic mountainside village of Ochiai. Each uniquely built house is at least a century old and has been elegantly restored with modern ammenities.
More like rental homes instead of hosted guesthouses, there is no on-site staff at each house, so you will have the whole building to yourself. Most houses have lovely views looking out into the Iya Valley.
Room: Each house has a mix of both traditional and modern styles. Most have irori floor hearths in the main living room, some have floor seating upon classic zabuton cushions, and others have western style sofas. All have tables and chairs for dining.
Most houses do not have separate bedrooms, such that sleeping would be upon traditional-style futon bedding on the main room floor (just like they did in the past) which you will need to set up yourself in evening.
On the Togenkyo-Iya website it details more about the interior arrangements of each individual house.
Meals: There are a few options for dinner at Togenkyo-Iya: either cook for yourself, have a local neighbor come to prepare dinner for you, or have bento box meals delivered (dinner only).
If cooking for yourself, each house has its own kitchen with appliances and cooking utencils. Basic seasonings are provided (salt, sugar, soy sause, etc) however you will need to bring all other foods. Do note that the closest grocery store is near Oboke Station, so you should come prepared.
For having a local person come to cook for you, this needs to be arranged when making your reservations, but there is a limited number of people who do this, so it may not always be possible. More info about this is on their website.
Nicely prepared bento box dinner meals can also be arranged for delivery which feature a variety of Iya specialties. The bentos need to be reserved when booking a house on their website (on the reservation section where it says "Type of stay" first check the box for "no designation" and then on the following booking page they give the option for reserving the bento meals).
For breakfast, you will need to bring your own food.
Bath: Each house has a modern bath tub and shower, but be sure to find out from the staff how to operate the hot water system.
Access: Ochiai Village is located about 50-60 minutes from Oboke Station. The check-in location is just beyond the main part of the village (check-in is usually by 6pm), and from there it is a further 10 to 15 minute drive back up into the village to the houses (some are a bit far up).
It is not recommended to come here by public bus, so unless coming with your own rental car, then you should plan for arranging a taxi (the taxi will wait for you while you check-in and then take you up to your farmhouse). Or you can also be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour. (We can also stop at the grocery store near Oboke Station if you would like so that you can prepare some food and drink provisions.)
We give further details about how to access the Togenkyo-Iya farmhouses on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".
Reserve:
Though it is possible to reserve on some 3rd party booking webistes, it is probably best to reserve direct on their bi-lingual website.
Annoyingly, it is only possible to book within 5 calendar months of the date (so for example, the nights of May 1st or 2nd don't become available until January 1st, which is actually only 4 months and a day before).
The staff can communicate with basic but decent English, so if you have any questions after booking, you can write to them directly via email (but writing direct will not let you book any earlier than 5 calendar months before).
Iya Kanko Ryokan
Located just a few minute walk from the main Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, this classic style ryokan feels like you are stepping back in time. Operated by a welcoming family, with absolutely fantastic home-made meals.
web: https://en.iyakankouryokan.com/
(website in English)
Conveniently located along the main road in Nishi-Iya just a few minute walk from the main Kazuranashi Vine Bridge, the classic home-style atmosphere, lovely hosts, and exceptional meals are sure to give an authentic experience.
Room: The 5 rooms here are all traditional style and hark back to a traveler's era that has for the most part faded away now, with tatami mat flooring, exposed wood beams, paper shoji screens on the windows, floor tables, and tokonoma alcoves. Rooms also have modern touches like TVs, air-con, and WiFi. Bedding is upon futons which are taken out in the evening. The bathrooms are shared here.
Meals: You are in for a treat, so be sure to come hungry. The set meals (for dinner and breakfast) are some of the best in the Iya Valley, and an exceptional value for anyone who stays here.
Ms Deguchi (the owner) has decades of experience with preparing Iya-style meals, and everyday the menu is a little different based on seasonal availability. And her son is also a trained chef for Italian and Japanese cuisine, so he also puts some of his own unique touches on whatever is being served.
Drinks and alcohol are also available, including a range of local sake .
Bath: Lined with blue river stones, the bath here is a classic shared style, where the hot tub is used by everyone (privately) with a separate washing stall for cleaning oneself before entering the tub.
Or if wishing to have an onsen hot-spring bath, the ryokan gives discount tickets for using the large bathing facilities of Hotel Hikyo-no-Yu. It is almost 4km away, so probably a bit too far to walk, but we could end our tour at this hotel instead if you wish to enjoy a hotspring bath there after our tour. The baths here are open for non-guests until 8pm and the fee without the discount coupon is 1100yen. Please let us know if wishing to do this. To return to the ryokan you will need to either reserve additionally for the taxi to take you back, or use the last public bus of the day which picks up at Hotel Hikyo-no-Yu at 17:22pm and gets to Kazurabashi Yumebutai Bus Stop at 17:29pm (and from there it is a 7 or 8 minute walk to the ryokan).
Alternatively, you can walk about 1km (15 minutes) down the street to use the lovely indoor and outdoor hotspring baths of Hotel Kazurabashi. For day-use the bathing fee is 1300yen per person (the discount coupon for Hotel Hikyo-no-Yu explained above is not possible here), with last entry here for non-guests of the hotel at 4pm. So if looking to go here, we can arrange to finish our tour with you by 4pm and then drop you off at Hotel Kazurabashi so you can then enjoy the hotel's baths before walking back to Iya Kanko Ryokan in time for dinner.
Access: Iya Kanko Ryokan is located in Nishi-Iya close to the main Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, about a 20 minute drive from Oboke Station. It is accessable by public bus or by taxi, or you can be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour. We give complete details about how to access the guesthouse and the options that are possible on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".
Reserve: The English version of their website gives extra infomation about staying as well as access details and their phone number if you wish to reserve by calling direct (but speaking by phone is in Japanese only). To reserve online, links are given on their website for Iya Kanko Ryokan's booking pages with online booking agents, including Rakuten Travel along with Booking.com and Agoda
Chiiori
Located in a remote hillside village and owned by author Alex Kerr, this ancient thatched roof house is beautifully restored. No hosts, so you have the house to yourself, with meals either cooked on your own, or local bentos available for delivery.
web: https://www.chiiori-stay.jp/
(website in English )
Located deep within the hillside Iya village of Tsurui, the modern history of the 300 year old Chiiori house was chronicled by author and Japan connoisseur Alex Kerr in his book "Lost Japan", which describes how he pruchased and initially fixed up this once abandonded house back in the early 1970s.
Though Alex doesn't actually live in the Iya Valley and only ever used the house as a private retreat when he visited the area, it has now been very beautifully restored to its full glory (along with many modern updates), and staying here feels almost like a night in a museum.
There is usually no on-site staff at the house, so you will have the whole place to yourself. But there is a staff house just next to the Chiiori house which may (or may not) have one of the staff staying there (but they know to not interrupt the peaceful solitude of your stay).
Room: By Iya standards for a traditional farmhouse, Chiiori is quite big. There are two irori floor hearths here and the main rooms are only sparcely furnsihed, such that the attention is more on the classic architecture and the intricately woven thatched roof overhead. Some of the sliding paper shoji doors feature Alex's own caligraphy and a few antiques are also on display.
There is also a small bedroom separated by shoji doors, and sleeping is upon traditional futon bedding on the floor which you will need to set up yourself in the evening.
Meals: There are two options for dinner at Chiiori: either cook for yourself, or have bento box meals delivered (dinner only).
If cooking for yourself, Chiiori has a spacious kitchen with appliances and cooking utencils. Basic seasonings are provided (salt, sugar, soy sause, etc) however you will need to bring all other foods. Do note that the closest grocery store is near Oboke Station, so you should come prepared.
Alternately, prepared bento box dinner meals can also be arranged for delivery which feature a variety of Iya specialties. The bentos need to be reserved when booking on the website (on the reservation section where it says "Type of stay" first check the box for "no designation" and then on the following booking page they give the option for reserving the bento meals).
For breakfast, you will need to bring your own food.
Bath: Chiiori has a large wooden bath tub that is quite relaxing to saok in set within a lovely bathing room, along with two separate showers.
Access: Chiiori is located about 45 minutes from Oboke Station. It is not recommended trying to come by public bus since it is a very long walk up from the closest bus stop, so unless coming with your own rental car, then you should plan for arranging a taxi or you can also be taken to/from there via Oboke Station as part of our tour. (We can also stop at the grocery store near Oboke Station if you would like so that you can prepare some food and drink provisions.)
We give further details about how to access Chiiori on our Access Iya page within the section for "Accessing Accommodations from Oboke Station".
Reserve:
Though it is possible to reserve on some 3rd party booking webistes, it is probably best to reserve direct on Chiiori's bi-lingual website.
Annoyingly, it is only possible to book Chiiori within 5 calendar months of the date (so for example, the nights of May 1st or 2nd don't become available until January 1st, which is actually 4 months and a day before).
The staff of Chiiori also manage the Togenkyo-Iya farmhouses of Ochiai Village (see above). They can communicate with basic but decent English, so if you have any questions after booking, you can write to them directly via email (but writing direct will not let you book any earlier than 5 calendar months before).
Other Guesthouses
Iya Valley Area
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Guesthouse KAZURABASHIList Item 1
A multi-room guesthouse located near the main Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, about a 1 minute walk from the Kazurabashi Bus Stop. No meals served, but there is a shared kitchen and things like instant ramen available to purchase. There is a small grocery store located across the street, but a better selection for preparing your own meals can be found back at Boke Mart near Oboke Station. (note: there are no restaurants serving dinner or breakfast near here)
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Ryguggake CottagesList Item 2
A set of tranquil cabins located in the forest near the center of the valley. No meals served, but each cabin has its own kitchen. Surprisingly affordable, but the closest bus stop is a 15-20 minute walk, and there is no store or restaurant anywhere near here, so bring all the food you will need. Booking only possible by phone (Japanese only) or by contacting the Miyoshi City Tourism Department via the local tourism website. (on the tourism website, use their main Contact form to ask for reservations)..
Oboke Area
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Homy Inn BokenouenList Item 1
Also called "Nouka Minshuku Bokenouen", this home-stay is in a modern-style house operated by a lovely family. Great home-style meals usually served on their terrace which has lovely views overlooking the Oboke Gorge area from their hillside location.
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AkanoyaList Item 2
A home-stay in a semi-modern house with nice meals and a welcoming host. Located on the main road about a 10.-15 minute walk from Oboke Station.
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Cosmos GuesthouseList Item 3
A multi-room guesthouse with modern furnishings and shared kitchen facilities. No meals served, so bring what you need from the Boke Mart grocery store (located near the train station). Located on a side road, about a 15 minute walk from the station. (note: there are no restaurants serving dinner or breakfast near here)
To help with your planning and to know what to expect, please see our page about
Iya Valley Tours
Discover the Wonders of Our Hidden Home
For Travel Agents, please see here