Guided Full-Day Iya Valley Tour: Vine Bridges, Scarecrows & Soba Making

9:00 AM - Hotel Pickup
Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in the Iya Valley area to begin the tour.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Transfer to Oku Iya Valley
Drive deeper into the mountains toward the Oku Iya (Inner Iya) region. The winding mountain roads offer views of steep forested slopes, deep gorges, and the Iya River far below. Your guide will explain the valley's history as one of Japan's most isolated areas, where Heike clan warriors supposedly hid after their defeat 800 years ago.

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM - Visit Oku Iya Vine Bridges
Walk down about 200 meters of stairs from the parking lot to reach the vine bridges. You'll visit two bridges:

• Oku Iya Kazurabashi (Male Bridge) - Cross this swaying bridge made from woven mountain vines. The bridge spans about 45 meters across the river with gaps between the wooden planks where you can see straight down to the water below. It moves as you walk, creating a thrilling experience.
• Oku Iya Ni-no-Kazurabashi (Female Bridge) - A second, smaller vine bridge nearby
• Man-made waterfall and gorge views - The area includes a small waterfall and scenic river views

These bridges are remade every few years using traditional techniques. Your guide will explain how they were originally used by mountain villagers and why this area maintained such ancient construction methods. The walk back up the 200 meters of stairs can be tiring, so take your time.

10:40 AM - 11:00 AM - Transfer to Nagoro Scarecrow Village
Drive through mountain roads to reach Nagoro village.

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Visit Nagoro Scarecrow Village
Walk through this unusual village where artist Ayano Tsukimi has created over 350 life-sized scarecrow dolls. The dolls are positioned throughout the village doing everyday activities:

• Waiting at bus stops
• Working in fields
• Sitting in the old schoolhouse
• Standing in front of homes

The village once had hundreds of residents but now only a handful remain. The scarecrows represent former villagers and bring a haunting but touching presence to the depopulated hamlet. Your guide will explain rural depopulation in Japan and share stories about the artist's motivation for creating this unique project. You can take photos with the dolls and explore the quiet village streets.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Transfer Back to Iya Valley
Return drive through the mountains.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Soba Making Experience at Tsuzuki Soba
Participate in a hands-on soba noodle making workshop:

• Learn about buckwheat and Iya's soba tradition
• Mix buckwheat flour and water to form dough
• Knead and roll out the dough into thin sheets
• Cut the dough into thin noodle strands using a special knife
• Cook your freshly made soba noodles

After making the noodles, you'll eat them for lunch. Enjoy your handmade soba served either hot in broth or cold with dipping sauce, along with simple side dishes. The experience gives you appreciation for the skill required to make good soba and connects you to Iya's mountain food culture.

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM - Transfer to Higashi-Iya Museum
Short drive to the local history museum.

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM - Visit Higashi-Iya Museum of Local History and Folklore
Explore this small museum dedicated to Iya Valley's unique mountain culture:

• Traditional farming tools and household items
• Displays showing how people lived in this isolated region
• Information about the Heike clan legends
• Photos of old Iya before modern roads were built
• Exhibits on local festivals and customs

Your guide will explain how the extreme geography shaped daily life here – from slash-and-burn farming on steep slopes to the difficulty of traveling between villages. You'll understand why Iya remained so isolated and traditional until recent decades.

3:00 PM - 3:10 PM - Transfer to Ryugu Cliff Park
Short drive to the suspension bridge area.

3:10 PM - 4:00 PM - Visit Higashi Iya Suspension Bridge
Walk across the suspension bridge at Ryugu Cliff Park:

• The bridge extends across the Iya River gorge with dramatic valley views
• Look down at the emerald green river far below
• See the steep V-shaped valley walls covered in forest
• Walk to the observation platform for panoramic views

This modern suspension bridge offers spectacular views without the scariness of the vine bridges. The area is called Ryugu (Dragon Palace) for its mystical beauty. Take time for photos and to simply enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery. On clear days, the views across the valley are incredible.

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Return to Hotel
Drive back to your hotel in the Iya Valley area.

Evening - Free Time
Relax at your hotel. Many Iya Valley hotels have onsen (hot spring baths) where you can soak and rest after the day's activities.