About Iya Valley Tours

About Us

Not a typical tour company

Let us introduce you to our home

Iya Valley Tours is not large scale tour business. As Iya's only locally based guided tour provider, we specialize in giving in-depth encounters with the people and places of the Iya Valley based on our life in this remote yet remarkable place.

Unlike outside tour companies, we (the guides and drivers) personally manage all of our operations directly and we all live locally. We also offer unique knowledge and abilities based on our backgrounds, hobbies, and other jobs in Iya. The guides work in partnership with the Kazurabashi Taxi Company, which is Iya's largest provider of taxis and buses and can assure everyone's comfort and safety on Iya's notoriously narrow roads.

Most important to us is giving our guests an insightful experience while we share with them our affections for the place we call home. We take great pride with being able to offer unique advise and recommendations based on our extensive expertise, while also offering customization of our tours to suit any specific needs or interests.

Simply put, nobody can show you Iya like us.

Meet Our Team of Expert Local Guides

Aki - Head Guide, Manager

It was while she was living and working in a variety of foreign countries that Aki learned her English. Full of energy, she is also Iya's yoga instructor, dance teacher, and semi-official interpretor. Her specialties include Iya Valley history and legends, local customs, and Iya's food and agriculture.

Nao - Guide

Super mom and overall Iya sweetheart, Nao is renowned for her delicious cooking and baking. Married to Iya's fire chief and also working at the local care home for the valley's elderly residents, her specialties include Iya Valley food and agriculture, and Iya's local customs.

Sean - Guide, Customer Relations

Sean has been living in Iya for over 20 years and knows more about life here than probably any non-Japanese person. Aside from guiding, he's also a part-time lumberjack, carpenter, trapper, translator, sculptor, and all-around repairman. His specialties include mountain hiking, local architecture, and Iya's landscape and geography.

Ichioka - Guide, Iya Master

Aside from knowing just about everyone in the Iya Valley, Ichioka is literally a living encyclopedia for everything Iya. History, legends, flora, fauna, customs, crafts... he specializes in it all. He is also the creator and writer of Iya's monthly newspaper, The Tengo Shinbun. (but unfortunately, he doesn't speak English)

Business Details:

Iya Valley Tours

(a division of the Kazurabashi Taxi Co. Ltd)

East Iya Branch

Niiya, Higashi-Iya, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Pref.

徳島県三好市東祖谷新居屋

Tokushima Pref. Travel Service Business Reg. No. 5

徳島県知事登録旅行サービス手配業第５号

West Iya Branch

50-3 Zentoku, Nishiiyayama, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Pref.

徳島県三好市西祖谷山村善徳50-3

Tokushima Pref. Travel Service Business Reg. No. 6