Iya Highlights Tour

A half-day tour of some legendary points

A collection of special places

On this half day tour you can see and experience a selection of the Iya Valley’s most notable sights. First you will visit some panoramic viewpoints within the undeveloped Iyakei Gorge, including Hi-no-Ji Bend and the precariously perched Peeing Boy Statue. Next, at the famed Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, test your mettle by crossing this massive back-country construction which sways above the emerald waters of the Iya River. Nearby, walk with your guide to the tranquil Biwa Waterfall and opt to taste some Iya-style snacks roasting over coals at the surrounding shops.

Afterwards, head deeper into the valley, taking a side trip along the cliff-faced original road of Iya with a stop at its stunning wire suspension bridge, and then have in-depth walk along the ancient footpaths of the historic Ochiai mountainside village where you also get to tour the inside of a traditional thatched-roof farmhouse.

Base Time:

4 hours

(or 4.5 hours if via Oboke area**)

Not available on Wednesdays.
Fixed Route Itinerary.
Lunch stop not included but is possible (see below).
Includes pick-up and drop-off possible from any Iya Valley or Oboke Area accommodation, or via JR Oboke Station.
This Half-day Tour takes about 4 hours only when both starting and ending via accommodations located in the Iya Valley.
** If starting and/or ending this tour via Oboke area accommodations and/or JR Oboke Station we need to add an extra 30 minutes of time due to the extra driving distance needed between Oboke and the Iya Valley, so the tour will be 4.5 hours.
Add On sights possible, see below.

Prices:

Standard Taxi (1-3* people)

- 4 hrs: ¥ 35,200

- 4.5 hrs (if via Oboke): ¥ 39,500

---

Jumbo Taxi (3-8 people)

- 4 hrs: ¥ 45,600

- 4.5 hrs (if via Oboke): ¥ 50,200

This is total price per private group (not per person)
All prices include tax.
Includes vehicle, driver, and English speaking local guide.
3 people in Standard Taxi is only recommended if 3rd person is a child or if you are all 3 small adults
Meal fees not included.
Entrance fees not included (¥550/person Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, children are discounted).

Itinerary (fixed route) :

Start anytime between 8:00am and 1:00pm
Pick-up from any Iya Valley or Oboke area accommodation, or JR Oboke Station
Iyakei Gorge Viewpoints (Hi-no-Ji Bend, Peeing Boy Statue)
Iya-no-Kazurabashi Vine Bridge
Biwa Waterfall
Ryugugake Park and Manpu Gorge Wire Bridge
Historic Ochiai Village Walking Tour
Nagaoka-ke Historic House
Drop-off at any Iya Valley or Oboke area accommodation or JR Oboke Station

Details About this Tour
- This is a Fixed Route Tour. If you would like to change the locations for this itinerary, please see one of our Custom Tours.
- This tour can start anytime between 8:00am and 1:00pm.
- We are generally not available for this tour on any Wednesday.
- Pick-up and drop-off can be from any Iya Valley or Oboke area accommodation, or JR Oboke Station. Other locations that are not in the Iya Valley or Oboke areas can also be arranged but may include an additional fee and require extra time.
- When starting and/or ending this tour via the Oboke area, the tour takes an additional 30 minutes and will be priced accordingly. The Oboke area includes: Jr Oboke Station, Hotel Obokekyo Mannaka, Hotel SunRiver Oboke, Akanoya Guesthouse, Bokenouen Guesthouse, and Cosmos Guesthouse.
- On heavy rain days, it may not be possible to walk through some places such as Ochiai Village (but we will provide umbrellas), so we will just tour these places by car and extend time at other points. Also, the guide and driver will do their best to accommodate anyone who may be physically unable to handle the walking tours.
Lunch Options
- Time for a lunch stop is not included with this tour, but if you wish, some extra taxi time can be added (see Add Ons below) and we can take you to a restaurant for a great meal. Please ask when reserving this tour.
- Alternately, if you wish to just bring some food to eat along the way instead, no problem. There is a small grocery store near Oboke Station which sells snacks and bentos. Also, at the Kazurabashi Vine Bridge there are some vendors which have some local snacks available.

+ Add On options for this tour:

This 4 hour Iya Highlights Tour is great for those who don't have a whole day available, but we can Add On some additional points to this tour if you are looking to do a little more!

Rates for every 30 minutes of extension:

Standard Taxi with guide + ¥4300

Jumbo Taxi with guide + ¥5600

*these extension fees are per group, not per person.