Situated in the western part of Tokushima in central Shikoku, Iya Valley is one of Japan’s three hidden regions, often referred to as the “Tibet of Japan” due to its isolation from the urbanised centres to the north. Many traditional farmhouses can be seen in this region, perched on high mountains, surrounded by delightful countryside and rugged terrain. The steep mountains and deep valleys cut by the lively rapids provide ample opportunities for hiking, rafting and getting well off the beaten track. Several rope bridges line the hiking trails to test your nerve, including a 45m long bridge dangling 14m above the Iya-gawa River; and a double rope bridge, one designated for males and one for females.

For those looking to really get away from modern day life would enjoy staying at Chiiori, a rural preservation project started by American author Alex Kerr. Chiiori is an old thatched farmhouse in the Iya Valley dating from around 1720 with wooden floors, floor hearths and beams smoked black from centuries of warming fires. Guests are expected to take an active role in the day to day running of the farmhouse, and take on board the trust’s aims of preserving rural life in Japan.