F A R M H O U S E R E T R E A T

THE IYA VALLEY

The Iya Valley (祖谷渓, Iyakei) is a remote, mountainous valley in western Tokushima Prefecture. Located in the heart of Shikoku Island, the secluded valley is characterized by steep mountain slopes and deep rocky gorges which were traditionally crossed by vine bridges. This is an area I’ve always wanted to explore, so I’m excited to have a group of you along for the ride.

Arrivals

We will be leaving Tokyo very early in the morning around 5:30AM to catch our flight from Haneda airport (ANA 561) We will coordinate a group transport to get to the airport on time. Given the early departure, I recommend not going too nuts with the unlimited alcohol on the boat the night before.

Upon arrival in Kochi, our tour guides will pick us up and drive us through the area to get to our accommodations.

On the way, we will be shopping for local farm fresh produce and drinks to bring to the house. After this, it’ll be stretches of driving mountain roads, so I’m stressing the importance of not being super hung over for…reasons. Theo, we’re putting you in the front seat to avoid you getting carsick, so don’t worry, we already called dibs for you.

Accommodations

We’ll be staying at Chiiori, a 300-year old thatched roof farmhouse (kominka) that will be all ours for 3 days, 2 nights.

It is nestled into the very remote countryside mountains and is meant to be a nice quiet getaway. We will be arriving around 3PM and will have our dinners catered both nights.

We will need to make our own breakfasts with the provisions we’ve purchased but will be picked up every day by our expert guides to experience the sights of the area.

Sleeping arrangements will be a bit interesting as we’ll have to spread out around the house as it is a very traditional open space. I highly recommend bringing earplugs and an eye mask if you are a light sleeper because Scott’s snoring will genuinely ruin your life.

DEPARTURES

On our last day, we’ll be picked up by our guides and after our sightseeing, will be dropped off at the tiny train station in the valley called Oboke station around 5PM or so.

Mark, Theo, Clarissa and Scott will be heading off to Takamatsu and the Art Islands while Amity, Danny, and Diana are headed off to other adventures.

  • Like SF, bring layers. November in the valley should be relatively mild, but cold at night, especially at elevation. We will have 7 people in a sprinter van for 8, so please do not overpack. Bring shoes appropriate for taking a bit of a comfortable hike/walk in.

  • Fall foliage will be at its peak, so lots of lovely fall leaves, stars, and excursions through the valley led by our expert guides.

    We will have a spa at the farmhouse, so be sure to take a nice soak as well.

  • Clarissa, Scott, Amity, Danny, Mark, Theo, Diana

    If you are joining and are not on this list, please contact me immediately!