Exploring the West Iya Valley | 介绍几处西祖谷景点

After showing you the gorgeous gorges, breathtaking bridges and scary scarecrow village deep in the East Iya Valley of Shikoku, now I'm inviting you to join me on a trip in the western part of the valley.

The landscape here is slightly different from the eastern part, and there were more amenities and tourists in comparison to the more secluded east valley.

Get ready to be swept away by the stunning beauty of the Iya River, as it rushes down from the majestic Mt. Tsurugi and forms a deep valley among the Shikoku Mountains. This awe-inspiring river creates a 20-kilometre long valley, with towering cliffs that reach up to several hundred metres high, draped in vivid autumn hues.

Gaze out from the viewpoint and you'll witness the Iya River winding through the valley in a V shape, resembling the Japanese letter "ひ" or "Hi", earning it the nickname of "Hi-no-Ji Valley". The views were so incredible that I kept shooting photos as you can see from this post.

More to the north, there was a boy statue "peeing" down to the river, which reminded me of the iconic Manneken Pis in the city centre of Brussels. I wonder whether there's a link between the two urinating boys. But one thing is certain, while the Manneken Pis enjoys various costumes from around the world, this lad on the cliff is standing far higher up with an amazing natural view.

When strolling down the river, we heard some yelling and laughing. It turned out to be a Forest Outdoor Adventure Park among the woods as we approached the sounds. A group of young Japanese men were zip-lining with the assistance of an experienced guide. Flying across the picturesque valley looked like a lot of fun. I'd want to give it a go if I ever return to this place.

The Iya River is famous for its white-water rapids, which run through narrow canyons such as Oboke and Koboke. This makes it a popular spot for white-water rafting enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline rush. The owner of our airbnb is a local guide of white-water rafting. It seems like a thrilling job, and pretty tiring as well!

Kayaking is another way to explore the river's rapids, with experienced kayakers taking on the more challenging sections, while beginners can enjoy the calmer stretches of the river.

I also saw some tourists hopping on a boat tour that starts from Oboke Gorge and floats down the tranquil waters. Marveling at the towering cliffs, dense forests, and unique rock formations on the serene journey must be an unforgettable experience.

前几篇展示了日本四国岛东祖谷的美景美食，这次我们再到山谷的西部看看。相比地处僻静深山里的东部，西祖谷要稍微热闹一些，一路上的餐馆酒店等设施明显比东边密集，游人也更多。

从我这里的照片可以看到U型谷、小便小僧、剑山国家公园、森林户外冒险乐园等景点。

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