Japan's Three Greatest Hidden Regions: A Comprehensive Guide to Shirakawa-go, Iya, and Shiiba Village
Where are Japan's three most remote areas?
This time, it is one of Japan's three most remote areas.
Shirakawa-go
・
Shiiba Village
・
Iya
Focus on.
Basic information, tourist spots, and recommended activities in the area We will introduce the following.
On your next vacation, why not try something a little different from your usual trip, a trip that offers extraordinary relaxation and breathtaking views?
table of contents
- 1 What are Japan's three most remote areas?
- 2 Shirakawa-go (Gifu) - one of Japan's three most remote spots
- 3 Iya (Tokushima), one of Japan's three most remote spots
- 4 Shiiba Village (Miyazaki), one of Japan's three most remote spots
- 5 Visit Japan's three most remote areas
- 6 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What are Japan's three most remote areas?
" Japan's three most remote areas " refers to the following three areas:
The definition of "secret" varies, All of the above spots are located deep in the mountains, requiring crossing mountain passes, and have one thing in common: they retain their own unique landscapes and cultures. is.
Beyond the pass, the scenery of Satoyama, including traditional houses and fields, is truly Original Japanese landscape It can be said that...
Of the three spots, the one that takes the longest time to access is the one deepest in the mountains.
Shiiba Village
.
The means of transportation are
Miyazaki
or
Kumamoto
There are two options: bus or car.
Meanwhile, there is a railway nearby. Iya and, Nagoya ・ Kanazawa Can be accessed from the Shirakawa-go is relatively easy to access!
Shirakawa-go (Gifu) - one of Japan's three most remote spots
Gifu ・A spot located in Shirakawa Village in the northwest is.
It is a village with hundreds of thatched-roof gassho-style houses. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1995 and has become a popular tourist destination. .
The scenery created by the rural mountains throughout the four seasons is like something straight out of a fairy tale!
Even if it's your first time visiting, you'll feel a sense of nostalgia.
.
This is a convenient day trip bus tour departing and arriving at Nagoya Station. You can take part in this popular spot that is relatively difficult to access, sitting comfortably on the bus. You will visit three ancient capitals of Japan: Gujo Hachiman, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go, which are good old towns. Staff can speak English, Japanese, and Chinese, so it is perfect for groups of Japanese people as well as friends visiting from overseas.
This plan is a private tour for only one group per tour! The village of Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site, is quietly nestled in the mountains. Because it is surrounded by mountains, the only flat area is the village where people live. The area around Shirakawa-go, with its many ups and downs, is a place full of nature! Most tourists usually walk through the Gassho-style village, but on this tour,
[Day Trip] World Heritage Hida Takayama + Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Day Tour
Let's start today's fun journey ▼ 8:30 Meeting place: Nagoya Station Taiko-dori Exit Ministop Tsubakicho Store Address: 5-10 Tsubakichō, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken 453-0015 *The bus will depart on time. Please arrive with plenty of time (about 10 minutes before).
Highlight 1: Wada Residence
The largest gassho-style house in Shirakawa-go
is!
Among the many Gassho-style houses in Shirakawa-go,
National Important Cultural Property
It is also specified.
Not only the main house, but the garden and hedges are also in good condition.
It is still used as a residence, but you can tour the interior of the first and second floors.
You can also enjoy the surrounding scenery from a high vantage point on the second floor.
Don't miss the displays of tools used in the past and the impressive internal structure
.
Why not experience up close the lifestyle of the Wada family, who served as village headmen during the Edo period, and the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture?
Address: 997 Yamakoshi, Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture
Highlight 2: Deai Bridge
Between Shirakawa-go and a nearby parking lot. A suspension bridge over the Shogawa River, a first-class river is!
The total length of the bridge is 107m.
Not only can you enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains, but you can also enjoy the sound of the clear stream from close by, which is also an attraction.
is.
The extraordinary feeling when you cross the bridge and step into the unexplored area is exceptional.
.
Winter is especially recommended as you can enjoy the beautiful snow scenery!
Address: Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture
Highlight 3: Myozenji Folk Museum
A temple with a gassho-style architecture in Shirakawa-go
is!
A rare building with the main hall, bell tower, and kuri (kitchen quarters) built in the gassho-zukuri style
You can enjoy the unique scenery that is only found in Shirakawa-go.
The upper floor of the temple building, which was built in the 19th century, is a local museum where you can see folk implements from that time.
Along with the architectural beauty unique to Shirakawa-go, Why not take the time to learn about the history, beliefs, and culture that are deeply rooted in the local area?
Address: 679 Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture
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Iya (Tokushima), one of Japan's three most remote spots
Surrounded by 1,000m-class mountains Tokushima Prefecture Valley near the western edge is!
The area is full of hidden attractions, including spectacular views created by the deeply cut, rugged terrain and hot springs that feel like they're hidden away.
It is also a place where the legend of the Heike clan's fugitives remains, and has historical charm.
.
The nearby Obokekoboke gorges are popular viewing spots that are also widely known for their unique names.
River rafting on a mountain stream surrounded by rugged rock walls
is gaining popularity.
[Kagawa/Tokushima] Kotohira ⇔ Iya Valley/Oboke Shuttle Bus (from September)
Let's go from Kotohira to the hidden region of Iya, Tokushima Prefecture. Iya, Tokushima Prefecture, is one of the "Three Great Unexplored Regions of Japan." You can take a half-day shuttle bus from Kotohira to visit the thrilling "Kazura Bridge" and the spectacular "Oboke" valley. <Kazura Bridge> The legendary "Kazura Bridge" stands quietly deep in the mountains of Iya, Tokushima. Woven from the white vine,
[Tokushima, Oboke Koboke] Tie-dyeing experience - Dye your own T-shirt! (One T-shirt free)
Tie-dyeing is a method of dyeing fabric by tying (tie) the fabric and dyeing (dye). By folding and tying the fabric before dyeing, various patterns can be created. Since it is dyed by hand, no two pieces have the same design. [Experience details] Tie a T-shirt in your preferred way and dye it in your preferred color. Carefully
Highlight 1. Iya Kazura Bridge
The aforementioned suspension bridge over the valley near Oboke-Koboke is!
The material used for the bridge is the Actinidia japonica, a plant in the same family as kiwifruit.
The unique manufacturing method of weaving strong vines makes it
Yamanashi
Nosarubashi Bridge
Yamaguchi
Along with Kintaikyo Bridge, it is one of the "Three Unusual Bridges of Japan"
It can also be counted as.
The height above the water surface is about 14m.
The swaying that only a suspension bridge can provide and the drop to the valley floor that can be felt through the gaps in the bridge planks are thrilling.
is.
Enjoy a little adventure while looking down at the valley from the bridge.
A spectacular view unique to unexplored areas
Let's have fun!
The bridge is replaced every three years, so safety is not an issue.
Address: 162-2 Zentoku, Nishiiyayamamura, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture
Highlight 2: Manneken Pis
A bronze statue standing on the cliffs of Iya Valley, a beautiful valley cut into a V shape is!
The height to the bottom of the cliff is about 200m.
The statue is located near a difficult spot on the Iya Highway that runs through the Iya area.
This was once a place where local children and travelers would relieve themselves as a test of courage.
It is said that...
The sight of him urinating towards the valley with its breathtaking view is truly unique!
The striking Iya scenic spot has a slightly different feel from the typical scenic spots.
Why not try aiming for this?
Address: Matsuo, Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture
Highlight 3: Iya Onsen
Iya
A lone inn in the depths of
Hotel Iya Onsen
".
When using the popular open-air bath,
Access to the valley floor via cable car
I will.
With the Iya River flowing before your eyes and the Iya Valley in full view, the hot spring experience in the tranquility of being isolated from the rest of the town is one of a kind. !
Immerse your body and mind in this hidden hot spring and relax from the everyday fatigue.
Address: 367-28 Matsuo Matsumoto, Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture
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Shiiba Village (Miyazaki), one of Japan's three most remote spots
Miyazaki Prefecture A village located in the northwest, near the center of the Kyushu Mountains is!
Like Iya, it is known as the place where the Heike clan's fugitives were killed, and has many historical spots.
Enjoy the natural scenery of the four seasons and the Kagura dance that has been passed down for generations
etc.
Another thing not to be missed is that it has different charms depending on the season you visit.
He is affectionately known as "Your Excellency" by dam lovers. Kami-Shiiba Dam " should also be checked.
This is a private canvas canoe and SUP experience limited to one group, set on the dam lake in Misato Town, Miyazaki Prefecture. A canvas canoe is a traditional style canoe made by stretching canvas over a wooden frame using the same method as 100 years ago. It is characterized by the warmth and lightness of wood, and when you float on the water, it is a gentle ride that makes you feel as if you are one with nature.
Wooden canoe and water play - Great value family plan [Miyazaki Prefecture] Hyuga/Nobeoka area
This is a private canvas canoe and SUP experience limited to one group, set on the dam lake in Misato Town, Miyazaki Prefecture. A canvas canoe is a traditional style canoe made by stretching canvas over a wooden frame using the same method as 100 years ago. It is characterized by the warmth and lightness of wood, and when you float on the water, it is a gentle ride that makes you feel as if you are one with nature.
Highlight 1. Tsurutomi Mansion
The former residence of the Nasu family, said to be descendants of Princess Tsurutomi of the Taira clan and Nasu Daihachiro, a warrior of the Minamoto clan
is!
The building is built in the "shiiba" style, with the rooms arranged in a horizontal row.
It was built around the 18th century, in the midst of the Edo period.
.
You can tour the interior and get a glimpse of the Shiiba Heike culture and lifestyle that has continued for over 800 years!
The annex attached to the mansion is currently operating as an inn run by the Nasu family. If you make a reservation in advance, you can enjoy lunch or dinner around the hearth inside the mansion.
Unique to the deep mountain village of Shiiba Be sure to check out the menu featuring wild vegetables, river fish, and game is!
Address: 1818 Shimofura, Shiiba Village, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture
Highlight 2: Tonegawa Village
A settlement built on a steep mountain slope, creating a flat area with stone walls is.
The landscape created by the sturdy stone walls, long, horizontal Shiiba-style houses, and lush greenery of the Satoyama is somehow nostalgic!
It is one of only two places in Miyazaki Prefecture designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government.
It has been done.
You can also tour the interior of the private house on the top floor.
is.
Why not enjoy the mysterious feeling of stepping into the world of fairy tales and experience the hidden beauty that is unique to Shiiba?
Address: Shimofukura, Shiiba Village, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture
Highlight 3: Okubo Hinoki
A large cypress tree designated as a national natural monument is.
It is a giant tree that is said to be about 800 years old and is about 32 meters tall!
Unlike regular cypress, which tends to grow straight,
The cypress trees in Okubo have a unique shape with countless twisted branches.
is.
The unrealistic and powerful look, as if it had come straight out of a storybook, is truly mysterious.
Why not enjoy taking some spectacular commemorative photos while sharing in the vitality of the large trees that have stood alongside the village's long history?
Address: 816 Shimofura, Shiiba Village, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture
Visit Japan's three most remote areas
This time, Japan's three most remote areas We featured about!
Shirakawa-go ・ Iya ・ Shiiba Village teeth, Both are perfect spots to experience the original scenery and traditional culture of Japan. is.
Please use this special feature as a reference and enjoy a different kind of trip to one of Japan's three most remote areas on your next trip!
*The content of this article is current as of October 2025.
Featured image provided by:
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