Get the blood pumping with a rafting adventure through Japan’s Iya Valley. Travel deep into the mountains to discover a natural paradise filled with lush forests, vine bridges and crystalline rivers. Take to the waters by white water raft, enjoying the pristine landscapes from a different point of view.
Itinerary
📍 JR Kyoto Station or JR Shin-Osaka Station to JR Oboke Station (277-316km): approx. 2hrs 40mins
Located deep in the mountains on rural Shikoku Island, the Iya Valley is one of Japan’s Three Hidden Valleys. It is particularly famous for its vine bridges, stunning scenery, and exciting white water rafting.
Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto/Osaka to Okayama and then change to a Limited Express train to the picturesque and remote Iya Valley region on Shikoku.
A private taxi will provide transport to the Japanese-style hotel. The room features shoji rice paper sliding doors and futon beds on tatami mat floors- the quintessential Japanese experience. The hotel also features natural hot spring onsen baths. Dinner tonight will be a Japanese-style multi-course kaiseki meal made with seasonal ingredients.
Optional Tour: HD Iya Valley Tour by Private Vehicle
Today’s tour starts at 14:00. Meet the guide and private driver at Oboke Station and begin the journey through the Iya Valley.
The first stop will be Nishiiyayama Village to cross the iconic vine bridge and take in the beautiful scenery of the valley. After this head to the 50m high Biwa-No-Take Waterfall. The name of which comes from the Heike warriors who used to sit by this waterfall and play the biwa (Japanese lute).
Drive through the valley with stops at historical houses and beautiful viewpoints overlooking the stunning landscapes. Not forgetting, of course, the iconic peeing boy statue!
Time
Start: 14:00
Duration: 4 h
Overnight in Iya Valley
Inclusions:
🍗 Dinner
📍 Start (activity): 09:00 Duration: 5.5 h *pickup time will depend on the location of your confirmed accommodation
This morning, there will be a private transfer from the hotel to the meeting point for the Yoshino River rafting experience.
The Yoshino River created the Oboke and Koboke gorges from its rapid current over a period of 200 million years, making this the ultimate setting for white water rafting adventure. With challenging grade 4 rapids, breath-taking scenery and crystal-clear pools, the excursion has all the ingredients for an incredible river adventure. The actual rafting time will be around 3 hours, plus an included picnic lunch. Transport will be provided back to the hotel for the end of the day.
Another multi-course dinner will be waiting at the ryokan. Enjoy a rejuvenating, relaxing soak in the onsen- the perfect way to wind down after the action-packed day.
Overnight in Iya Valley
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner
After breakfast, the morning is at leisure until the scheduled transfer back to Kyoto/Osaka via train.
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast
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Nick Ghosh
Global Director of SalesEXO Sales Team
Having spent much of his childhood between Southeast Asia and the UK, Nick has the passion and destination knowledge of a true local. After teaching English at Shanghai University in 2006, Nick returned to the UK to work for a top tour operator for ten years. Serving as a Southeast Asia Product Manager prior to joining EXO, Nick became our UK Sales Director in 2016 and since August 2018 our Global Sales Director based in the UK.
Lucas Arruda
Sales Manager, Latin AmericaEXO Sales Team
Hailing from Brazil, Lucas leverages a deep well of professional experience, destination knowledge and love of travel to his role as Sales Manager for Latin America. He initially joined EXO in our China offices, gaining a strong understanding of EXO services and products, which he brings to this new role.
Sophie Rowley
Sales Manager UK & IrelandEXO Sales Team
Sophie's passion for travel began when she was young, joining her parents for trips abroad. Captivated by the allure of new destinations and diverse cultures, she went on to pursue a degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. After a decade working for a renowned UK travel agent, she transitioned to her role as EXO’s Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland.
Pantanida Jantsakool Pitz
General Manager German MarketEXO Sales Team
Born in Bangkok, Pantanida began her career in the travel industry in the early 2000's. After travelling around Southeast Asia for a period of time, she moved to Ho Chi Minh City to help start up the German department for EXO Travel. She has been based in Germany since 2008, where she looks after our German-speaking clients.
Amanda Pilar
Sales Director - North AmericaEXO Sales Team
Amanda is a graduate in Hospitality and Tourism Management and calls Boston home. She first fell in love with Asia in 2012 then worked as a travel specialist creating bespoke luxury journeys to Asia for a leading US tour operator. Her passion to bring unforgettable travel experiences for all clients ensures she brings the best in terms of support for our trade partners in North America.
Kate Winslow
Sales Manager, North AmericaEXO Sales Team
Kate joined EXO Travel in 2023 as North American Sales Manager. With a history of extensive travel in Asia and a proven track record as a Virtuoso advisor, she enriches the travel planning process and promotes EXO's diverse destinations with a fresh perspective. Her passion for unique journeys is a boon for both EXO and our partners.
Nadine Jones
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As a former Olympic-qualifying athlete and lifelong travel industry professional, Nadine combines a wealth of experience with a competitive mindset to deliver top shelf services to our partners in Australia and New Zealand.
Alice Lefebvre
Sales Manager - FranceEXO Sales Team
Alice caught the travel bug early, accompanying her parents on cultural and architectural trips as a young child. She went on to study tourism and work for a well-known tour operator before taking a solo trip across three continents. In 2017, Alice joined EXO Malaysia as Inbound & Product Manager and, in 2023, returned to Paris as Sales Manager to support EXO's partners in the French-speaking market.