Shikoku travel guide
In Shikoku, the Iya Valley and Oboke are the area the guides on this page focus on, and planning them means working out whether the trip is worth the journey inland, whether to drive or rely on JR and buses, and which ticket makes sense.
The Iya Valley guide covers the vine bridges and Oboke Gorge, their fees and hours, the choice between rental car and public transport, and where to spend the night. If you are going in the cold months, the Iya vine bridge in winter explains that Kazurabashi stays open while the Oku-Iya bridges and the Kotohira shuttle pause, and lists the buses from Oboke.
On cost, the Oboke and Iya rail pass guide compares the ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass for a loop of the island with single tickets for a return from Okayama.
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Explore Shikoku
Things to do
Iya Vine Bridge in Winter: Hours, the 2027 Rebuild and Buses
The Kazurabashi vine bridge is open in winter except during its 2027 rebuild; the Oku-Iya bridges and Kotohira shuttle stop. Hours, buses from Oboke, snow.
Iya Valley Guide: Vine Bridges, Oboke and Car vs Bus
Is the Iya Valley worth it? The vine bridges and Oboke Gorge, fees and hours, how to get there by JR and bus or rental car, and where to stay overnight.
Getting around
Oboke and Iya Valley Rail Pass (2026): 12,000 Yen for 3 Days
The ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass, 12,000 yen for 3 days, suits a Shikoku loop via Oboke; for Okayama to Oboke and back, single tickets at 8,540 yen cost less.
Where to stay
Where to Stay for Naoshima (2026): Last Boat to Uno 00:15
Sleep on Naoshima for slow evenings, or base in Uno, where boats from Miyanoura run until 00:15. The last boat back to Takamatsu leaves at 19:45.
