Oboke and Iya Onsen Village

Within the hot spring resort, there are several hot spring inns, each with different types of hot spring water such as alkaline simple springs and sulfur springs. You'll want to choose a hot spring inn with the type of hot spring water that suits you best. One highly recommended option is "Sunriver Oboke" which is the oldest inn in the Oboke Iya Hot Spring Resort and is known for its strong alkaline spring water, which is said to be "better than toner" and "anti-aging for the skin". Located on a hill with a view of the Oboke valley, it is the perfect hot spring inn to fully enjoy Oboke.

The Oboke Iya Hot Springs Resort is located in a secluded area surrounded by nature. As a result, visitors can enjoy various natural sights depending on the season they visit. In spring, there are cherry blossoms in full bloom, in summer, lush greenery, in autumn, colorful autumn leaves, and in winter, snow falls and you can enjoy snow viewing. Among them, it is recommended to visit in autumn, soak in the hot springs in pleasant temperatures, and enjoy the autumn leaves!

Near the Oboke Iya Onsen area, there are several famous tourist spots. Among them, two are highly recommended. The first is the "Oboke Gorge," a valley formed by the raging waters of the Yoshino River, offering beautiful views of marble sculptures standing upright. The second is the "Kazura Bridge," a bridge made of a plant called "Shirakuchi Kazura," which sways with every step, providing a thrilling experience that's hard to come by. Both are located a short drive away, so it's recommended to visit them along with the hot springs.

There are several famous gourmet dishes in the Oboke Iya area, but three in particular are worth trying. The first is "Soba from Iya", which has less binder compared to regular soba, allowing you to taste the natural sweetness of the soba. The second is "Dekomawashi", which involves grilling miso-covered tofu and sweet potatoes on a skewer over a hearth, making it a fun dish to eat. The third is "Soba Gohan Zosui", a type of rice porridge made by boiling soba seeds, which is a soul food for people in Tokushima. The popping texture is addictive, so be sure to try it at least once!

Oboke Gorge in Tokushima Prefecture is said to be Japan's largest rafting spot, where you can enjoy a river descent in the midst of raging rapids. With courses ranging from half-day to full-day, beginners can also enjoy themselves here. After rafting, we recommend warming up your tired and chilled body in the hot spring village before heading home.