Ochiai Village, Awa Travel Guide

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Discover a traditional Japanese mountain village with thatched-roof houses, terraced fields, and stunning views in the heart of the Iya Valley.

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Ochiai Village

Nestled in the Iya Valley, Ochiai Village is a mountainside hamlet showcasing traditional Japanese architecture and sustainable farming practices dating back centuries. Designated as a National Preservation District, it offers a glimpse into rural life with its thatched-roof houses and terraced fields.

A brief summary to Ochiai Village

Higashiiyaochiai, Miyoshi, Higashiiyaochiai, Tokushima, 778-0202, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ochiai Village.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the steep and uneven paths throughout the village.
Visit the Ochiai Village Observation Point for panoramic views of the entire village.
Consider staying overnight in one of the traditional thatched-roof houses for an immersive experience.

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Explore Ochiai Village on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ochiai Village, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Ochiai Village is best accessed by car due to its remote location in the Iya Valley. From Ikawa-Ikeda IC, take National Route 32 towards Kochi, then Prefectural Road 45, followed by Prefectural Road 32, and finally National Route 439 towards Mt. Tsurugi. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Be prepared for narrow, winding mountain roads.
Public Transport

Alternatively, take the Shikoku Kotsu Bus bound for Kubo from JR Oboke Station. Get off at the Ochiai-bashi Bus Stop. From there, it's a walk into the village. Bus fares are typically a few hundred yen. Check the latest bus schedules as services may be infrequent.

Discover more about Ochiai Village

Ochiai Village, located in the heart of the Higashi-Iya Valley, is a captivating mountainside hamlet that offers a unique glimpse into Japan's rural past. Designated as a National Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2005, the village is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and sustainable farming practices.The village's history spans from the mid-Edo period (circa 1700) to the early Showa period (circa 1930), with homes and stone walls built into the steep mountainside. The village is built on a steep slope, with an elevation difference of approximately 390 meters between the highest and lowest points. This unique landscape has fostered a distinctive way of life, with villagers cultivating small terraced fields for growing vegetables and buckwheat.Visitors can explore the village's ancient stone-lined footpaths, which wind through the settlement and offer stunning views of the surrounding valley. The thatched-roof Nagaoka-ke Historic House, near the village center, has been restored to its original condition and is open to visitors. Sansho Shrine, surrounded by old-growth cedar trees, is also nearby. For those seeking a unique experience, several traditional farmhouses have been refurbished into guest accommodations, offering a chance to stay overnight in this secluded mountain region.