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Ochiai Village: A Living History Museum

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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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

Local tips

  • 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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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.

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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.

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