Shikoku is proving to be one of the most beautiful places we have ever been.

The Iya Valley is a secluded, mountainous valley along the Iya River in western Shikoku. And it is one of the most beautiful places we have ever travelled to. We didn’t really know what to expect, since we didn’t know anyone who had been here before, but it turned out to be such a very special treat. It is a big challenge to get around (not possible without own car) due to the incredible winding, sometimes unbelievably narrow mountain roads that navigates the valley. While the deeper parts of the Iya Valley may be difficult to access, we certainly went places that was extreme. A very important note is that wifi is not possible due to the mountains, so Google map…forget about it…good to know prior to entering, I write this with deep respect for the mountains and first hands experience that you WILL get lost without good navigation, and that is no fun at all.

But we did go into the mountains, first time we went in was to see the Oboke Canyons, next up was The peeing Boy. It is located at the edge of a dizzying, 200 meter high cliff. Here stands the statue of a boy posed as if he were peeing off the ledge down to the valley bellow. It is a little bit like seeing the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen – makes you think what all the fuss is about. However, in this case it is definitely the truly magnificent nature.