Welcome to the Iya Valley Blog!

祖谷渓ブログへようこそ！

Deep in the subtropical forests of Shikoku, the Iya River runs like an artery through the lush mountainous landscape, carrying the lifeblood of the Iya Valley through its emerald green waters. Here, the mountains reign supreme, sparing hardly an inch of room for the narrow winding roads and precarious village houses built on their steep earthen slopes. A huge 45 meter bridge made of kiwi vine spans across the valley, a tribute to the architects of the legendary Heike clan who once fled into a valley so remote that their pursuers would dare not follow. Now, the Iya Valley is home to a dwindling population of those who live on the outskirts of civilization, in a sea of clouds at the frontier of nature, history, and time itself. And soon to be joining in this way of life as an assistant English teacher at local elementary and middle schools is none other than myself, the author of this blog. Who else is ready to dive in?

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