Iya is one of Japanese valleys that has remained wild and natural. Unlike big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, nature is still there in this central region of the Shikoku island. Indeed, this valley is known for its forests, mountains and history. Thanks to its insolation, Iya Valley is full of stories of fleeing samurai and hiding.
It is there, not far from the Mount Tsurugi (1955 meters) that we tested the monorail. It is a circular route of 4.6 km in the forest around the Iyashi-no-Onsenkyo. The journey lasts about 70 minutes and it costs 2000 yen per person. The monorail can carry two people at a tim , seated one behind the other like on a motorcycle, the only difference is there are 2 separate seats. The seats are in motion automatically depending on the orientation of the slope you are browsing. It is a monorail that travels at slow speed and some slopes go up to 40 degrees, so it's a good way for the whole family (adults and children ) to explore the forest and the mountains without too much effort. The monorail goes up to 1389 meters, which provides a magnificent view of the neighboring mountains such as Mount Tsurugi.
If you plan to come to Japan, it is an area that we highly recommend. Iya Valley is a beautiful place, the forests, the landscape, the mountains, gorges and the people are really great. There is plenty things to do and to see , so do not hesitate. Go to the valley of Iya (Iya Keikogu 祖 谷 渓 谷 ) including Oku-Iya 奥祖 谷 , the most remote part of the valley!