10 Days Self-Guided Tour in Shikoku: Stay at the Shin-Iya Onsen Hotel Kazurabashi on the Third Night

On the third night of our 10-day, 9-night self-drive trip in Shikoku, we explored the Iya area in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture. Naturally, we chose to stay at the Shin-Iya Onsen Hotel Kazurabashi , so we wouldn’t feel rushed and could enjoy a nighttime visit to the Iya Kazurabashi Bridge. After checking out the nearby Peeing Boy statue and the Hinoji Valley, we headed to the hotel as advised by the staff not to check in too late. Following an exhilarating ride on the zip line earlier that day, we were ready to relax in the onsen.

We stayed in a standard Japanese-style room at the hotel. The lighting was excellent, and with the curtains drawn, we enjoyed complete privacy while still taking in views of the lush green mountains across from us. The room felt like the perfect retreat, where even spending a lazy afternoon doing nothing would be delightful. The toilet and shower were separate, ensuring no disruption when someone needed to use the facilities.

The standard Japanese-style room could accommodate four people, and our group of three found it very spacious. Across from the shower was a large vanity area, perfect for drying our hair after a bath.

The room also included welcome tea and snacks. We enjoyed a cup of hot tea as we rested and prepared for the cable car ride to the open-air sky bath.

he cable car ride began with a press of a button, carrying us 50 meters up the mountain. The views from the top were stunning, with fresh air all around. A nearby foot bath provided a relaxing soak, and the long, clean pool made it even more enjoyable.

Men and women bathed separately in the onsen, where photography was prohibited. After soaking in the onsen, we took the cable car back down to the indoor onsen area. Near the indoor baths were two free massage chairs, perfect for relaxing while waiting for family members.

Dinner time soon arrived, and we enjoyed a traditional Iya regional meal. To our surprise, many other guests were Western foreigners. My favorite dish was grilled sweetfish, beautifully presented with skewers.

The menu featured appetizers, sashimi, simmered dishes, grilled items, and more—reminiscent of a kaiseki meal. Local specialties such as “Puppet Skewers,” “Soba Zosui Porridge,” and “Iya Soba Noodles” were highlights of the meal.

The grilled sweetfish tasted even better with a squeeze of lemon, and the earthenware pot dish featured tender steamed chicken.

The Iya soba noodles were a must-try, showcasing the region’s unique flavors. We finished the meal with a delightful dessert that left us sweetly satisfied.

After dinner, we gathered in the lobby for the nighttime visit to the Iya Kazurabashi Bridge. Returning to our room, we found our beds already prepared. Staying here felt like a true escape, surrounded by the peaceful forest.

At 8:00 PM, we boarded one of the hotel’s oldest buses to visit the bridge. This vintage vehicle, lacking power steering, was skillfully maneuvered by the driver along the winding roads. Upon arrival, the bridge was beautifully lit, making it a perfect photo spot.

After exploring the illuminated Iya Kazurabashi Bridge, we returned to the hotel and took photos of its charming exterior and the historic cow-head bus, a nostalgic sight rarely seen in Taiwan today.

The next morning, we woke up to a lavish breakfast featuring salad, pork hot pot, miso soup, salmon, soft-boiled eggs, and various pickled side dishes. Enjoying such a hearty breakfast with rice was a treat we hadn’t experienced in a while.

The meal concluded with a dessert of creamy custard, leaving us thoroughly satisfied. The hotel staff’s kindness and politeness made our stay even more enjoyable and memorable.