Peeing Boy Statue and Hinoji Valley: Exploring the Hidden Beauty of Japan's Scenic Gems

The Peeing Boy Statue in Iya Valley is a popular photography spot in Tokushima’s Miyoshi City. Since we were on a self-drive trip, it was much easier to reach. After visiting the Iya Vine Bridge and the nearby Biwa Waterfall, we retrieved our car from the parking lot and drove towards the statue, located on a cliff 200 meters above the valley floor. The site is surrounded by towering mountains and steep cliffs, and it’s conveniently close to Hinoji Valley.

It took us less than 30 minutes to reach the Peeing Boy. The statue is located at a bend in the road, where there is a small parking area for 2–3 vehicles. Maneuvering around the spot can be tricky without parking, so we were glad to find a space. A clear signboard made the statue easy to locate. Below the Peeing Boy, the cliff is densely covered with trees and greenery, especially in summer, which made the drop seem less intimidating.

Beneath the statue, visitors toss coins as an act of prayer or for good luck, which highlights its appeal as a tourist destination. After spending about 10 minutes there and taking photos, we headed to Hinoji Valley, another nearby attraction.

To see the beautiful gorge, finding a good parking spot is essential. Since the roads are narrow, we parked about 20 meters away in a designated white-lined area and walked over. The name “Hi no Ji Valley” comes from the shape of its meandering river, which resembles the Japanese character “ひ” (hi). It could also be likened to the English letters “V” or “U.”

Looking down from above, we could clearly see the river’s meandering curves, reminiscent of Taiwan’s Taroko Gorge near the Baiyang Trail entrance. The winding river creates a striking U-shaped natural landscape that is both rare and fascinating. The interplay of terrain and water has formed a stunning scene.

Since it was summer and there had been little rain recently, the water levels in the gorge were lower. However, the pools of water were a vivid emerald green, reflecting the area’s pristine water quality and the natural beauty of its lush surroundings.