Spring Feels in Iya Valley

#springitinerary If you’re looking for that “get lost in nature and not see a soul for hours” kind of spring trip, Iya Valley on Shikoku Island is where it’s at. This place is all deep gorges, misty forests, and vine bridges that feel like something out of a fantasy movie. Those bridges? Built from vines ages ago by samurai hiding out after the Genpei War in the 1100s. Hardcore and kinda magical. Spring here is super peaceful, everything’s blooming, the air’s crisp, and the hiking trails wind through some of the prettiest mountain views you’ll ever see. It’s quiet, green, and totally unplugged. Oh, and there’s a tiny village called Nagoro where scarecrow dolls outnumber real people. Weird, slightly spooky, but super cool. Iya Valley isn’t just a spot on the map, it’s a time capsule with nature vibes. Bring comfy shoes, a sense of wonder, and a fully charged phone for pics.