Oboke and Koboke Gorges

**Boat vs. rafting:** Sightseeing boats (遊覧船, yūransen) are low-key 30-minute cruises with recorded commentary, suitable for all ages and weather. Whitewater rafting tours tackle Class III-IV rapids upstream, getting soaked and adrenaline-pumped — more exciting but requires physical fitness and advance booking. Rafting companies: Happy Raft, Raft Monster. **Best season:** Autumn (late October–early November) offers peak koyo (fall foliage) when maple and ginkgo trees turn red/gold against white rock. Cherry blossoms (early April) create pink accents. Summer (July–August) is popular for rafting but can be hot and crowded. Winter boats run fewer trips but offer quiet, dramatic scenery. **Lapis Oboke museum:** Near boat departure, this geology museum (¥520 entry) displays rare stones including lapis lazuli and explains the gorge's 200-million-year formation. The museum's riverside terrace cafe offers excellent gorge views while drinking coffee — better vantage than from the boat for photography. **Dining:** Oboke Station area has several soba shops serving Iya soba (祖谷そば) — rustic buckwheat noodles made with coarsely ground flour, thicker and chewier than standard soba. Served hot or cold (¥800–1,200). The noodles' rough texture reflects mountain cuisine traditions.