Oboke and Koboke Gorges

Publié le: 4 août 2026

Mis à jour le: 4 août 2026

ObokeKobokegorgemarble rockYoshino River

Oboke and Koboke Gorges — representative image, not a photograph of this location

Image d'illustration — il ne s'agit pas d'une photo de ce lieu.

Oboke and Koboke Gorges (2) — representative image, not a photograph of this location

Oboke and Koboke Gorges (3) — representative image, not a photograph of this location

The Yoshino River has carved two dramatic gorges through western Tokushima: Oboke (大歩危, 'big steps danger') and Koboke (小歩危, 'small steps danger'), named for the treacherous cliffs that threatened Edo-period travelers. The gorge walls rise 100–200 meters, composed of crystalline schist rock streaked with white and green mineral bands, resembling marble. Sightseeing boats navigate the river between towering rock formations, with autumn foliage reflecting in the emerald water.

The gorges mark the gateway to the Iya Valley — most visitors combine gorge boat tours with vine bridge visits in a full-day excursion.

Informations essentielles

Horaires d'ouverture

Sightseeing boats: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (hourly departures) | Rafting tours: seasonal (Apr-Nov)

Fermé: No regular closures | Boats may cancel in bad weather

Tarif d'entrée

Sightseeing boat: ¥1,200 adults (30 min) | Rafting: ¥6,000-9,000 (half day) | Lapis Oboke museum: ¥520

Meilleure saison

Late October-early November (fall foliage) | April (cherry blossoms) | April-November for rafting

Durée de visite

1-2 hours (boat tour + museum) | Half day (rafting)

Comment s'y rendre

Informations d'accès

Oboke Gorge sightseeing boats: depart from Oboke Station area. 30-min tours: ¥1,200 adults, runs 9:00–16:30 (hourly departures). Koboke boats: similar pricing/schedule. Drive: 50 min from Tokushima City. Rafting tours: half-day ¥6,000–9,000 (Apr–Nov).

Guide d'initié

Premium

**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.

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