Iya Valley & The Peeing Boy Statue

Iya Valley unfolds as a deeply carved V-shaped gorge, where the emerald-green waters of the Iya River wind through steep, rugged terrain. From the viewpoints above, the river appears far below, creating a sense of striking depth and scale. In fall, the entire valley transforms into a vivid tapestry of color, as autumn foliage blankets the mountains from the riverbed to the ridgelines, scenery that can be enjoyed even from passing cars and buses.

Along the cliffs lining the Iya River, remnants of rock from the construction of the historic Iya Highway jut outward dramatically. Atop one of these protruding rocks stands the well-known statue of the “Peeing Boy”, inspired by local tales of children and travelers once testing their courage at this precarious spot. The figure, poised high above the gorge, has become a symbolic and memorable landmark within the valley.

Nearby, the Hinoji Valley adds another visual highlight, where the river curves gracefully into a distinctive shape resembling the Japanese character “ひ,” further enhancing the area’s unique and scenic appeal.