West Iya: Hi no Ji Valley and the Peeing Boy Statue

If you’re looking for an iconic view of the Iya Valley, this is it! This valley in particular has been nicknamed “Hi no Ji”, for the hiragana character ひ, which the winding river resembles.

Nearby, you can also spot a little statue of a boy. In older days, kids used this gorge as a test of bravery, standing at the 200m precipice and peeing into the valley to prove themselves to their peers. But nowadays, we’d prefer you stay behind the fence. 

This area is also a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage in mid-November. Take a bath at the nearby Iya onsen for a relaxing end to your day.