Ochiai Village

Ochiai is a remote mountain hamlet perched on the steep slopes of the Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture, western Japan. Located at an elevation of approximately 390 meters, this traditional settlement clings dramatically to a 38-degree incline, earning it recognition as one of Japan's most precipitous villages. The cluster of thatched-roof farmhouses appears frozen in time, offering visitors a glimpse into rural Japanese life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The village's isolation helped preserve its architectural heritage and traditional way of life. Ochiai developed as a farming community where residents cultivated steep hillside plots using methods passed down through generations. The distinctive kayabuki thatched roofs, made from miscanthus grass, require replacement every 30 to 40 years and represent a building technique that has become increasingly rare in modern Japan. The settlement gained protection as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2005, ensuring its cultural landscape remains intact.

Visitors can explore the village's narrow pathways that wind between historic farmhouses, many of which are still inhabited by local families. Several restored buildings now operate as guesthouses, allowing travelers to experience traditional mountain living firsthand. The Ochiai Folklore Museum occupies a 300-year-old farmhouse and displays agricultural tools, household items, and exhibits explaining the village's history and the challenges of mountain agriculture. The panoramic views across the Iya Valley gorge are particularly striking, with the village appearing to cascade down the mountainside above the river far below.

Ochiai lies approximately 50 kilometers southwest of central Tokushima city. The most practical approach is by car, which takes roughly 90 minutes from Tokushima along Route 438 and 439. Public transportation is limited; infrequent buses serve the wider Iya Valley area from Oboke Station on the JR Dosan Line, though reaching Ochiai specifically requires careful planning or taxi service. The village itself has no admission fee for wandering its lanes, though the folklore museum charges a small entry fee. Given the remote location and limited facilities, visitors should plan accordingly with provisions and confirm accommodation in advance if staying overnight.