The Peeing Boy of Iya Valley (祖谷渓の小便小僧) is a small, iconic statue situated on the Nana Magari ('Seven Curves') cliff, which plunges 200 meters into the Iya River below. This seemingly whimsical figure holds a deeper cultural significance, commemorating an old local tale where travelers and local children would demonstrate their courage by urinating off this perilous precipice. It stands as a symbol of bravery and a unique piece of local folklore in the otherwise majestic and rugged landscape of the Iya Valley.
Visitors consistently highlight the statue's unique and humorous nature, making it a popular spot for a quick photo. The primary draw, however, is often the breathtaking panoramic views of the deep valley and the winding river below, which many describe as stunning and worth the journey. Reviewers often mention the sense of awe inspired by the sheer drop and the surrounding natural beauty. While the statue itself is small, its dramatic setting is what truly captivates.
For a visit, plan to spend about 15-30 minutes here, primarily for photos and to soak in the views. There isn't much else to do at the immediate site. It's best visited during daylight hours, especially on a clear day, to fully appreciate the scenery. Bring a camera for the unique photo opportunity and comfortable shoes if you plan to explore any nearby viewpoints. There are no facilities directly at the statue, so plan accordingly.
Reaching the Peeing Boy requires a car, as public transport options are limited and inconvenient for this specific spot. It's approximately a 50-minute drive from JR Awa-Ikeda Station and about 1 hour and 45 minutes from JR Tokushima Station. The roads in the Iya Valley can be narrow and winding, so driving carefully is advised. Parking is typically available nearby, though it might be informal. The statue is easily accessible from the roadside once you arrive.
A common complaint is that the statue itself is quite small, leading some visitors to feel it's not a major attraction on its own. To mitigate this, it's best to view the Peeing Boy as a scenic viewpoint with a quirky landmark, rather than the sole purpose of your trip. Integrate it into a broader itinerary exploring the Iya Valley's other attractions, such as the vine bridges or hot springs, to fully appreciate the journey.
