ABOUT
About this spot
Beloved as a symbol of Iyakei, one of Tokushima's remote hidden regions, this is the "Shonben Kozo" (Peeing Boy) statue. The statue stands quietly on a protruding rock ledge about 200 m above the valley floor, on the cliffs of the V-shaped gorge deeply carved by the Iya River. It was created in 1968 by the sculptor Yoshiyuki Kawasaki, based on the anecdote that local children and travelers once tested their courage on this cliff. Right below the statue opens a deep valley that seems to pull you in, letting you experience both a heart-stopping thrill and the overwhelming beauty of the primeval forest that changes expression with the seasons. In the autumn foliage season in particular, the whole valley is vividly colored, and the contrast with the emerald-green river surface is truly spectacular. The surrounding road is very narrow and known as the "Iya Kaido," but that only deepens the sense of achievement at reaching this remote land. Whether you quietly feel the grandeur of nature on a solo trip or enjoy the thrill of a drive with friends, it is a classic spot not to be missed on a Tokushima trip.
Last updated March 27, 2026