Ooboke Kiyotaki Line

The Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat is a popular cruise through Oboke Gorge, one of the scenic highlights of Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture. Of the Oboke and Koboke Gorges, designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, the cruise leisurely travels along approximately four kilometers of Oboke Gorge in about 30 minutes. As the boat glides along the emerald-green Yoshino River, passengers can enjoy an up-close view of the sheer cliffs and unusual rock formations rising on both sides of the river, as well as the spectacular gorge scenery created by rocks formed approximately 200 million years ago and the long-term erosion of the Yoshino River. It is one of Tokushima Prefecture’s most representative nature attractions.

Oboke Gorge is a V-shaped gorge formed over countless years as the Yoshino River eroded crystalline schist while cutting across the Shikoku Mountains. The landscape, characterized by intricately folded rock surfaces and sheer cliffs, is renowned as one of Japan’s most beautiful gorges. From the sightseeing boat, visitors can closely observe ganreki schist, a natural monument designated by Tokushima Prefecture, and enjoy the dramatic geological scenery unique to Oboke Gorge.

During the cruise, passengers travel through the gorge while listening to commentary from an experienced boatman. The boatman provides easy-to-understand explanations about the formation of the rocks, the history of Oboke and Koboke, and the Yoshino River and surrounding natural environment. This allows visitors not only to admire the scenery but also to learn about the area’s landforms and geology in an enjoyable way. The boat proceeds slowly along a safe route, making the cruise comfortable for everyone from young children to senior travelers.

The rocks that form Oboke Gorge are primarily crystalline schists, including sandy schist created through the metamorphosis of sandstone. Over an immense span of time, these rocks folded into wave-like patterns, while erosion by the Yoshino River gave rise to the magnificent gorge seen today. The scenery resembles a series of enormous marble sculptures and captivates visitors as a work of art created by nature.

Another appeal of the Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat is the scenery, which changes with each season. In spring, cherry blossoms and fresh greenery add color to the gorge, while in early summer, the vivid new foliage creates a beautiful contrast with the crystal-clear Yoshino River. In autumn, the mountains turn red and yellow, transforming the entire gorge into a breathtaking display of fall colors. In winter, snow blankets the cliffs and trees, creating an enchanting gorge landscape shrouded in tranquility.

From around late March through the end of May each year, approximately 100 carp streamers are displayed in the gorge near the sightseeing boat landing. The colorful koinobori sway majestically in the valley breeze against a backdrop of lush green mountains. They are a seasonal tradition unique to this time of year and attract many tourists and photography enthusiasts.

The Oboke Gorge Mannaka facility, where the sightseeing boats depart and arrive, includes a restaurant and a shop. At the restaurant, visitors can enjoy local cuisine made with ingredients from Tokushima Prefecture while admiring the gorge. Popular original menu items unique to the area include Iya soba, a specialty of the Iya region, as well as Hidarū Ramen and Yōkai Soft Kappāna, both inspired by local yokai legends.

The shop offers a wide selection of specialties from Tokushima Prefecture and throughout Shikoku, including sweets, local sake, and indigo-dyed products, making it an ideal place to choose souvenirs. Hot-spring inns are also within walking distance, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the gorge through a day visit to the baths or an overnight stay after their boat ride.

Koboke Gorge continues for approximately three kilometers downstream from Oboke Gorge. While Oboke is characterized by its magnificent and imposing cliffs, Koboke is known for the delicate beauty of its varied unusual rock formations and rock surfaces, offering a distinctly different landscape. Together, Oboke and Koboke are beloved by many visitors as one of Shikoku’s most representative scenic gorge areas.

The Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat is a popular sightseeing experience that allows visitors to enjoy the clear waters of the Yoshino River and the magnificent beauty of the gorge during an approximately 30-minute cruise. With nature that changes throughout the seasons, the history of the Earth revealed through rocks formed approximately 200 million years ago, thoughtful commentary from the boatman, and delicious local cuisine, it is a well-rounded attraction enjoyed by many people. When visiting Tokushima Prefecture, be sure to experience the dramatic beauty of this gorge, created by nature, from the water.