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Peeing Boy Statue — Roadside Cliff Landmark

Published: Jul 22, 2026
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
Peeing Boyshonben kozocliff statueIya Valleyroadside landmark
Peeing Boy Statue — Roadside Cliff Landmark
Peeing Boy Statue — Roadside Cliff Landmark 2
Peeing Boy Statue — Roadside Cliff Landmark 3

The Shonben Kozo (小便小僧, 'Peeing Boy') statue stands on a narrow rock outcrop jutting over a 200-meter cliff drop on the road to Oku-Iya, depicting a young boy urinating into the gorge below. The bronze statue was installed in 1968 to commemorate local workers and travelers who tested their courage by urinating off the cliff edge (a practice now prohibited). The statue's casual stance contrasts absurdly with the terrifying drop.

The roadside pullout offers one of Iya Valley's most dramatic gorge views — and one of Japan's strangest photo opportunities.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours (roadside pullout)

Closed: No closures | Road may close in severe winter weather

Entrance Fee

Free

Best Season

Spring and autumn (pleasant weather, good light) | Morning or late afternoon for best gorge light

Visit Duration

10-15 minutes

Getting There

Access Information

Higashiiya, Miyoshi City. On Route 439 toward Oku-Iya Double Kazurabashi (35-min drive from main Iya bridge). Free access. Roadside parking for 5–6 cars. No facilities, just statue and viewpoint. Drive carefully — narrow mountain road with hairpin turns.

Insider Guide

Premium
**Cultural context:** The statue represents Edo-period travelers and forestry workers who would stop at this cliff edge to relieve themselves (no restrooms existed on remote mountain roads). The act also demonstrated bravery — standing at the precipice without fear. Today the statue is beloved as a quirky landmark, appearing on postcards and souvenirs. **Viewing the gorge:** The pullout offers vertigo-inducing views into the Iya Gorge — sheer cliffs dropping 200+ meters to the river below. The statue platform extends slightly over the edge (protected by fence). Acrophobes may find it genuinely unnerving. Strong winds can make standing at the fence uncomfortable. **Photo op:** The standard tourist photo: stand next to the statue mimicking its pose while a friend shoots from behind. Everyone does it, it's silly, embrace it. Best light: morning or late afternoon when the gorge walls aren't in harsh shadow. **Combine with:** The statue is a 5-minute stop on the drive to Oku-Iya Double Kazurabashi (see separate entry) or Nagoro Scarecrow Village. Don't make a special trip just for the statue, but absolutely stop if passing by — it's one of those 'only in Japan' moments.

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