Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley [Tokushima]

【Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley summary】

The Iya-no-Kazura Bridge (Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley) is a suspension bridge that is one of the three strangest bridges in Japan (various theories exist). It is 45 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 14 meters above the water. The bridge is replaced every three years. There are various theories about the origin of the bridge. Legend has it that a fallen Heike warrior hid in the area and built the bridge using kudzu so that he could quickly cut it down in case his pursuers came close.

It is now designated as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. It is also the model for the “Ichiyabashi” bridge in the manga and anime series “Mushishi.

【Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley】

The fee to cross the bridge is 550 yen for adults and 350 yen for elementary school students. Unlike most suspension bridges, the bridge is characterized by large beams protruding from both banks and a kazura rope hanging in the center.

The spacing between the sleepers on the scaffolding is wider, and the kazura fences on both sides are also wider. The bridge is a suspension bridge, so it will sway as you cross. The bridge itself is quaint, but the view of the valley from the bridge is also wonderful.

【Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley Biwa Waterfall】

Biwa Falls is located near the Iya-no-Kazura Bridge (Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley)

The origin of the name is said to come from a legend that a fallen member of the Heike clan, defeated at Yashima in the battle of Genpei (Genji), sneaked into and settled down in Iya, and played his biwa at this waterfall to comfort his friends as they reminisced about the capital of Kyoto in the past. The waterfall seems to have a connection with the Heike clan, and its sad history can be felt.

【Kazura Bridge Dream Stage】

This is a tourist facility where you can see souvenirs and the history of the Kazura Bridge. Tourist buses drop off here.

【Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley Nearby attractions】

Ochiai Settlement (Preservation Area of Important Traditional Buildings)

【Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley Access】

Manager’s Comments

Although the area is now a tourist destination, it was once an isolated village in the mountains and still retains its own customs and habits. The Kazura Bridge, in particular, is enough to remind outsiders of the legend of the fallen Heike warriors. If you are interested in folklore, architectural engineering, or touring unexplored areas, this is definitely a place you should visit.

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Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley

162-2 Zentoku, Nishi-Isoyama Village, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, 778-0102, Japan

※Paid parking available

From JR Oboke Station, take the Shikoku Kotsu Bus to Kazurabashi Bus Stop and walk about 5 minutes.

参考

Iya-no-Kazurabashi (Suspension Bridge Made with Vines)

OBOKE IYA TOURIST NAVIGATION＜Torist sites in Miyoshi City＞

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Ooasahiko Shrine [Tokushima] Nakatsu Valley, Village of Laughter, Dragon God of Seven Lucky Gods [Kochi] Nihonbashi Bridge [Tokyo] Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park [Aomori]