Iya Valley Kazurabashi
nature
祖谷のかずら橋
Historic vine bridge stretching 45 meters across the Iya River, woven from mountain vines and rebuilt every three years.
This 45-meter vine bridge hangs 14 meters above the Iya River and is rebuilt every three years from shirokuchi kazura mountain vines. Local legend connects it to the Heike clan, who fled to this remote valley after losing the Gempei War in 1185 and built vine bridges that could be cut if enemies approached. At one time 13 such bridges spanned the valley. Crossing the swaying structure with its gap-planked deck gives a direct view of the rushing water below. The surrounding Iya Valley is known for its steep gorges, isolated hamlets, and local specialties like Iya soba and deko mawashi skewers.
The bridge is rebuilt every 3 years using wild kazuravine harvested from the surrounding mountains, a tradition maintained since the Heike clan retreated into the valley in the 12th century. Cross in the morning before day-tour buses from Tokushima and Awa-Ikeda arrive around 11am. The Oku-Iya double vine bridges, 45 minutes further into the valley by car, span a deeper gorge and see far fewer visitors. Access to the outer bridges is by car or taxi from Oboke Station.
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