Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, Tokushima

A 45m suspension bridge woven from mountain vines, 14m above the water. Crossing it step by step is an experience unique to Iya, deep in Shikoku's mountains.

Iya Kazurabashi, a bridge woven from vines, hanging over a clear mountain river — Photo: Yamato, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Walking deck of the Iya Kazurabashi with thick woven vine railings and wooden slats — Photo: ume-y, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of Japan's three unusual bridges, woven from vines

The Iya Kazurabashi (kazura means vine, hashi means bridge) is a suspension bridge over the Iya River, deep in the mountains of Miyoshi City in Tokushima Prefecture. It is woven from the vines of a plant called shirakuchi-kazura (a kind of hardy kiwi vine), and is 45m long, 2m wide and 14m above the water.

It is counted as one of the Nihon San Kikyo, the "three unusual bridges of Japan", and in 1955 it was designated a national Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. With around 300,000 visitors a year, it is one of Tokushima's best-known sights.

Legends of the Heike and life in the mountains

Iya is an area hemmed in by deep mountains and valleys, and vine bridges like this were once a vital way of getting across the gorges. Legend says they were built by members of the Heike clan who fled here after losing the Battle of Yashima during the Genpei War (the 12th-century war between the Taira, or Heike, and Minamoto clans), and the bridge is said to have 800 years of history.

The bridge is rebuilt every three years by a local preservation group, the Kazurabashi Hoshokai. Each rebuild needs about 6 tonnes of vines, which take 20 to 30 years to grow large enough to use. The work is done in the traditional way, almost entirely by hand.

Crossing the bridge and walking by the river

The bridge is made of vines and wood, and as you cross you can see the Iya River flowing beneath your feet. Edging forward one step at a time, 14m up, is something few other bridges can give you.

Near the bridge is a waterfall called Biwa-no-taki, along with steps down to the riverbed and a walking path beside the Iya River. The bridge is lit up at night, but you cannot cross it after dark.

Getting there and the next rebuild

Take a local bus from JR Oboke Station and get off at the Kazurabashi stop; the bridge is right there. If you come by car, there is a paid car park. The hours when you can cross change with the season, so check the official website.

The next rebuild is planned for January 2027. Rebuilding usually runs from early January to mid-February, and you cannot cross the bridge during that time. If you plan to visit in winter, check the official website before you go.

Tips

In January and February 2027 there will be a period when you cannot cross because of the rebuild. Keep this in mind when planning a winter trip.
At night you can admire the lit-up bridge, but you can only cross it in the daytime. If you want to walk across, come while it is still light.
The Oboke Gorge sightseeing boats also start from JR Oboke Station, which makes it easy to plan a trip that covers both.