Suspension bridges made of mountain vines (kazurabashi) were the main means for people to cross the river of the Iya Valley in the past. History is unclear about their origins, but legends say that they were either first raised by Kobo Daishi, founder of the Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism, or created by Heike refugees hiding in the area after their defeat in the Gempei War (1180-1185) as a means of quickly cutting off access to the valley.

13 bridges once spanned the valley, but only three survive today. Iya Kazurabashi (祖谷かずら橋), the largest and most popular of the remaining bridges, stretches 45 meters across the Iya River at the center of the valley, and gives visitors an unsettling view of the water 14 meters below the open slats of the span. The bridge, which is rebuilt every three years, is anchored to tall cedar trees at both ends and has steel cables hidden within the vines for safety. The bridge can be crossed in one direction only. In the evenings from 19:00 to 21:30 it is illuminated.

Getting there and around

Iya Kazurabashi can be reached by bus from Awa Ikeda (60 minutes, 1290 yen, every 2-3 hours) and Oboke stations (25-30 minutes, 670 yen, every 1-2 hours).

How to get to and around the Iya Valley

Hours and Fees

Hours

Closed

Admission

Hotels around Iya Valley

    • Hotel Iya Onsen
      An onsen ryokan commanding Iya Valley. Enjoy new bath with amazing view and riverside bath 170m down by cable car. Free shuttle to/from JR Oboke Sta. Wi-Fi available.
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