Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge
祖谷のかずら橋
A suspension bridge woven from kiwi vines strung across the Iya River, with wide gaps between the footboards that make the crossing thrilling.
The Iya Kazurabashi is one of Japan's Three Great Strange Bridges and an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. It is about 45 m long and about 14 m above the water. It is woven from mountain hardy kiwi vines, reinforced with steel cables inside, and rebuilt every three years. The gaps between the planks are wide, so the bridge sways noticeably underfoot, and you can look down at the stream below. A few minutes' walk past the bridge is the Biwa Falls, a 50 m drop. Legend has it that Heike fugitives played the biwa lute here while longing for home. The bridge crossing fee is about 550 yen, one-way only. From JR Oboke Station, take a bus for about 20 minutes.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (varies by season)
Nearby sights
- Chiiori
- Iya Onsen
- Iya Gorge & Peeing Boy Statue
- Michi-no-Eki Oboke & Yokai Yashiki
- Oboke Gorge Boat Ride
- Koboke Gorge & Yoshino River Rafting
- Ochiai Village
- Awa-Ikeda Udatsu Townscape