Iya Kazura Bridge
The Iya region is said to be where the Heike clan, led by Taira no Kiyomori and Emperor Antoku, settled after their defeat in the Battle of Yashima. The area has preserved the lifestyles and customs from the Middle Ages. The Kazurabashi Bridge spans the Iya River and has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset by the national government.
This bridge is woven from shiraluchikazura, meticulously gathered from cold mountainous areas, offering a thrilling experience to those who cross it. The bridge is also known as one of Japan's Three Unique Bridges, with various legends surrounding its origin, including tales that it was built by Heike survivors trying to escape or by Kobo Daishi for villagers in distress.
Reflected in the clear waters of the Iya River and supported by ancient trees, the bridge creates a beautiful landscape in harmony with the natural surroundings of Iya. It offers enchanting beauty through the changing seasons, with wisteria in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and winter snow scenes, making it worth visiting at any time of year. The Kazurabashi Bridge in Iya beautifully fuses Japan's rich history with natural beauty, continuing to charm many tourists.
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Iya Kazura Bridge
- Location
- 〒778-0102 162-2, Zentoku, Nishi-Iya, Miyoshi City
- Access
- <By Car> Ikawa/Ikeda IC → Route 32 (toward Kochi) → Prefectural Road 45 → Prefectural Road 32 → City Road → Kazurabashi Dream Stage → 5-minute walk (Total time approx. 1 hour)
<By Bus> JR Oboke Station → Shikoku Kotsu Bus "Kazurabashi Line" or "Kubo Line" → Get off at "Kazurabashi" or "Kazurabashi Dream Stage" bus stop → 5-minute walk - Parking
- Large buses: 14 units
Passenger cars: 300 units - Business Hours
- April to June: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
July to August: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
September to March: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Regular Holiday
- Open year-round. Operating in rainy weather; however, there may be temporary closures in case of heavy rain warnings.
- Fees
- <Regular Admission Fee>
Adults (Middle school students and above): 550 yen
Elementary school students: 350 yen
Preschoolers: Free
*Payment can now be made via PayPay.
<Group Discount>
Adults (Middle school students and above): 500 yen
Elementary school students: 320 yen
*Applies to groups of 20 or more (including elementary school students) who can pay together.
*No reservation is required. Please inform the ticket office directly of your group usage.
<Disability Discount>
Adults (Middle school students and above): 270 yen
Elementary school students: 170 yen
*Please present a disability certificate or a welfare certificate.
*One caregiver is also eligible for the same discount. - Contact Information
- Phone Number：0883-76-0877
- Official Website
Map
Detailed Information
◆ Nationally Designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property ◆
The Kazurabashi Bridge in the secluded Iya region holds a sad tale of the Heike clan. Made from shirokuchi kazura vines weighing about 6 tons, it is 45 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 14 meters above the water. In the past, it was the only means of transportation in this deep mountain gorge area. The bridge is rebuilt every three years.
The Iya region, embraced by the steep mountains of Shikoku, is said to be a hidden settlement where Taira no Koresada and Emperor Antoku, who fled after losing the Battle of Yashima, settled in hopes of restoring the Heike clan. Because it remained cut off from outside access until modern times, the ways of life and distinctive customs from the medieval period have been preserved in a form close to the original.
Spanning the Iya River flowing through this region is the Kazurabashi Bridge, designated as a nationally important tangible folk cultural property. This bridge, woven together from shirokuchi kazura vines gathered in the harsh winter mountains and fields, allows you to see the valley floor through gaps in the bridge deck, and combined with the sway of the 45-meter suspension bridge, offers visitors just the right amount of thrill.
There are various theories about the origin of Kazurabashi Bridge, which is counted among Japan’s Three Most Unusual Bridges. Some say it was built so that it could be cut down in order to escape pursuing enemies, while others say it was built by Kobo Daishi during his travels around Shikoku to help villagers in need.
The graceful sight of Kazurabashi Bridge, resting its weight on ancient trees on both banks and casting its reflection on the clear waters of the Iya River, evokes the lives of ancestors long ago, creates a beautiful landscape in harmony with nature, and continues to captivate countless visitors with its powerful individuality.
◎ Iya Kazurabashi Bridge Light-Up
The bridge is illuminated every day from 19:00 to 21:30 (crossing is not permitted).
The Kazurabashi Bridge lit up in the darkness of night is truly fantastical.
◎ The Heike-legendary “Biwa Falls” is right nearby.
About 50 meters to the left immediately after crossing the Iya Kazurabashi Bridge, you will find a waterfall with a drop of about 40 meters.
Iya Kazura Bridge Movies
Tokushima Tourist Attractions
View List
Naruto Whirlpools
The Naruto Whirlpools are one of the three great tidal currents in the world, occurring in the Naruto Strait. These whirlpools can be observed between Naruto City an...
Tokushima Prefectural Uzunomichi
The Tokushima Prefectural Uzunomichi is a sea walkway installed on the piers of the Ohnaruto Bridge. It is situated 45 meters above the sea and features a 450-meter-...
Miwa Town Udattsu no Machinami
Wakimachi Udatsu Townscape is a precious historic district that features about 430 meters of buildings from the mid-Edo period to the early Showa period. Blessed wit...
Otsuka International Museum of Art
The Otsuka Museum of Art is a museum that reproduces approximately 1,000 masterpieces from 26 countries around the world on ceramic plates in their actual size using...
Astamaland Tokushima
Astamland Tokushima is a large park designed to cultivate children's interest in science through play and hands-on experiences. Within the park, there is a "Children...
Ooboke Kiyotaki Line
The Oboke Gorge sightseeing cruise offers a scenic tour through the deep valleys and strange rock formations of the Yoshino River. During the approximately 30-minute...
Awa Odori Hall
The Awa Odori Hall is a facility where you can enjoy Tokushima's renowned Awa Odori dance throughout the year. In the Awa Odori Hall, you can not only watch performa...
Daichibanfudashoryozenji
The first temple on the Shikoku pilgrimage, Ryozenji Temple, was founded about 1300 years ago by the monk Gyoki, upon the imperial request of Emperor Shomu. It becam...
