Two Bridges: The Male Bridge and the Female Bridge
The attraction consists of two vine bridges standing side by side, known as the Otoko-bashi (Male Bridge) and the Onna-bashi (Female Bridge). Both were traditionally used as routes for local residents and are now popular with visitors. Because the two bridges stand together, they are also affectionately called the Husband-and-Wife Bridges.
Otoko-bashi: The Larger Bridge
The Male Bridge is the larger of the two. It measures approximately 42 meters long and 2 meters wide, with its deck standing about 12 meters above the water. Crossing this suspended structure gives visitors a sense of the ingenuity required to travel through the steep valleys of the Iya region.
Onna-bashi: The Smaller Bridge
The Female Bridge is more compact, measuring approximately 22 meters long and 1.2 meters wide, with a height of about 4 meters above the water. Together, the two bridges create a distinctive scene that blends traditional craftsmanship with the surrounding natural environment.
Legends of the Heike Clan
According to local legend, members of the defeated Taira clan, also known as the Heike, built these bridges after fleeing into the mountains. One story connects them to the Battle of Shido, where the Heike forces suffered defeat. The bridges were reportedly constructed from shirakuchi-kazura, a type of climbing vine, so they could be cut down quickly if pursuers approached.
Although the details belong to local tradition, the legend reflects the area’s long association with the Heike fugitives and the challenges of surviving in this remote mountainous landscape. The bridges later served practical purposes for people living and working in the mountains, including woodcutters and fishermen.
The History and Construction of Japan’s Vine Bridges
Kazurabashi are traditional suspension bridges made using the vines of climbing plants, including shirakuchi-kazura, a type of wild kiwi vine. Their unusual construction distinguishes them from conventional bridges and reflects the resourcefulness of communities living in areas where deep ravines made travel difficult.
The best-known example is the Iya Kazurabashi in Zentoku, Nishi-Iya, but deeper in the mountains of Higashi-Iya, the Oku-Iya Double Kazurabashi preserves another pair of these historic crossings. Both locations are closely associated with the stories of the Heike clan, who are said to have used vine bridges as a means of escaping their pursuers.
The Legend of the Thirteen Bridges of Iya
In the past, the Iya region was said to have had numerous vine bridges collectively known as the Thirteen Bridges of Iya. According to tradition, the Heike fugitives built bridges from vines so that they could be quickly destroyed if enemies followed them. Over time, these crossings also became essential routes for local residents, including woodworkers and fishermen.
Today, the best-known surviving examples are found at Iya Kazurabashi in Nishi-Iya and at Oku-Iya Double Kazurabashi in Higashi-Iya. They offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience a traditional form of bridge construction while learning about the history and folklore of the region.
A Thrilling Experience in Every Season
Walking across the Oku-Iya Double Kazurabashi is an adventure in itself. The bridges sway as visitors move across them, and the river can be seen flowing below through the gaps in the bridge decks. This combination of movement, height, and natural scenery creates an exhilarating experience that recalls the challenges faced by earlier generations of mountain residents.
The surrounding landscape is beautiful throughout the year. In spring, fresh green foliage brightens the forest, while autumn brings vivid red, orange, and golden leaves to the mountainsides. The secluded setting also makes the bridges an appealing destination for travelers who want to experience the quieter, less-developed side of Shikoku.
The Nozaru Human-Powered Ropeway
Near the bridges is a traditional human-powered ropeway known as the Nozaru, which resembles a small suspended carriage pulled along a rope. It provides an additional glimpse into the ingenuity used to cross the area’s difficult terrain. However, the available source information reported that the ropeway was suspended as of May 2022 because part of the access route had collapsed. Visitors should check its current operating status before planning to use it.
How to Get to Oku-Iya Double Kazurabashi
By Car
From Ikawa-Ikeda Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, the drive to Oku-Iya Double Kazurabashi takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The route passes through mountainous terrain, so visitors should allow sufficient time and be prepared for winding roads.
By Public Transportation
From JR Awa-Ikeda Station or Oboke Station on the Dosan Line, travel by bus to Kubo. From there, transfer to a Miyoshi City bus bound for Mount Tsurugi and get off at the Kazurabashi bus stop.
Bus services in this remote region are limited and may operate only on certain days or during particular periods. According to the supplied transport information, the municipal bus service does not operate on weekdays except during August and October. Because schedules and seasonal arrangements can change, check the latest timetable before setting out.
Visiting the Iya Kazurabashi in Nishi-Iya
Travelers wishing to visit the better-known Iya Kazurabashi in Zentoku, Nishi-Iya, can reach it from JR Oboke Station by bus in approximately 30 to 60 minutes, or by car in around 20 minutes. From the Kazurabashi or Kazurabashi Yume Butai bus stops, the bridge is only a short walk away.
Shikoku Kotsu buses and municipal buses serve the area, but service frequency varies by day and season. Checking the current timetable in advance is especially important if you plan to visit both the Nishi-Iya and Oku-Iya bridges on the same trip.
Other Places to See Vine Bridges
Ikeda Town’s Vine Bridge in Fukui Prefecture
Vine bridges can also be found outside Tokushima. In Ikeda Town, Imadate District, Fukui Prefecture, a tourist vine bridge was constructed in 1989 as part of efforts to encourage visitors to the area. Craftspeople invited from Higashi-Iya helped build the structure.
The bridge measures approximately 44 meters long and 12 meters high and is made using shirakuchi-kazura vines. It is rebuilt every three years. The reported admission fee is ¥300 for adults, and the bridge is closed during winter.
Shikoku Mura in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture
Another place to experience a vine bridge is Shikoku Mura, an open-air cultural park in Yashima, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. The park brings together traditional buildings and cultural exhibits from across Shikoku, allowing visitors to explore the island’s heritage and cross a vine bridge in a more accessible setting.
The Cultural Significance of Iya’s Vine Bridges
The famous Iya Kazurabashi is recognized as one of Japan’s Three Unusual Bridges and is designated an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. Its origins are associated with several traditions, including a story that the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai, built a bridge to help local villagers, as well as the legend that the Heike fugitives constructed bridges to escape their pursuers.
In 1928, a suspension bridge using wire was introduced as part of efforts to restore the attraction and support regional development. The bridge subsequently became an increasingly popular destination. Its visibility rose further in 1970 when it appeared in the Japanese National Railways’ Discover Japan tourism campaign. The source information reports that it now attracts more than 350,000 visitors annually.
For safety, the famous Iya Kazurabashi is rebuilt every three years, using shirakuchi-kazura vines sourced mainly from Kochi Prefecture. This continued maintenance helps preserve a traditional structure while allowing modern visitors to experience its distinctive character.
The Folk Song “Iya no Konahiki-bushi”
The traditional folk song Iya no Konahiki-bushi, or the Iya Flour-Milling Song, is closely associated with the region’s vine bridges. Its lyrics and rhythm evoke the bridges’ structure and swaying movement, reflecting the everyday experiences of people who lived in these isolated mountains.
The vine bridges are therefore much more than scenic attractions. They represent the ingenuity, legends, and working traditions of the Iya Valley, connecting visitors with the region’s cultural heritage as well as its remarkable natural beauty.
Discover the Hidden Mountain World of Oku-Iya
Oku-Iya Double Kazurabashi offers a memorable combination of adventure, history, and spectacular scenery. The two bridges, their traditional vine construction, and the legends surrounding the Heike clan reveal how people adapted to life in one of Shikoku’s most rugged regions.
Whether you visit to feel the bridges sway beneath your feet, photograph the river and forest, or explore the cultural traditions of the Iya Valley, this secluded destination rewards travelers who take the time to venture beyond Japan’s better-known tourist routes. Plan your journey carefully around local transport schedules, then enjoy the rare experience of crossing historic vine bridges in the heart of the mountains.