Panoramic Views over the Iya River
The park’s most famous feature is Ryugu Bridge, a suspension bridge approximately 70 meters above the Iya River. Looking down from the bridge, visitors can admire the river’s striking emerald-green waters winding through a deep, forested valley. Crossing the bridge offers an exhilarating experience, combining dramatic heights with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
The landscape changes with the seasons. Spring brings fresh green leaves, summer blankets the mountains in deep foliage, and autumn transforms the valley into a vivid tapestry of red, orange, and gold. The autumn colors are particularly popular with visitors, making this an excellent destination for scenic photography and nature appreciation.
Explore the Forest beyond the Bridge
After crossing the suspension bridge, visitors can follow a path through woodland filled with beech, zelkova, and Japanese maple trees. Surrounded by forest, the trail offers a peaceful walk beneath the canopy, where sunlight filters through the branches and the sounds of nature create a relaxing atmosphere.
The park is attractive throughout the year. In spring, fresh foliage brings a sense of renewal to the mountains. Summer offers a cool, shaded retreat beneath the trees, while autumn is renowned for its brilliant foliage. Winter brings a quieter, more atmospheric landscape, allowing visitors to appreciate the stillness of the mountains.
Cottages and Barbecue Facilities
Ryugugake Park also provides facilities for visitors who want to spend more time in the natural surroundings. The park includes a management building, barbecue facilities, and cottages designed for overnight stays.
The cottages come in different designs and sizes to accommodate groups of varying sizes. Renting an entire cottage provides a private space to relax, making the park an appealing choice for families, friends, and travelers seeking a quiet getaway. The sound of the surrounding forest adds to the sense of escape from everyday life.
The Park Entrance and Ryugu Tunnel
The park can be accessed from near the Tsurugisan-side exit of Ryugu Tunnel. A maintained route leads toward the management building, making it the central point for visitors arriving at the park.
Before entering the park, visitors can stop at the Ryugugake Tourist Information Office to obtain maps and brochures. These resources can help with exploring the park and understanding the surrounding area.
Historic Iya Road and the Manpu Cliff
From the park, visitors can look down toward the historic Iya Road, which once served as a major route into the Oku-Iya area. Before Ryugu Tunnel opened in 2003, this road was an important connection to the more remote mountain settlements.
Some sections of the old road remain carved directly into the cliff face. These challenging passages are known as Manpu, a name associated with the considerable labor required to cut a route through the steep rock. The remains offer a glimpse into the difficulties of transportation in this rugged region before modern tunnels improved access.
Access
Ryugugake Park is approximately a 30-minute walk from JR Oboke Station on the Dosan Line. By car, the journey takes around 80 minutes from Ikawa-Ikeda Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway.
With its 70-meter-high suspension bridge, spectacular views of the emerald Iya River, peaceful woodland trails, and secluded cottages, Ryugugake Park is an appealing destination for travelers exploring the hidden landscapes of the Iya Valley. Whether you visit for the thrill of crossing the bridge, the beauty of the autumn foliage, or a relaxing stay surrounded by nature, the park offers a memorable mountain escape.