Iya Kazurabashi

Iya Kazurabashi (祖谷のかずら橋) is a unique suspension bridge located in the Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. The bridge is made of hardy mountain vines called “shirakuchi kazura” (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. heterophylla) and is rebuilt annually to ensure safety.

This vine bridge has a long history, with its origins dating back over 800 years. The bridge spans approximately 45 meters (148 feet) and is suspended about 14 meters (46 feet) above the Iya River.

Visitors to the Iya Kazurabashi can cross the bridge on foot, experiencing the thrill of walking across a swaying and bouncing traditional vine bridge. The gaps between the wooden planks on the bridge floor add to the excitement as visitors can see the river below through them.

Nearby, there is another historic vine bridge called “Onna-bashi” (女橋), or the “Women’s Bridge,” offering visitors an additional opportunity to experience this unique type of bridge.

Getting there

By Train and Bus

From JR Oboke Station:

• Take the Shikoku Kotsu Bus bound for Kazurabashi
• Get off at “Kazurabashi” bus stop
• Walk about 5 minutes to the bridge
• Travel time: 25-30 minutes
• Bus fare: 670 yen
• Buses run every 1-2 hours

From JR Awa Ikeda Station:

• Take the bus to Kazurabashi
• Travel time: about 60 minutes
• Bus fare: 1290 yen
• Buses run every 2-3 hours

By Car

• From Ikawa-Ikeda Interchange of Tokushima Expressway, it takes about 50 minutes via Oboke

Access from Major Cities

• From Osaka: Take the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama, then the Limited Express Minamikaze to Oboke Station
• From Hiroshima: Take the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama, then the Limited Express Minamikaze to Oboke Station

Details

Hours	April to June / 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (bridge entrance closes at 6:00 PM) July to August / 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM (bridge entrance closes at 6:30 PM) September to March / 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (bridge entrance closes at 5:00 PM)
Admission	Adults: 550 yen Elementary school students: 350 yen Children: Free
Phone	+81 883-76-0877
Address	162-2 Nishiiyayamamura Zentoku, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0102
Official Website	https://miyoshi-tourism.jp/spot/iyanokazurabashi/