Discover the Iya Valley Vine Bridge in Tokushima, Japan: A Journey Through History

|A date with history across the vines. Discover the Iya Valley Vine Bridge in Tokushima, Japan: A Journey Through History🌉 Hidden in the Iya Valley of Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, lies a remarkable bridge—the Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge. Spanning the Iya River, it's one of Japan's three most unusual bridges, exuding a unique charm that attracts countless visitors. 🌳Tracing its History The story of the Iya Vine Bridge dates back over 800 years to the Genpei War. In 1185, at the end of the Heian period, the Taira clan was defeated in the war against the Minamoto clan. To escape their pursuers, Taira samurai fled into the remote Iya Valley with the young emperor. To facilitate crossing the Iya River and quickly cut off their escape route if enemies approached, they used local materials—the vines of the hardy kiwi plant—to weave a bridge. This was the prototype of the Iya Vine Bridge. The original bridge was very simple, without railings, swaying precariously with every step. Over the centuries, this bridge has witnessed countless historical changes. While the smoke of war has long dissipated, it remains a vital link between the two banks of the river, carrying the living memories of the Iya residents. In the past, people in the mountains relied on this bridge for travel and transporting goods; it was a crucial connection between Iya and the outside world. Today, with the passage of time, a concrete bridge has been built nearby, but the Iya Vine Bridge remains a landmark of the Iya Valley, whispering tales of the past. To preserve this precious historical relic, the bridge undergoes a major renovation every three years. Craftsmen hand-weave new vines, meticulously replacing old materials, ensuring its continued existence. 🌈Unique Charm From a distance, the Iya Vine Bridge resembles an emerald ribbon, suspended gracefully over the Iya River, blending seamlessly with the surrounding green mountains and clear waters. The bridge is 45 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 14 meters above the water. Its structure, woven from 6 tons of vines, showcases a rustic, natural beauty with its dense, interwoven network. Stepping onto the vine bridge, each step causes a gentle sway, as if interacting with you. Through the gaps between the planks, you can see the clear stream below rushing by, splashing white water. The gurgling sound of the water fills the air, creating a thrilling yet exciting experience. The vine handrails on both sides of the bridge feel rough and resilient to the touch, as if conveying the strength of time. Near the bridge is the Biwa Waterfall, where water cascades from a height, creating a magnificent spectacle. Legend has it that the fallen Taira samurai once played the biwa (a Japanese lute) here to relieve their sorrow, hence the waterfall's name. Standing by the waterfall, one can sense the weight and passage of history. 🎈Experiences Nearby Strolling along the trails around the Iya Vine Bridge offers breathtaking views of the Iya Valley's natural beauty. The area boasts rolling hills, dense forests, and distinct scenery in each season. In spring, fresh green leaves sprout, filling the mountains with vitality; in autumn, maple leaves blaze, painting Iya in vibrant shades of red. There are also many unique shops and restaurants nearby, perfect for resting after a long walk. Try local specialties like "dekomawashi," a savory treat of satoimo potatoes, konjac, and tofu wrapped in miso paste and grilled until golden brown. 📍Travel Guide 🎫Tickets: Adults 550 yen, elementary school students 350 yen. 🕙Opening Hours: April-June 8:00–18:00; July, August 7:30–18:00; September-March 8:00–17:00. 🚗Transportation: From JR Oboke Station or JR Koboke Station, take the Shikoku Kotsu bus and get off at Kazurabashi bus stop. The bridge is a 5-minute walk from there.