Tokushima｜A Dance of Puppets by the Hearth: Biwa Waterfall and the Heike Clan's Nostalgia

After the arduous journey to the Iya Vine Bridge, it would be a shame to leave after just seeing the bridge. Crossing the 45-meter-long vine bridge leads you to the Biwa Waterfall, a 50-meter-high cascade. Legend has it that during the Genpei War, the defeated Heike clan fled to the deep mountains and would gather here to play the biwa, soothing their homesickness for Kyoto. Next to the waterfall, there’s a shop selling grilled fish skewers and a unique snack called "dekomawashi" rotating puppet skewers. Made from taro, rock tofu, and konjac, these skewers resemble little puppets. Brushed with sweet miso and grilled by the hearth, they appear to dance as they cook. This simple snack is surprisingly delicious. Beyond the shop, a staircase leads down to the Iya River. Here, you can take photos with the vine bridge and the rocky river backdrop, while marveling at the grandeur of the water. The Iya River stretches for 20 kilometers, flanked by cliffs and steep walls that seem to have been split by nature itself. The river flows through Oboke and Koboke, and during autumn, the crimson foliage against the cliffs is breathtaking. If time permits, you can join a half-day rafting tour to admire the awe-inspiring landscapes carved by millions of years of erosion. Finally, don’t forget to visit the Yume Stage, a rest area resembling a highway service station. It showcases all of Tokushima’s local agricultural products in a space as large as a sports arena, offering an authentic taste of Tokushima. There’s even a small shrine here where you can pray for love and health. 📍Address: 〒778-0102 Tokushima Prefecture, Miyoshi City, Nishi-Iyayama Village, Zentoku 162-2 🚗 Access: Take the JR Dosan Line from Tokushima to Awa-Ikeda, walk to the bus stop, and take a bus to the Iya Vine Bridge Yume Stage stop.