Strolling across Iya-no-Kazurabashi, Tokushima's most famous centuries-old vine bridge.

At noon, after an exhilarating zipline experience at the Forest Adventure IYA VALLEY, we rested for a bit before continuing to the next destination: Iya-no-Kazurabashi, the most famous vine bridge in Tokushima’s Iya Valley. If you visit Iya, this is a must-see spot. It is one of Japan’s three great unusual bridges and a suspension bridge made of hundred-year-old vines and wood.

Near Iya-no-Kazurabashi, there are several parking lots. We parked in one with shade because the summer heat was intense, and we didn’t want the car to be too hot when we returned. After paying the parking fee, we headed downhill, following the signs for Iya-no-Kazurabashi, crossing the Iya Gorge Bridge to reach the other side.

On the Iya Gorge Bridge, there is a stone monument with an illustration showing Iya-no-Kazurabashi spanning the gorge. The craftsmanship on this monument is remarkable.

Continuing downhill, we arrived at the ticket booth for Iya-no-Kazurabashi. Tickets cost ¥550 for adults and ¥350 for children. The bridge has a specific rule that only allows one-way crossing in a single direction. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and they are not allowed to cross alone.

There is a sign here designating the bridge as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. In the past, this area had several similar vine bridges, but now only about three remain. Among them, this one is considered safer and regularly maintained.

Everyone cautiously made their way across the bridge, fearing they might miss stepping on the wooden planks and end up with one foot on the bridge and the other stuck in a gap. That would certainly be embarrassing!

Although the bridge is only about 45 meters long, the view of the clear stream and lush forest below is stunning. Walking on this bridge, woven from vines and wood, one can truly appreciate the ingenuity of the people from ancient times who used natural materials to create such a unique structure.