◆ Nationally Designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property ◆

In the remote Iya Valley lies the Kazurabashi Bridge, said to hold the sorrowful tale of the defeated Heike clan.
Woven from hardy shirokuchi kazura vines weighing about six tons, the bridge stretches 45 meters long, two meters wide, and hangs 14 meters above the river. Once the only way to cross these deep gorges, nowadays it is completely rebuilt every three years.

The Iya area, nestled in the steep mountains of Shikoku, is said to have been a hidden refuge for the Heike clan after their defeat at the Battle of Yashima. Because access to the area remained difficult until modern times, the lifestyle and customs of medieval Japan have been remarkably well preserved here.

Counted among Japan’s “Three Unusual Bridges,” Kazurabashi’s origins are surrounded by legend.
Some say it was built by the fleeing Heike warriors so that it could be easily cut down to prevent pursuit; others believe the great Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi built it to help local villagers cross the river safely.

Spanning the Iya River, the Kazurabashi Bridge has been designated a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property.　Made by weaving vines gathered from the mountains in the severe cold of winter, the bridge gives visitors a thrilling experience—between the swaying motion and the open gaps in the planks through which one can see the ravine far below.

The elegant form of the bridge, supported by ancient trees on both banks and reflecting in the clear stream of the Iya River, evokes the way of life of the ancestors who once lived here. It harmonizes beautifully with the natural surroundings and continues to captivate countless visitors with its unique charm.

◆ Kazurabashi Night Illumination ◆

The bridge is illuminated daily from 19:00 to 21:30 (Note: crossing the bridge is not permitted during this time). The illuminated bridge standing against the dark night is truly magical.

◆ The Heike Legend’s “Biwa Waterfall” ◆

Just about 50 meters to the left after crossing the bridge, you’ll find the Biwa Waterfall, featuring a 40-meter cascade.