Into the mountains
An early start from Kōchi, past the kids cycling to school, north into the mountains. It’s about an hour and a half to the Iya Valley.
Biwa Falls
Next to the vine bridge is Biwa Falls, a tall, thin waterfall in the cliff.
Iya Kazurabashi
Then the main event: the Iya Kazurabashi, a bridge made of woven mountain vines, 45 metres across the river. Tickets were ¥1,100 for two, parking ¥300.
The planks are spaced wide apart, so you can see straight down to the river. You hold on to the vine railings and take it slow.
Made it.
The river
There’s a sign about the bridge’s history on the road above, and a path down to the riverbed.
The river runs over smooth white rocks, very clear.
A local snack for the drive back, and back to Kōchi.
Onward to Kōchi Castle!
Information About Iya Kazurabashi
A 45-metre bridge woven from mountain vines, hanging over the Iya River deep in the mountains of western Tokushima. It's rebuilt every three years. Entry is ¥550, and it's one way across.
PS: Wear proper shoes: the gaps between the slats are wide. Biwa Falls is a two-minute walk away.