Vine Bridge in Iya Valley

The Iya Kazurabashi Bridge stands deep within the secluded Iya Valley, a region long associated with the poignant legends of the Heike clan. Constructed from shirakuchi-kazura vines weighing approximately 6 tons, the bridge measures 45 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and rises about 14 meters above the river below.

Once serving as a vital crossing in this rugged mountain gorge, it was historically the only means of transportation through the area. Today, it remains a rare example of traditional engineering, preserving both function and folklore. To maintain its integrity, the bridge is reconstructed every three years, continuing a long-standing practice that connects past and present.