Kazurabashi: A Swaying Vine Bridge of Love over the Asuwa Gorge

Spanning the Asuwa gorge in Ikeda Town, Fukui Prefecture, Kazurabashi is a wooden suspension bridge about 44 meters long and about 12 meters above the water. With the thrill of swaying with every step and the stunning gorge spreading below, it is loved as a romance power spot, where vowing love at the center of the bridge is said to bring eternal happiness. Surrounded by rich nature, it offers both a flutter of nerves and a flutter of the heart at once, a lesser-known spot unique to Ikeda. It is said to have been modeled on the famous Kazurabashi of the Iya valley in Tokushima, and it rests quietly in a still mountain hamlet.

Highlights

• A wooden suspension bridge about 44 meters long and 12 meters high over the Asuwa gorge
• The lore that vowing love at the center brings eternal happiness
• A beautiful view of the clear stream and gorge spreading below
• A thrilling crossing that sways with every step

Enjoying the Seasons

With fresh spring greenery, the vivid gorge beauty of summer, and brilliant autumn foliage, the gorge changes its face each season, and the view from the bridge can be enjoyed for much of the year. The autumn-leaf season especially turns the gorge red and yellow into a photogenic scene. Note, however, that in winter (roughly early December to late March) the bridge is closed due to snow and cannot be crossed.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Doai Sarao, Ikeda Town, Imadate District, Fukui Prefecture
• By car: about 35 minutes from Sabae IC on the Hokuriku Expressway, or about 40 minutes from JR Sabae Station
• Parking available nearby
• Crossing fee: about 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for children
• Open period: roughly late March to early December, 9:00 to 17:00
• Closed in winter (early December to late March) due to snow

Practical Travel Notes

• The best seasons are the fresh greenery of around May and the autumn leaves of late October to mid-November, when the gorge takes on color and photographs beautifully.
• Crossing takes about 5 to 10 minutes round trip; with a gorge walk it fills about an hour.
• Because the bridge sways, walking shoes and a bag that leaves your hands free are recommended, and small children should hold hands while crossing.
• Public transport is infrequent, so a car is convenient. The bridge closes in winter, so check the operating period before you go.
• The area has rural Ikeda scenery and well-known soba restaurants, pleasant to pair with the hamlet air. Costs center on the crossing fee of a few hundred yen.

A Quick Tip

This suspension bridge is perfect to cross with a partner or someone dear. If you dislike swaying, proceeding slowly one step at a time is fine. Visit in walking shoes, and at the center of the bridge be sure to look down at the gorge beauty below your feet. Since it is closed in winter, do not forget to confirm the season before your visit.

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance from Ikeda town and its tourism association. The guidance about it being a suspension bridge over the Asuwa River gorge, and the tradition that it was built with reference to the Kazurabashi of Iya in Tokushima, are also useful references. Because the toll, operating period and hours, and the winter closure period may change, please confirm the latest details on the official Ikeda town information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About 5 to 10 minutes for a round trip across the bridge. You can enjoy it in about an hour including a stroll through the gorge.
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes and a bag that leaves both hands free are recommended, as the suspension bridge sways. In winter (typically early December to late March), it is closed due to snow, so check the operating period before you visit.
• Suggested route: After crossing the Kazurabashi and enjoying the gorge view, combine your trip with the nearby Ryusogataki falls, reachable by car, and the rural scenery and famous soba shops of Ikeda town to fully enjoy a day in the countryside.