Kazura Bridge Illumination: The Hidden Realm Suspension Bridge Glowing Fantastically in Autumn Iya

The "Kazura Bridge" in Iya, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture has wonderful gorge beauty by day, but the illumination held every evening from 19:00 to 21:30 is something special too (the bridge cannot be crossed while it is lit). A primitive suspension bridge woven from a plant called shirakuchi-kazura floats up out of the darkness and, together with the murmur of the Iya River flowing below your feet, creates a dreamlike night in the hidden realm. You can enjoy a mysterious and unforgettable night view unique to Iya, cradled by deep mountains.

What the Kazura Bridge Is

The Kazura Bridge is a primitive suspension bridge made by weaving the vines of a mountain plant called shirakuchi-kazura. Spanning the deep gorge of Iya, the bridge is known for its distinctive appearance and for the thrill of crossing it. As you cross, the Iya River flowing below is visible through the gaps beneath your feet, and the swaying of the bridge makes your legs freeze in spite of yourself. A legend also survives that defeated Heike warriors built the bridge from vines so that it could be cut down immediately if pursuers came. Designated an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and counted as one of Japan's Three Unusual Bridges, it is the landmark that symbolizes Iya. It is 45 m long, 2 m wide and 14 m above the water, and it is rebuilt every three years.

The Illumination on Autumn Nights

At the Kazura Bridge, a night-time illumination is held every day from 19:00 to 21:30, regardless of season. Within the gorge wrapped in darkness, the sight of the Kazura Bridge lit up and floating out of the night has a dreamlike beauty completely different from the daytime. The landscape woven by the illuminated bridge, the surrounding trees and the flowing Iya River feels as though you have stepped into a world from a story. Enveloped in the mysterious atmosphere unique to a night in a hidden realm, with the sound of the stream echoing in the silence, you can spend a moment that stays with you.

Enjoying the Hidden Realm of Iya Valley

Iya, where the Kazura Bridge stands, is known as one of Japan's foremost hidden realms, surrounded by deep mountains. Nearby, dynamic gorge scenery spreads out, including the Iya Valley with its continuous sheer cliffs and the "Peeing Boy" statue standing on a rock jutting out over the ravine. Hot springs in the hidden realm and historic sites connected with the defeated Heike are also scattered around, letting you fully savor the atmosphere of deep mountains and secluded valleys. Simple local flavors such as Iya soba are another pleasure. Enjoying a gorge walk during the day together with the illumination at night is recommended.

Accommodation in Iya Valley

As hidden realm accommodation facilities, ryokan and hotels including "Hotel Kazurabashi" and "Iyashi no Onsen-kyo" allow staying while enjoying gorge scenery. For savoring the nighttime Kazura Bridge, visiting with an overnight stay is recommended.

Best Season and Access

The Kazura Bridge illumination is held every day from 19:00 to 21:30, all year round. The bridge can be crossed from 8:00 to 17:00 from September to March, from 8:00 to 18:00 from April to June, and from 7:30 to 18:30 in July and August, with a toll of 550 yen for adults (junior high school age and above) and 350 yen for elementary school children. For access, take the Shikoku Kotsu bus bound for "Kazurabashi Yumebutai" or "Hotel Iya Onsen" from Oboke Station on the JR Dosan Line, get off at "Kazurabashi Yumebutai," and walk about 5 minutes. Because it lies at the end of a mountain road in a hidden realm, visiting by car is convenient. Combining it with the gorge scenery of Oboke and Koboke, and with Iya Onsen, is also recommended. Do come and experience the dreamlike autumn night view in the hidden realm of Iya, cradled by deep mountains.

Practical Information

• Peak and best season: the Kazura Bridge is open all year and can be visited through all four seasons. Miyoshi City's official tourism information notes that in autumn the whole mountainside of the nearby Iya Valley and Oboke-Koboke turns to autumn colors (the peak period varies from year to year).
• Event period / illumination: the illumination runs every day from 19:00 to 21:30. The bridge cannot be crossed while it is lit. The bridge can be crossed from 8:00 to 18:00 from April to June, from 7:30 to 18:30 in July and August, and from 8:00 to 17:00 from September to March (the bridge entrance closes at the times stated). It is open all year and operates in rain, but it may close temporarily if a heavy rain warning is issued or in similar circumstances.
• Fees: adults (junior high school age and above) 550 yen, elementary school children 350 yen, preschool children free. Groups of 20 or more pay 500 yen for adults and 320 yen for elementary school children. On showing a disability certificate or rehabilitation certificate, adults pay 270 yen and elementary school children 170 yen (one carer at the same rate). Cashless payment is accepted.
• Access: from Oboke Station on the JR Dosan Line, take the Shikoku Kotsu bus bound for "Kazurabashi Yumebutai" or "Hotel Iya Onsen," get off at "Kazurabashi Yumebutai," and walk about 5 minutes. By car, from Ikawa-Ikeda IC take National Route 32 (toward Kochi), then Prefectural Route 45, Prefectural Route 32 and a city road; the whole journey to Kazurabashi Yumebutai takes about 1 hour.
• Parking: Kazurabashi Yumebutai (municipal car park) has space for 350 cars and 14 large buses. Fees are 500 yen for standard cars, 210 yen for motorcycles, 1,050 yen for medium buses and 1,570 yen for large buses. It is about a 5-minute walk from the car park to the Kazura Bridge. Reservations are not accepted.
• Clothing and gear: this is a suspension bridge 45 m long, 2 m wide and 14 m above the water; the valley floor is visible through the gaps in the deck, and it sways as you cross. Please come in shoes that are easy to walk in. During the night-time illumination the footing is dark, so having a light with you gives peace of mind.

*A nationally designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. It is rebuilt every three years.* *You can check how crowded it is on Miyoshi City's tourism live camera (the Kazura Bridge waiting-time camera).* *If you use the telephone-number search on your car navigation system, enter "Kazurabashi Yumebutai (municipal car park) 0883-87-2200" rather than the Miyoshi City tourist information office (the information office is about an hour away by car).*

(Source: Miyoshi City Tourism Association "Oboke Iya Navi ," Iya no Kazurabashi page)