Tokushima | A Bridge That Makes Your Heart Race and Creates the Illusion of Love?

Japan's Three Great Strange Bridges: Iya Vine Bridge. The most famous battle in Japanese history, the Genpei War, is said to have led the defeated Taira clan to flee to the deep mountains of Iya in Shikoku to escape the pursuit of the Minamoto clan. Legend has it that one day, Kobo Daishi, who was spreading Buddhism in Shikoku, suggested they build a bridge using vines. In times of danger, they could cut the vines to protect the village. This is the origin of the Iya Kazura Bridge, though official records only trace its history back to 1646 in the Awa Province map, which documented seven vine bridges. Today, the most famous Iya Vine Bridge has become a popular tourist attraction. On the day of our visit, the crowd extended to the outer area near the bridge. Due to the slow pace of each group crossing, it felt like waiting in line for a roller coaster—both exciting and nerve-wracking. Suspended 14 meters above the Iya River, the bridge is reinforced with steel cables for safety, which are then covered with vines. The 45-meter-long pedestrian bridge offers a thrilling experience. With a width of only two meters and widely spaced wooden planks below, the fear can make your heart race. It is said that couples who walk across the vine bridge together may feel their hearts flutter, creating the illusion of love. As one of Japan's three great strange bridges, the steel cables are completely replaced every three years for safety, along with the vines. 📍Address: 〒778-0102 Tokushima Prefecture, Miyoshi City, Nishi-Iyayama Village, Zentoku 162-2 🚗 Access: Take the JR Dosan Line from Tokushima to Awa-Ikeda, walk to the bus stop, and transfer to a bus. Get off at the Iya Vine Bridge Yumebutai Station.