Oku-Iya Double Kazura Suspension Bridges

The Oku-Iya Double Kazura Suspension Bridges are two suspension bridges made of Shirakuchi kazura vines spanning the upper reaches of the Iya River, which flows along the western foot of Mt. Tsurugi in Higashi-Iya Sugo, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture. Located approximately 20 km deeper into the mountains than the famous Iya Kazura Bridge downstream, it retains pristine gorge beauty unlike the developed tourism area of Iya. Called the "Double Kazura Bridge" or "Couple Bridge" because the approximately 44-meter-long "Male Bridge" and approximately 22-meter-long "Female Bridge" span side by side, it is an extremely rare structure nationwide.

The area is said to have been where members of the Heike clan, defeated in the Genpei War, hid. The bridges are believed to have been constructed using only vines so they could be quickly cut down and destroyed if pursuers approached. As you cross the bridge, the emerald-green stream below is visible through the gaps at your feet, and the swaying creates an exhilarating experience. The railings are also made of kazura vines, preserving the primitive construction method to the present day.

At the foot of the bridge, there is a manual ropeway called "Yaen" (wild monkey crossing), where visitors can experience crossing the river by riding in a basket and pulling themselves across using a rope. This too is said to be a remnant of the crossing method used by Heike fugitives and is popular with visitors. The area is part of Mt. Tsurugi Quasi-National Park and is covered with primeval forests of beech and konara oak, displaying different faces through the seasons—fresh green in spring, deep green in summer, and vibrant autumn colors.

The bridges are closed during winter (approximately December to March) due to snow and ice, but are open for free crossing from early morning to dusk in other seasons. Access is via steep mountain roads with limited public transportation, so visiting by personal or rental car is typical. En route, you'll encounter the scenery of Iya villages and Ochiai settlement, one of Japan's three great hidden regions, making it a fitting destination to experience the depths of the Shikoku Mountains. It is one of Shikoku's finest scenic spots that every lover of remote places should visit at least once.