Iya Valley Vine Bridge

Iya Valley, nestled deep in the mountains of western Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, is one of Japan's three hidden regions (Nihon Sankyokyo), remaining isolated until roads penetrated the area in the 1970s. The dramatic V-shaped gorge, carved by the Iya River through mountains reaching over 1,900 meters, created natural barriers that preserved ancient traditions and protected refugees throughout history. The valley's remoteness earned it folk tales of supernatural creatures and legendary Heike clan warriors hiding here after their 12th-century defeat.

The iconic kazurabashi (vine bridges) were originally constructed from hardy mountain vines to cross the river gorge for access to remote mountain areas. Legend claims the defeated Heike warriors built these bridges so they could quickly cut them down if enemies approached. While the actual history is less dramatic, these bridges served as vital transportation links in an area where conventional bridge construction was impossible. Today, three vine bridges remain: the famous Iya no Kazurabashi, Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi (two side-by-side bridges), and one smaller bridge.

The main Iya no Kazurabashi near Higashi-Iyayama village spans 45 meters across the river, suspended 14 meters above the emerald water. It's reconstructed every three years using traditional vine-weaving techniques, though modern steel cables hidden inside provide actual structural support for safety. Crossing the bridge, which sways and reveals gaps between floor planks to the rushing river below, remains thrilling despite safety measures. The bridge has been designated an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property.

Beyond the bridges, Iya Valley preserves traditional mountain village life. Steep terraced fields cling to impossible slopes where ancient thatched-roof farmhouses perch seemingly defying gravity. The isolation preserved customs, dialects, and lifestyle almost extinct elsewhere in modern Japan. Recent decades brought depopulation as young people left for cities, but renewed interest in traditional lifestyles and tourism has sparked preservation efforts and even attracted urban refugees seeking slower-paced mountain living.