Okuiya Niju Kazurabashi Bridge, Miyoshi, Japan
A “kazura-bashi” bridge is a type of suspension bridge utilizing vines such as ivy. Oku Iya Niju-Kazura Bridge is a set of two suspension bridges located in Miyoshi, Tokushima Prefecture’s Higashiiya Sugeyoi. The ropes are made of braided vines that are then tied to a tree, holding the bridge suspended over the Iyagawa River, and just in front of the bridge there is a campground.
“Niju” in the bridge’s name has a double meaning, because it also refers to the fact that there are two bridges suspended here. For this reason, the bridges here are commonly called “Obashi-mebashi” or “Myotobashi” which essentially liken the bridges to a husband and wife couple. The two bridges are 42m and 20m respectively. Further down the river you will also find the “Yaen” ropeway, which is a hand-pulled ropeway that you can use to pull yourself across the river by rope.
The legends surrounding these bridges commonly say that they were constructed over 800 years ago by the then-ruling class, the Heike.
Epic Japan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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