日本三大秘境のまち

The Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture’s Miyoshi City is home to the renowned Iya-no-Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, which is considered one of Japan’s most unique bridges. One way to gain more insight about the bridge and the local culture of Iya is by stopping by the neighboring visitor’s center.

The Kazurabashi Yume-butai

If driving in to visit the Iya-no-Kazurabashi Vine Bridge, there are a few parking lots all adjacent to each other, and within the largest one is the facility known as the “Kazurabashi Yume-butai” (“Kazurabashi Dream Stage”).

Within here is also the location for the “Kazurabashi Yume-butai Bus Stop” for those using public transportation, but don’t confuse this with the regular “Kazurabashi Bus Stop”, which is actually on the opposite side of the river a short distance away up along the main road (the local buses use either one or the other bus stop, but no bus goes to both stops).

Visitor info with some Iya Soba on the side

Just inside the vast main building of Kazurabashi Yume-butai is a visitor’s information desk with lots of free maps and brochures available, including many that are in English.

A bit beyond this is a dining area called “Kazurabashi-tei” that not many people realize is here which serves up Iya Soba (buckwheat noodles) and Udon (wheat noodles). 

Only a limited quantity of fresh, hand-made Iya Soba is prepared each day, and this little-known spot is actually quite popular with local taxi drivers who gleefully approve of the taste.

A mini museum

At the far end of the facility, where it is also possible to exit towards the Vine Bridge, is a small but neatly arranged museum of sorts.

Free to enter, on display are photos which document how the vines of the bridge are painstakingly replaced every three years, as well as a variety of local artifacts such as old farming tools and antique furniture.

“Kazura” hand crafts

The majority of the space within Kazurabashi Yume-butai is dedicated to souvenirs related to both Iya and the Vine Bridge.

In particular, it is worth checking out the traditional crafts that utilize the “kazura” vines, such as baskets and other woven items.

It is interesting to see the various works which show off the skills of the different local artisans.

Take home a memory of Miyoshi

There is also a wide variety of offerings available from throughout Miyoshi City, including local snacks, hand-made items, and various little gifts.

And of course, there is also a big selection of specially packed Iya Soba noodles that can be brought home so you can share the authentic taste of Iya with the ones you love.

The Iya-no-Kazurabashi

Open everyday of the year (weather permitting )

April – June  8am-6pm

July – Aug  7:30am-6:30pm

Sept – March  8am-5pm

In the evenings from 7pm – 9:30pm the Kazurabashi Bridge is illuminated with special spotlights. At this time it is free to view, but not possible to cross.

For complete access details in English, check the Kazurabashi’s listing on the IyaTime website:

https://www.iyatime.com/iya-no-kazurabashi

(Text & Photos by: Shaun Lamzy)