The Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge Forest Loop starts at the Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi parking area along Route 439, roughly an hour's drive from the main Iya Kazurabashi bridge; private car is recommended since public transit access is limited in this remote section of the valley. The loop covers about 2 km through forest surrounding the two vine bridges, known locally as the husband and wife bridges, with a gentle elevation gain of around 60 m. The path is unpaved forest trail with occasional wooden steps, shaded for most of its length by cedar and mixed hardwood forest, and presents no technical difficulty beyond the slick wooden slats of the vine bridges themselves. Landmarks along the loop include the larger Otto-bashi (husband) bridge, the smaller Tsuma-bashi (wife) bridge, and a hand-pulled cable car (yaen) that visitors can ride across a side stream for a small fee. The loop naturally returns to the parking area, making the full circuit the recommended route with no shorter turn-around needed. There is no potable water source on the trail; a small rest facility and vending machines are located at the parking area entrance.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Nishi-Iya, Miyoshi, Tokushima
- Best season
- April–June; October–November
What to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Water
- Bridge crossing fee
Location
Route 439, Nishi-Iyayama-mura, Miyoshi, Tokushima 778-0603
33.8963, 133.7592 View on map
Highlights
- Crossing both the Otto-bashi and Tsuma-bashi vine bridges
- Hand-pulled yaen cable car ride over a side stream
- Quiet forest loop away from the busier main Kazurabashi bridge
- Streamside viewpoints along the loop
Tips for visiting
- Wear hiking shoes with good grip for the wooden steps and bridge slats
- Visit April to June or October to November for the most comfortable forest walking conditions
- Bring small change for the yaen cable car and bridge crossing fees
- Allow extra driving time since Route 439 has narrow, winding sections
- Start early since the parking area can fill on weekends and holidays
When to visit
April to June and October to November offer the most comfortable temperatures and clearest forest scenery; weekday visits avoid the busiest crowds.
Accessibility
The forest loop is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly; the unpaved path, wooden steps, and open-slat vine bridges require steady footing.
Frequently asked questions
How is the double vine bridge different from the main Iya Kazurabashi bridge?
It consists of two smaller bridges in a quieter forest setting further up the valley, with an added hand-pulled cable car crossing.
Is public transport available to this trailhead?
Public transit access is limited, so a private car or taxi from Oboke or Iya Kazurabashi is recommended.
Is the yaen cable car included in the bridge fee?
No, the cable car crossing typically requires a separate small fee.
How long does the full loop take?
Most visitors complete the loop, including both bridge crossings, in about an hour to ninety minutes.