Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley — Attraction in Miyoshi

Visited Monday, May 13, 2024

What an exhilarating experience! Parking for the area was plentiful and easy to access; we used the unpaved lot on the right side of the road (across from the station), which cost 500 yen for use until close, about sunset. Other lots are paved and more expensive. The station offers food (including delicious udon), souvenirs, and clean toilets.

The walk to the bridge is short, and you have a great view of the river along the way. The price to cross the bridge was 550 yen for adults. Crossing the bridge is both exciting and nerve-racking; the slats are nearly a foot's length apart and other people are often moving along ahead of and behind you while you cross, creating a swaying motion for most of the crossing. We were able to stop and take a few pictures near the middle before continuing along with everyone else. At the end, Biwa waterfall is just a short distance walk, with food stalls along the way. We spent about 2 hours in the area.

The history of why the bridge (and two others like it nearby) exists is quite a mystery, with several theories explained on plaques throughout the area. No matter the why, the "how" is certainly something to preserve and admire!

I recommend to anyone up for a little adventure. We saw young children walking across while holding onto parents as well as elderly folks with walking sticks, so it seems appropriate for anyone able and willing to try. The views from the middle are...

The scenery here is amazing! I was spellbound by the blue-green color of the water below that I almost forgot that I was afraid of heights while I was crossing the bridge. According to the posters near this place, this is one of the three remaining vine bridges in Japan. However, there's steel support so the bridge is still sturdy. The bridge does move and creak as people cross it so it's reassuring that they keep a limited number of tourists in at a time. The planks between are quite far from each other so the bonus is you can see the waters below clearly. The not so good part is if you're already scared of heights, you hardly need any more reason to remind you that you're feet above ground on a slightly moving bridge made of vine. Haha still recommended for a unique experience on a one-of a kind piece...

Vine Bridge in Iya Valley: A Must-Experience Destination

The Vine Bridge in Iya Valley is a must-visit destination for those exploring Japan. For a small fee of 300 to 400 yen, you can park your car and then purchase a 500 yen ticket to cross the iconic bridge. Although it is woven from vines, rest assured that it is safe, as the inner core is reinforced with steel. The adventure doesn’t end at the bridge; as you continue your journey, you’ll discover a refreshing waterfall that provides a cool respite during the summer months. For an added bonus, you can descend to the river below, where you can play in the water and capture stunning photographs of the picturesque scenery. The combination of natural beauty and unique experience makes the Vine Bridge a standout attraction...