Nishi-Awa Contents

Take a 30 minute ride along the pure green waters of the Yoshino River, enjoying nature's handiwork on both sides. Scenic views of the gorge's crystalline schist resemble marble sculptures, and the fresh green of the surrounding forests in summer, the fiery foliage in autumn, or winter's shimmering frosts, make for a spectacular sight in any season.

About 800 years ago, these vine bridges were built by the Heike clan as a means to access their riding grounds at Mt. Tsurugi, where they trained. The bridges also connect to the Oku Iya campgrounds. These two bridges have been named "male" and "female" respectively, hence are sometimes referred to as the "wedded bridges."

The nature here is deep and immersive, and offers a different experience from the main Vine Bridge, so both spots are well worth the visit.

The Kazurabashi Vine Bridge stretches over a canyon in a secluded mountain village in Iya Valley. The bridge itself is tied to the legend of the Heike clan, once the most powerful ruling clan, who fled into these mountains from their enemies. This bridge was once the only way to cross over the deep canyons in this area, and was built with vines that are easy to cut in case of enemy pursuit. Nowadays, the bridge remains an important National and Prefectural significant folk cultural asset, and visitors come from all around Japan to test their courage and cross. The vines are safe and sturdy, and replaced once every three years.

The Kazurabashi bridge is made of kiwi vines (Actinidia arguta) and is 45 meters long, 2 meters wide. It weighs approx. 6 tons and is suspended 14 meters above the river.

* Light-up
Every night from 19:00 till 21:30, the bridge is lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

* Biwa-no-Taki (Biwa Waterfall)
This nearby waterfall was a place of refuge for the ancient people, who would come here to comfort each other by playing their Biwa Flutes, and remembering the home in Kyoto they were driven from. The water falls from 50 meters and is a majestic sight.

Located in the scenic area of Oboke, this facility combines a tourist information center, the Yokai House, and the Stone Museum.
The Stone Museum showcases rare stones from around the world. In addition to the museum, the facility also includes a tourist information corner, café, and souvenir shop.
In 2010, because the surrounding area is known as the birthplace of Konaki-jiji, a character from the famous yokai manga GeGeGe no Kitaro, a special “Yokai House” was added to the Stone Museum. Here, local folklore is introduced, and many handmade yokai dolls created by local residents are on display. Some exhibits also include explanations in English.

The udatsu of Sadamitsu are based on Kyoto’s merchant street culture from the early Meiji period. These walls are called niso udatsu, and bear beautiful and artistic patterns on the front of each house.

These ancient streets are lined with traditional-style homes featuring white udatsu barriers, specially designed to prevent the spread of fire between buildings. Such luxurious homes were a testament to the wealth and prosperity merchants enjoyed in Wakimachi during the indigo boom, and today, the buildings are protected and preserved to give visitors the feeling of strolling back in time.

Also lit up at night, the street offers a mysterious and beautiful atmosphere.

This area features a variety of beautiful Buddhist temples and also a theatre where Noh and Kabuki festivals are held each year.

This museum is housed in the former residence of the descendants of Horikawa Naiki, the court physician of Emperor Antoku. After the fall of the Heike clan, Horikawa Naiki and his family sought refuge in the Iya Valley, where they served both as physicians and Shinto priests, making use of the area’s abundant medicinal herbs.

In the garden stands an ancient tree estimated to be 800 years old. Inside the preserved Edo-period residence, visitors can view a collection of artifacts, including armor, banners, historical documents, and everyday tools once used by the Heike descendants.

This massive tree is one of the largest in western Japan, and is over 1000 years old. It has been designated as a national natural memorial site, and has become a symbol of the town where it resides, Higashimiyoshi.