The Kazurabashi Bridge is built and located within the Iya Valley of Shikoku Island. There were once 13 of these vine bridges established as a way to cross the river of the valley, but unfortunately only 3 survives to this day. Although the creator and accurate year of the bridges creation remain unknown, many legends point to Kobo Daishi as the first to establish these massive structures. Another theory consists of the defeated samurai warriors of the Taira clan, creating these bridges as a way to cross the river during their hiding days towards the end of the Gempei War in the 12th century. Giant cedar trees provide as the base of this ancient suspension bridge constructed with vines stretching 45 meters across the Iya River. Visitors stroll along the bridge fortified with steel cables and enjoy the view of the area. The natural environment of the valley, along with one of the oldest bridges in Japan, contribute to the success of promoting this area in Tokushima Prefecture attracting over thousands of foreign visitors to visit each year.
