Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges

The Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges span the Iya River in the remote Higashi-Iya area of Miyoshi, well upstream of the better-known Iya Kazurabashi. The site has two bridges woven from mountain vines: a longer one called the male bridge and a shorter one called the female bridge, which give the pair its name. Local tradition holds that Heike warriors built such bridges here centuries ago so they could be cut down quickly if pursuers approached. Beside the bridges is a yaen, a small open cart that visitors pull across the river by rope. The bridges are open from April to November and closed through the winter months, and admission is charged. The area is deep in the mountains and is most practically reached by car.