The liana bridge in Ikeda 池田町のかずら橋

Published on : 12/12/2018
by : C.L

Kazura bashi

Located in Fukui Prefecture, a stone's throw from the town of Ikeda, this hanging vine bridge, or kazura bashi, crosses the river for 12 meters. A good way to observe the surrounding nature while taking a small dose of thrills.

Will cross, will not cross? This is the big question that arises when approaching the vine bridge, called kazura bashi in Japan, in the city of Ikeda . Because let's be honest, the bridge may be magnificent and overlook the river, but it still remains a little apprehensive. Very present in adventure films, vine bridges have this extraordinary side, especially since they are rather rare in Japan.

RARE BRIDGES IN JAPAN

If the wild valley of Iya , on the island of Shikoku, hides three of them within it, such as the well-known Iya no kazura bashi with its extraordinary proportions: 45 meters long and 14 meters high , the rest of the archipelago is not well endowed.

It is therefore a pleasure to be able to discover this creeper bridge, 12 meters long , which overlooks the Asuwa River, whose water comes from Mount Kanmuri, known as one of the 100 natural places to be preserved in the 21st century , in particular for the purity of its water as well as its fauna and flora.

Other bridges to see in Japan:

A CROSSING OF 12 METERS

Let the less adventurous rest assured, the creeper bridge is lined with cables , making the crossing more secure but very well hidden under the creepers, to have this impression of being a modern-day Indiana Jones, facing the creaking wood and the bridge which shakes little by little, as other visitors begin to step over it.

But we must recognize that the crossing is worth it, even if, let's face it, it is much more pleasant when we are alone or less than 5 on the bridge, giving it more stability. Once in the middle of the course, with the river flowing below and the vines, we have the impression of being immersed in nature . As in a moment out of time, almost meditative.

BUCOLIC SURROUNDINGS

The surroundings of the vine bridge are also very rich, since there are small walking paths in the middle of nature , where walkers can observe the flowering of cherry trees in early spring, or the blossoming of rhododendron flowers in mid-May. The city of Ikeda and its surroundings are also very pleasant in summer because they are rather spared from the great heat.

So, ready to attempt the crossing?