Yoshino River Rafting & Iya Kazurabashi Bridge Crossing In Tokushima, Japan

A valley surrounded by lush greenery and rocky walls that resemble marble statues

Yoshino river is one of Shikoku’s longest rivers. It starts from Kamegamori and crosses Kochi, Ehime and Tokushima prefectures. The 8-kilometer long valley containing Oboke and Koboke gorges was created by the river’s swirling rapids in a natural process that took over 200 million years! As mentioned earlier, the valley is known for river rafting and the vine bridges.

Part of Miyoshi city of Tokushima prefecture, the valley can be accessed by car from Ikawa-Ikeda IC in a few minutes. It is also is conveniently accessible with buses or train via JR Oboke station.

The names “Oboke” and “Koboke” are said to come from an old word for cliffs. Word has it that “Oboke” means “Dangerous if you walk with big steps”, while “Koboke” means “Dangerous even if you walk with short steps”!

You will understand the origin of these names if you try to walk it yourself. The jagged and steep white rocky walls are fiercely blown by strong winds, but together with the shining river-bed surrounded by lush greenery, the entire landscape is one of Tokushima prefecture’s best known touristic spots.

Thrilling ride over Yoshino river rapids on a rubber raft!

The appeal of rafting lies in the sense of adventure that it invokes, even for beginners! There are several companies offering outdoor activities along Yoshino river, so you will be taught how to enjoy rafting in a safe way. You can rent life vests and helmets there, so all you need is a swimsuit.

The rafting starts on a fairly calm part of the river where you can enjoy the feeling of drifting. You can also admire the mountains in the distance and enjoy the swaying river before the stream starts to pick up speed.

Over the swirling rapids, the speed increases and you will feel water splashes from all sides. That’s the best part of rafting! It is really exciting and adventurous, as the raft almost collides with big rocks and shakes up and down over the rapid stream.

Of course, the instructor will be on the raft too, in order to safely handle the helm. Yet, at some points, the raft may shake vigorously and even capsize. You will be taught what to do in such cases so stay calm and follow the instructions.

Those who want something even more exciting can ask the instructor to lead the raft to a safe place where you can jump into the river. You can truly indulge in one of Japan’s best places for rafting!

Dive into the river from a 10-meter tall rock!

Rafting isn’t only about riding the boat. From time to time, you can climb the rock cliffs, take a break or play in the water. Surrounded by the splendid nature, you will soon feel like an innocent child in the water!

The instructors know all the best ways to enjoy Yoshino river and will teach you the real thrills. The most popular one is diving into the river from a 10-meter tall cliff and off you go at… “3, 2, 1, GO!”. That’s a type of thrill, which tests your courage and leave you with an unforgettable experience. With the life vest, it’s safe even for people that can’t swim. Be brave and go for the challenge!

Cross the scary Kazurabashi bridge, one of Japan's most secluded spots!

In the same area of Oboke and Koboke gorges is a smaller branch of Yoshino river called the Iya river. It is best known as the place where the important tangible folk-cultural property “Iya Kazurabashi” bridge is located. Rafting is definitely exciting, but crossing Kazurabashi the bridge can be nerve-wrecking!

Spanning 14 meters above the river, Kazurabashi is a vine bridge with some spaces between the slats. You can literally see the entire river under your feet! The bridge creaks and shakes with every step that you take, resulting in an exciting experience!

At present, the region has been developed so that buses and cars can reach this place, but in the past one had to pass over the rock cliffs to arrive, which gave this place the fame of a secluded spot. Be sure to try crossing the Kazurabashi bridge after rafting.

Kazurabashi Bridge: Address: Tokushima prefecture, Miyoshi city, Nishiiyayama village, Zentoku 162-2 (15 minutes by car from Oboke station) Open: Sunrise to sunset Closed: No closing days Admission fee: Adult 500 JPY, children 400 JPY. Note: Adult 550 JPY and children 350 JPY from October 1, 2014 Phone: 0120-404-344 Note: The bridge is illuminated every evening from 19:00 till 21:00.

Take a rest with Tokushima sudachi cider

“Kamiyama Sudachi Cider” is a mildly sweet, fresh and fragrant drink. Tokushima prefecture is known for sudachi (a type of Japanese citrus) and Kamiyama has been historically the most famous place to grow sudachi trees in Japan.

Drinking this cider made with fresh and fragrant sudachi from the region, you will relax and reminisce about your experiences at Yoshino river and the splendid gorges. The cider is one of Tokushima’s best products, and you are recommended to buy a few as souvenirs.

Note: You can buy it at the nearby “Michi no Eki Oboke” (road station rest stop). One bottle contains 250 ml.