Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge

A suspension bridge with a spectacular view completely surrounded by a valley while feeling a refreshing breeze

The giant bridge with a walkway located at an altitude of 777m measures 390m in length, 173m in height and a width of just 1.5m is known as Japan’s No. 1 suspension bridge. Below your feet with a 360-degree panoramic view, the primeval forest of Narukogawa Gorge spreads out which has a view of the Shindo Falls (one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls) consisting of O-daki and Me-daki and the epic Kuju Mountain Range in the distance with Mt. Mitsumata and Mt. Waita so that you can enjoy a virtual walk through the heavens. You can enjoy the grand nature of Kokonoe right under your feet at a height high enough to make your legs shake as you take your 15-minute (round-trip) walk through the sky. While you can enjoy the landscape all throughout the four seasons, many tourists especially enjoy coming out during the fall when the entire area is ablaze in red, orange and gold. Taking into consideration an average adult’s weight of 65kg, the bridge has a capacity for about 1,800 people at any one time and can withstand winds up to 65m/s and earthquakes up to Shindo 7. It took 2.5 years to complete. The zones around the two access points to the bridge consist of the main Nakamura Area and the Kitakata Area with the former area having the Tenkukan, a JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) direct sales depot for products from Kokonoe Town’s Iida district which sells local agricultural products, specialties and manufactured goods. The Kokonoe Yume Burger which amply uses ingredients from the area is also popular and can only be eaten here. There are also restaurants in both Nakamura and Kitakata areas which serve udon and soba.

A prominent driveway of Japan and secluded onsen

Very close to Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge, there is Kyusukei Onsen where you can enjoy a day-trip hot spring as you view the gorgeous natural view. Also, from Oita Prefecture’s Yufuin Interchange and passing by Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge up to the Kumamoto Interchange, there is the Yamanami Highway which is a prominent and popular driving route in Japan with a wonderful view of the Kuju Mountain Range which will take you down past the outer rim of Mt. Aso.