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Walk Across An Emerald Lake! Shizuoka's Scenic Yume No Tsuribashi Bridge
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Kawanehon is located in central Shizuoka with great hot springs and nature spots. It is also a town well known for the Oigawa Steam Locomotive train. This time we visited the Yume no Tsuribashi Bridge, a famous suspension bridge.
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Lives in Kanagawa Prefecture. I am a writer who pursues good old Japanese spots and things, regardless of genre. I enjoy traveling with themes such as shrines and temples, hot springs, long-established bars, and vehicles such as trains. Other than traveling, my hobbies include drinking alcohol, watching sumo, art, and reading.
Nature-Filled Kawanehon in Central Shizuoka
Approximately four hours from Tokyo on the bullet train, Kawanehon is a town surrounded by mountains in central Shizuoka Prefecture, with the Oigawa River running through it.
This town is known for the Oigawa Railway where a famous steam locomotive operates. There are numerous hot springs and scenic spots around the area, which has seen a gradual growth of travelers.
Continue reading to learn more about Yume no Tsuribashi, a suspension bridge in Kawanehon.
Yume no Tsuribashi Bridge - Spanning Over an Emerald Lake
Yume no Tsuribashi Bridge (Dream Suspension Bridge) is in an area called Sumatakyo Hot Springs in Kawanehon. The bridge is 90 meters long and extends over the Oma Dam Lake.
From the right side of the bridge, visitors can take in the beautiful scenery of the emerald green lake surrounded by mountains. The view from the bridge of the lovely valley surrounded by nature is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Picture courtesy of Oigawa Railway
Due to a typhoon in 2018, the waters were clouded due to the sand and dirt. However, the water is starting to look clear again. On the other hand, due to a lack of steady rainfall, the water level of the lake has decreased. When the normal water levels, you would be able to see scenery like the picture above.
Picture courtesy of Oigawa Railway
The best season to visit is the summer, with its lush green, or in autumn to see the foliage. It can become crowded during those times and there may be some waiting time to cross the bridge.
Up to ten people can cross the bridge at one time. When there are other people on the bridge, you are not allowed to turn back and must continue crossing the bridge and go up the stairs with 300 steps to the hiking course, and return to the parking lot where the bus stop is.
On the hike, you can capture a magnificent view of the bridge and the valley. Make sure to try it if you have the energy.
How to Get to Yume no Tsuribashi Bridge
To get to the Yume no Tsuribashi Bridge, board a bus from Senzu Station and get off at the last stop, Sumatakyo Onsen. The bus stop is right outside of Senzu Station.
After riding for about 40 minutes, you will arrive at Sumatakyo Onsen. From the bus stop, you will have to walk about 30 minutes to get to the bridge.
Continue down the path from the bus stop, go past some souvenir shops, and continue down the road.
After going through a tunnel, you will find a sign (left-hand side of picture).
Once you find a set of stairs, continue down until you reach Yume no Tsuribashi Bridge. The picture above was taken on a rainy day, when there were few visitors. On sunny days, there will be many visitors, so you can simply follow the crowd to reach your destination.
In order to not disturb the natural landscape, there is no lighting along the course. Please note that you will not be able to pass once the sun sets. There are also steep hills and stairs, so it may be difficult for small children or the elderly. It is recommended to wear shoes that are easy to walk in and comfortable clothes.
Things to Do at Sumatakyo Hot Springs Village
Sumatakyo Hot Springs Village, where the bus stop is located, has a peaceful and truly relaxing atmosphere that stands out from other popular hot spring areas. There are a few inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Why not take a relaxing dip in the hot springs after enjoying a hike?
There are several hot springs at inns where you can soak in for the day with open-air baths (rotemburo) like Bijozukuri no Yu, managed by the town. The high-quality hot spring is sourced from the foot of Japan's Southen Alps and will warm you up slowly. It is also said to help rejuvenate the skin, so your skin may feel extra smooth after the bath.
You can also find many places serving Japanese meals made with local products such as konjac, freshwater fish, deer, and mountain and seasonal vegetables.
At the historical ryokan inn, Suikoen (Japanese), you can visit for a short bath or even for lunch. You can enjoy a Japanese set meal or a dam-shaped curry representing Oma Dam Lake, where Yume no Tsuribashi Bridge is located. The curry is made with boar meat. If you're unsure of where to eat lunch, consider stopping here.
Ride a Steam Locomotive and Go to Sumatakyo Hot Spring Village
In order to get to Senzu Station, you can also board the steam locomotive from Shin-Kanaya Station in Shizuoka. The steam locomotive train that goes to Senzu Station on the Oigawa Railway makes one round trip each day (*varies on the season). Advanced reservations are needed prior to boarding and can be made from the official site.
Riding the steam locomotive is worth making a reservation. On the day you ride, Shin-Kanaya Station will be filled with people boarding the steam locomotive. Getting to see a retro train will be sure to add excitement to your journey.
Picture courtesy of Oigawa Railway
From the train windows, you can see tea farms, Oigawa River, and mountains extending across the horizon. Shizuoka is an area famous for its tea production, so you will spot many farms. You will also see suspension bridges that cross over the Oigawa River. During the spring, you will see the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom.
It takes around an hour and twenty minutes to get from Shin-Kanaya Station to Senzu Station. It may sound like a long ride, but time will quickly fly as you enjoy the wonderful views and enjoy a bento lunch box on board.
Experience a Day of Shizuoka's Nature
Sumatakyo Hot Springs can be visited from both Tokyo and Osaka. It is filled with wonderful natural scenery, hot springs and is a must-visit spot for train lovers.
From Senzu Station, there is a trolley called the Minami Alps Aputo Line. Along the way, you can stop by the Okuoikojo Station and see the spectacular scenery.
For more information about the Okuoikojo Station and the trolley, please see the article below.
Hotels near Dream Suspension Bridge (Sumata Gorge)
Read also
Made in cooperation with Oigawa Railway
Lives in Kanagawa Prefecture. I am a writer who pursues good old Japanese spots and things, regardless of genre. I enjoy traveling with themes such as shrines and temples, hot springs, long-established bars, and vehicles such as trains. Other than traveling, my hobbies include drinking alcohol, watching sumo, art, and reading.
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