Aya, Miyazaki
A drive to Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge To the Aya River Gorge in June: leave the car and walk the 250 m bridge
What I liked was making my own way across the bridge while looking at the distant tower. I could do more than look over the forest in the valley: as I walked, I felt I was stepping into its vastness.
This is the story of the day I crossed the bridge, looking ahead. Enjoy the forest stretching out on both sides and the time spent drawing closer to the far bank.
SummerA June morning amid deep green foliage
One step at a time, looking towards the far bank
One June morning, my driving friend and I stopped at Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge. Our drive along the mountain road was over, and from here it was time to explore on foot. I rolled up the sleeves of my teal shirt and looked towards the tower on the far bank.
As I stepped onto the bridge, forest spread out on both sides. In beige shorts and walking shoes, I moved forwards one step at a time. The distant tower was still a long way ahead, and I enjoyed knowing that every step would bring me closer.
Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge is 250 m long. The trees stretching out to the sides caught my attention too, but at first I walked while looking towards the far bank. Following this path that cars can’t take lets you meet the forest at a different pace from a drive.
When we reached the other side, my friend and I looked back at the path we’d just crossed. “We’ve walked all the way over here,” I said. It made me happy to be standing in the place that had seemed so far away a moment ago. Next time, I’d like to take a leisurely walk along the nature trail on this bank too.
I wanted to try some gelato at Tezukuri Honmono Center once we got back to town, too. A treat made with Aya’s vegetables and fruit sounded just right for a break after a walk in the forest. I headed back to the car, chatting with my friend about what I might choose.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Gelato made with Aya’s vegetables and fruit
Inside Tezukuri Honmono Center, you can try gelato made with vegetables and fruit from Aya. Choosing a treat back in town after walking across the bridge is something else to look forward to.
Highlights
Cross the gorge at walking pace
Make your own way along the 250 m bridge. Watching the distant tower, I wanted to enjoy even the time it took to draw closer to the far bank.
Look out over Aya’s evergreen broadleaf forest
Evergreen broadleaf forest spreads out on both sides of the bridge. Aya was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2012. Next time, I’d like to enjoy a walk beside the forest.
Driving and walking details
Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge
- Suspension bridge length
- 250m
- Suspension bridge height
- 142m
A pedestrian suspension bridge over the Aya River Gorge. Once you leave the car, you can enjoy a detour on foot with views of the forest.
250 m and 142 m are the length and height of the bridge. The nature trail of about 2 km on the far bank is another option for your next walk.
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If you enjoyed this story, you might like these places too. I've gone back to each of them in different seasons, again and again.
