Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Futami Suspension Bridge Manju and autumn leaves on a red bridge
On a mid-October morning, I drive to Futami Suspension Bridge in Jozankei. With onsen manju from the hot-spring district in hand, I take time for a walk, enjoy the autumn leaves beyond the red railings, and listen to the river.
On a sunny mid-October morning, I walked across Futami Suspension Bridge with an onsen manju in hand. Even after I finished it, I wanted to stay and listen to the leaves and river a little longer. That's my autumn stroll.
AutumnA sunny morning in mid-October
Manju and autumn leaves on a red bridge
My friend and I parked in Jozankei's hot-spring district and walked to Futami Suspension Bridge. Red railings ran along both sides, ending at a gate-shaped tower. Fallen leaves dotted the plank deck, and autumn was all around us before we'd even crossed the bridge. It was nice to build in a walk after driving into town.
I held the onsen manju I'd picked out at Daikokuya Shoten, still wrapped in paper, in both hands. I opened my black biker jacket and paused on the bridge for a moment. Just looking at the little manju made me happy before I'd even taken a bite. My friend opened her package too and laughed, “I'm glad we brought these along to enjoy with the autumn leaves.”
The wrapper was soft and thin, with a generous filling of brown-sugar bean paste. Daikokuya Shoten, founded in 1931, is a long-established onsen manju shop. There's something lovely about eating a sweet I picked up on a walk through town while looking at the autumn leaves. It felt like a little extra treat along the way, quite different from taking time out for a meal.
Futami Suspension Bridge is a small crossing, 23m long and 1.5m wide. The current bridge was built in 1955. Unlike a long bridge stretching into the distance, here the red railings and trees are right beside me. I kept looking toward the far end, then out at the branches beyond the railings. The walk with my friend was short, but there was plenty to take in.
When the wind moved through the trees, the rustle of leaves mingled with the sound of the river. Looking up, I saw bright leaves, with the forest continuing beyond them. You can tell from the sounds alone that you're in a riverside hot-spring town. Even after I finished my manju, I didn't set off again right away. My friend and I stayed there a little longer, just listening.
I tucked away the wrapper and walked across the bridge, the red tower drawing closer one step at a time. We were heading back into town, looking forward to the hot springs, but I could still hear the leaves and river from the bridge. I wanted to take that moment with me, along with the sweetness of the manju.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Daikokuya Shoten's onsen manju
These manju are handmade every morning at a shop founded in 1931. Enjoy their soft, thin wrapper and generous brown-sugar bean-paste filling.
Highlights
A red bridge close to the trees
This bridge is 23m long and 1.5m wide. Take in the autumn trees beyond its red railings.
Manju from the hot-spring town
Daikokuya Shoten's manju has a soft, thin wrapper and plenty of brown-sugar filling—just the thing to pick up for a stroll.
Road and location details
Futami Suspension Bridge
- Bridge length
- 23m long
- Bridge width
- 1.5m wide
A pedestrian suspension bridge across the Toyohira River. The current bridge was built in 1955.
Park in the hot-spring district and make the walk to the bridge part of your trip.
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