Jōgakura Bridge A bridge stretching across the gorge

After driving up the mountain road, I spotted Jōgakura Bridge. The road ran across the gorge and all the way to the other side. I’d come to Hakkōda for the autumn leaves, but I’d been looking forward to crossing a bridge this long, too. The warm coat I picked out before setting off was just right for the mountain air.

With both hands on the wheel, I drove onto the bridge. The mountains came into view beyond the guardrails, and it felt like I was driving through autumn. I could take in the gorge properly once I was out of the car. For now, I followed the road across the bridge to the parking area.

I parked near the far end of the bridge and stepped onto the walkway. A forest spread out far below me. The view was on a whole different scale from the leaves I’d been looking at up close. The wind lifted my hair, and I pulled my coat closed with one hand. I didn’t realise just how deep the gorge was until I looked down.

Farther out, mountain ridges stretched beyond the trees. I wanted to get the bridge in my photo too, so I shifted my position a little. I was glad to get a shot that showed the bridge I’d just crossed. After checking the picture, I lowered my phone and took in the same view all over again.

By the time I got back to the car, my fingertips were a little cold. I’m tempted to head on to Kuroishi for a hot bowl of tsuyu yakisoba. Yakisoba with thick, flat noodles and broth poured over it—what’s that going to taste like? Even after taking in all those autumn leaves in the mountains, I’ve still got a meal to look forward to.