Ryujin Gorge, Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Ryujin Suspension Bridge From the lake, the bridge cuts across the sky
On an autumn drive to Ryujin Gorge, look up at Ryujin Suspension Bridge from the reservoir side. The bridge spans the valley, while afternoon light scatters across the water. Try Hitachi Aki soba in Hitachiota, too, and make a day of the view and local food.
Here’s a mid-November afternoon, with autumn leaves wrapping the valley.
AutumnA mid-November afternoon
From the lake, the bridge cuts across the sky
On a November afternoon, I got out of the car at Ryujin Gorge and walked toward the reservoir. When I spotted the water through a gap in the leaves, I instinctively tipped my head back to look at the suspension bridge spanning the valley. Leaves rustled underfoot, and I tugged my hoodie sleeves down over my palms. I wanted to stay here a while, taking in the lake and bridge together.
The bridge stretches across the valley from its blue towers. You can actually walk all the way up there. It’s 375m long and stands 100m above the lake. I’d heard those figures before, but standing below and craning my neck made the height feel real.
When I lowered my gaze, afternoon light glittered across the water. Autumn leaves reached down the valley slopes to the water’s edge, and the wind slipped through them. My friend said, “Now I want to see the view from up there, too.” I nodded, but for now I wanted to stay right here and look up a little longer. I liked being able to see the whole bridge and valley at once.
The hem of my checked skirt fluttered in the breeze, and I tugged my sleeves down again. My friend and I wanted to fit the whole bridge into a photo. A branch in the foreground would help bring out the scale of the bridge in the distance. As we took in the lake and bridge, my urge to hurry on faded. I love having an afternoon like this break up a drive.
Once we get hungry, it'll be time for Hitachi Aki soba. Apparently, the restaurant at Suifu Bussan Center, right by the bridge, serves handmade soba. We talked about driving over there. After looking up at the valley, it’d be lovely to linger over soba and talk about today’s view. I still had a walk across the bridge to look forward to, so I took one last look up before we left. I know I’ll keep thinking about this afternoon, when I saw the lake and bridge together.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local food to try on the trip
Hitachi Aki soba
Handmade soba is on the menu at Mori no Kaze, the restaurant at Suifu Bussan Center. After taking in the autumn valley, I’d love to slow down and enjoy the aroma of the soba, too.
Highlights
Look up at the bridge from the valley floor
From the reservoir side, you can look up at the bridge as it stretches between its towers. I love taking in the water and autumn leaves together.
Autumn scenery and Hitachi Aki soba
After enjoying the autumn leaves, I’d love to try Hitachi Aki soba, too. Suifu Bussan Center’s restaurant also serves handmade soba.
Bridge and walking details
Ryujin Suspension Bridge (for pedestrians)
- Bridge length
- 375m
- Height above the reservoir
- 100m
Ryujin Dam reservoir and autumn leaves in Ryujin Gorge
The bridge is for pedestrians. On a driving trip, I’d like to make time for both: a look up at it from the reservoir side and a walk across it.
More Spot Guides
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.
