Yume no Tsuribashi Hands on the cables, one autumn step above the lake

I parked in Sumatakyo Onsen town and set out on foot for Yume no Tsuribashi. I enjoyed the walk among the mountain trees, but as soon as the bridge came into view, I found myself slowing down. A narrow path stretched out over the lake.

I set one foot on the narrow plank in the middle of the bridge and placed my hands on the cables at either side of the bridge. First I checked the plank ahead, then took one slow step. The bridge swayed slightly beneath me, and I tightened my grip. I was only walking, but this path felt nothing like the ones I usually took.

Once I'd checked my footing, I looked toward the lake. The water spread out beneath the bridge, framed by trees. I'd been looking forward to this view, but with it right in front of me, my heart started pounding. I kept both hands on the cables and let my eyes travel over the lake.

With one more step, the mountainside in its autumn colors looked a little different. I glanced toward the other end of the bridge, then took another step. I was just as keen to take in the view as I was to keep moving slowly. Rather than rush across, I let the scenery unfold little by little.

A little farther along, I realized my shoulders had relaxed. My hands were still gripping the cables, but my eyes kept moving between the lake and the mountain. Every time the bridge swayed, my heart gave a little jump, but I couldn't take my eyes off the view.

Once I was across, I turned around. The narrow planks I'd walked over stretched across the lake behind me. I had to laugh when I realized I'd crossed on my own two feet. I'll show my friend the lake photos and tell her how tightly I held the cables. I want to remember every bit of that heart-pounding autumn trip.