Aomori Prefecture
Tsurunomai Bridge At a winter lake, a bunch of grapes starts to look like a mountain
Tsurunomai Bridge stretches across the snowy lake, with Mount Iwaki beyond. As I watched the quiet morning scene, the bunch of grapes in my hand started to look a little like the mountain.
Read the story and highlights, then take in the view with me.
WinterDawn in January
Mount Iwaki and a little mountain in my hand
I came to Tsugaru Fujimi Lake to take in the view at dawn in January. Wearing a lavender down jacket and earmuffs, I looked out at Tsurunomai Bridge and Mount Iwaki. Seeing the wooden bridge stretch across the snowy lake made all my drowsiness vanish. I was glad I’d gotten up early.
I’d brought some Steuben grapes, a winter favorite in Tsuruta Town. Before eating any, I lifted the bunch and saw Mount Iwaki beyond it. The shape of the bunch of grapes and the outline of the mountain… Could they be a little alike? I raised my arm a bit higher.
I closed one eye and lined up the grapes with the mountain. A little to the right, then a little to the left. I was so focused on getting them lined up that even I couldn’t tell anymore whether I’d come to see the mountain or study the shape of a bunch of grapes.
They weren’t exactly the same shape, but when I looked at them that way, they did seem similar. “They really do look alike,” I whispered, and laughed. If I tried to explain, someone would probably just look puzzled, but I could already see a little mountain perched on top of the bunch.
I lowered my arm, and the lake, bridge, and Mount Iwaki filled my view again. I’d held the grapes up for only a moment, yet somehow the mountain felt closer now. I followed the bridge’s gentle curve with my eyes, wishing I could stay a little longer.
Before putting the bunch away, I compared it with the mountain one last time. I think I’ll remember this morning’s view when I eat the grapes later. I came to see Tsurunomai Bridge and found a little pleasure all to myself.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialties
Winter grapes: Steuben
Steuben grapes are a local favorite in Tsuruta Town and are enjoyed in winter, too. When I held a bunch in my hand, I found myself wanting to compare it with Mount Iwaki before eating any. I’d love to take my time over the grapes and think back to that view.
Highlights
The curves of a wooden triple-arch bridge
Tsurunomai Bridge is a 300 m wooden triple-arch bridge built with hiba cypress from Aomori Prefecture. Its gentle curves stretch across the lake, and I wanted to follow them with my eyes from one end to the other.
Tsugaru Fujimi Lake and Mount Iwaki
Tsurunomai Bridge crosses Tsugaru Fujimi Lake, where you can enjoy views of Mount Iwaki and the bridge. After lining up the bunch of grapes with the mountain, I took in the wide-open view once more.
Directions and the drive
To Tsurunomai Bridge
- By car from JR Mutsu-Tsuruta Station
- About 15 minutes
- Views along the way
- Tsugaru Fujimi Lake and Mount Iwaki
If you’re driving, set Tsurunomai Bridge as your destination and head for Tsugaru Fujimi Lake. I was looking forward to taking in the lake, bridge, and Mount Iwaki together.
Use the map below to open Tsurunomai Bridge’s location. As you plan your trip, take a look around the lake, too.
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.
