Ryujin Ohtsuribashi

Ryujin Suspension Bridge is a pedestrian-only suspension bridge spanning Ryujin Gorge in Okukuji Prefectural Natural Park in Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Located above Ryujin Dam, which was created by damming the Ryujin River, the bridge boasts one of the largest scales in Japan for a bridge dedicated to pedestrians, with a total length of 446 meters (distance between anchorages) and a main span of 375 meters. About 100 meters above the lake surface, it offers spectacular views of the magnificent mountain ranges of the Yatakami and Abukuma Mountains, as well as the ever-changing beauty of the valley through the seasons. Opened in 1994, the bridge underwent its first repainting in about 12 years in 2025 and was renewed in a vivid blue appearance.

The bridge’s design places emphasis on both safety and harmony with the surrounding scenery. It uses a truss-stiffened structure capable of withstanding strong winds, and the main towers are designed in the shape of a dragon, inspired by the name Ryujin Gorge. The cables use large-diameter cables about 19 centimeters across, with each cable made from 1,159 strands of 5-millimeter piano wire bundled together, said to withstand tension of about 1,000 tons per cable. In addition, the anchorages securing the cables use about 5,000 cubic meters of concrete, and the bridge is engineered to safely accommodate 3,500 people at one time.

At the midpoint of the bridge, three acrylic “observation windows” allow visitors to look straight down at the surface of Ryujin Dam below. On the bridge, visitors can also experience a 100-meter-high bridge bungee jump, a rare activity even by global standards, attracting more than 10,000 participants each year. Beyond the suspension bridge stands the “Forest Spirit Bell” (Ryujin Carillon), which rings out three pure tones symbolizing love, hope, and happiness. In particular, the “Bell of Love” is designed to be pressed by two people at the same time, making it a popular spot for couples, families, and friends.

Ryujin Gorge also hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year. In spring, the “Ryujin Gorge Koinobori Festival” fills the gorge with about 1,000 carp streamers; in summer, the “Wind Chime Festival” features about 1,000 wind bells producing refreshing sounds; and in autumn, the “Autumn Leaves Festival” draws visitors as the entire gorge is enveloped in brilliant foliage. With souvenir shops, restaurants, the scenic Kamega-fuchi area, and hiking trails for nature walks nearby, it is one of Ibaraki Prefecture’s premier tourist destinations, where nature, culture, and hands-on experiences come together.