The bridge is the longest pedestrian-only suspension bridge on Honshu island.
The deck features glass-inlay panels that allow visitors to look directly down at the gorge floor.
The structure is painted in a distinctive blue color intended to contrast with the surrounding mountain landscape.
Ryujin Dam, over which the bridge hangs, was completed in 1985 to provide flood control and water supply.
The bridge serves as a major site for the annual Ryujin Gorge Koinobori Festival, where over 1,000 carp-shaped streamers are suspended from the bridge cables.
The bungee jumping platform is permanently integrated into the bridge structure, allowing for vertical drops toward the reservoir surface.
Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge spanning the Ryujin Gorge in Okukuji Prefectural Natural Park, Ibaraki Prefecture. Opened in 1994, the bridge measures 375 meters in length and sits 100 meters above the surface of the Ryujin Dam lake. It is designed to accommodate up to 3,500 people simultaneously. The bridge provides a vantage point for viewing seasonal foliage, including cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn. The site serves as a launch point for commercial bungee jumping, one of the highest bridge jumps in Japan. The surrounding area features hiking trails along the gorge and a facility offering local Soba noodle preparation workshops.
The mid-span section, where you can frame the bridge's curve against the dam reservoir and the surrounding gorge walls.
Bring a windbreaker or additional layer, as the elevation and exposure to wind make the bridge significantly cooler than the surrounding area.
Check the wind conditions before visiting, as the bridge may temporarily close to pedestrians during periods of high-velocity winds.
Walk all the way to the far side of the bridge to access the designated trailhead that loops back into the gorge forest.
Avoid visiting during heavy rain or typhoon alerts, as the structure is exposed and the viewpoint visibility is significantly reduced.
Do not lean over the handrails or drop items into the gorge; refrain from running or jumping on the bridge deck.
