"Yume no Tsuribashi" in Shizuoka? A comprehensive guide from access methods to recommended routes

Basic Information about Yume no Tsuribashi

Access

From Tokyo

By Car: Take the Tokyo Interchange (I.C.) on the Shin-Tomei Expressway and head towards the Kanaya I.C. via Route 473 to the entrance of the hot spring town. The journey takes approximately 4 and a half hours.

By Train/Bus: From Tokyo, go to Shizuoka Station and transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line to reach "Kanaya Station." Get off at "Chitō Station" on the Oigawa Railway. Take a route bus bound for Sumata-kyo Onsen and alight at the nearest bus stop, "Sumata-kyo Onsen-machi." It's about a 30-minute walk from the bus stop.

From Nagoya

By Car: From Nagoya I.C., take the Shin-Tomei Expressway to the Kanaya I.C. via Route 473 to the entrance of the hot spring town. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

By Train/Bus: From Hamamatsu Station, take the JR Tokaido Main Line to "Kanaya Station," then transfer to the Oigawa Railway and get off at "Chitō Station." Take a route bus bound for Sumata-kyo Onsen and alight at the nearest bus stop, "Sumata-kyo Onsen-machi." It's about a 30-minute walk from the bus stop.

Parking

There is a large parking lot with approximately 800 spaces at the entrance of Sumata-kyo Onsen. Parking is free, and it takes about a 30-minute walk from the parking lot to the suspension bridge.

Operating Hours

Yume no Tsuribashi is open from dawn to dusk. As there are no installed lights to preserve the natural landscape, it is recommended to cross the bridge during daylight hours.

Peak Crowded Periods

Weekends and holidays tend to be crowded, so it is recommended to visit on weekdays or in the early morning. The autumn foliage season, in particular, is popular, and during peak times, there can be a wait of over an hour to cross the bridge. Plan your visit with extra time during the holiday season.

Recommended Seasons

The most popular seasons are from late October to early December, during the autumn foliage season. It is also recommended to visit during the fresh green season when the beautiful surface of the Ōma Dam Lake shines in emerald green. Note that the road surface may freeze in winter, so please exercise caution.

Highlights of Yume no Tsuribashi

A Suspension Bridge Over the Beautiful Dam Lake in Sumata-kyo

The main attraction is the enchanting sight of the suspension bridge spanning over the clear blue surface of the lake. The stunning color of the water is a result of the "Tyndall effect," a chemical phenomenon caused by the reflection of water particles, and it symbolizes the high transparency of the water. Depending on the weather and the angle of sunlight, it displays various shades of blue, such as emerald green and cobalt blue.

Popular as a Power Spot for Romantic Wishes

There is a lovely legend that making a wish for love in the middle of the bridge will make it come true. As a result, Yume no Tsuribashi is highly popular among women as a "power spot for fulfilling romantic wishes." The beautiful scenery is perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos! However, since the bridge is narrow and sways easily, caution should be exercised while crossing.

Hiking Course and Sumata-kyo Promenade around Yume no Tsuribashi

The path leading to Yume no Tsuribashi is a popular hiking trail where you can enjoy the changing seasons of nature. Known as the "Sumata-kyo Promenade," it is a approximately 90-minute route that starts from the entrance of Sumata-kyo Onsen, passes through Yume no Tsuribashi, and circles the opposite bank of the gorge. There are steep slopes and stairs along the way, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for the walk. The promenade also offers excellent photo spots where you can overlook the bridge. Enjoy the pleasant chirping of birds and the refreshing mountain breeze while taking a leisurely stroll in nature. The Oizaki Slope Observation Deck, where a forestry railway trolley train is exhibited, is also worth a visit.

Recommended Cafés & Lunch Spots near Yume no Tsuribashi

Seikou-Udoku

A café located in the heart of Sumata-kyo Onsen, offering carefully crafted senbei (rice crackers) and stylish café menus. They also have a selection of cute miscellaneous goods, making it a perfect spot for souvenir shopping. The Hammock Café, which is attached to it, is also extremely popular.

Kominka Tea Café Yamaguchiya

A café housed in a renovated traditional Japanese farmhouse that is over 150 years old. Their specialty menu item, "Kibizenzai," is a sweet red bean soup with a gentle sweetness. Don't miss the opportunity to try Kawane-cha, a famous tea from Shizuoka known for its refreshing aroma and clean aftertaste.

Kuretake Shokudō

A long-established soba (buckwheat noodles) restaurant where you can enjoy the local specialty dish, "Keiryū Soba," which features fresh ingredients from the mountains and rivers of Sumata-kyo, such as fried mountain fish, tempura river shrimp, and wild vegetables. It is a must-try delicious menu item.

Tourist Spots and Sample Itinerary near Yume no Tsuribashi

Is it possible for a day trip?

Yume no Tsuribashi is located about a 4-hour drive or by public transportation from Tokyo, making it easily accessible for a day trip. However, if you want to fully enjoy the surrounding attractions at a leisurely pace, it is recommended to plan a 2-day, 1-night trip.

Nearby Tourist Spots

Oigawa Railway's Steam Locomotive (SL) Train

Oigawa Railway is the only railway in Japan that operates steam locomotive trains for more than 300 days a year, with the largest total mileage and number of active trains in the country. Experience the changing seasons of nature along the railway from the window of the SL train.

Hiryu Bridge

An arch-shaped bridge spanning approximately 100 meters in the Sumata-kyo. It is a historic spot where the forest railway trolleys used to pass. The surrounding area is also famous as a beautiful autumn foliage spot in the fall. The view of the gorge from the bridge is breathtakingly beautiful.

Sumata-kyo Onsen, Municipal Open-Air Bath "Bijozukuri-no-Yu"

A public open-air bath boasting excellent hot springs that well up from the foothills of the Southern Alps. As the name "Bijozukuri-no-Yu" suggests, it is known for its beauty-enhancing effects, leaving your skin smooth and supple. After enjoying the magnificent view of Yume no Tsuribashi, relax in the open-air bath.

Nagashima Dam

A dam in the Oigawa River system, with a height of 109 meters and a width of 308 meters. It is a tourist spot where you can learn about dams through attractions such as the "Shibuki Bridge" where you can witness the powerful water discharge up close, the Mystery Tunnel, and the Nagashima Dam Interaction Center.

Shiogo no Tsuribashi

A suspension bridge spanning 220 meters over the Oigawa River. From this thrilling swaying bridge, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Oigawa River and watch the passing SL trains below. Check the train schedule and plan your visit accordingly. Please note that the bridge allows a maximum of 10 people at a time.

Kawanehoncho Tourism Association

For information about Kawanehoncho, where Yume no Tsuribashi is located, check with the Kawanehoncho Tourism Association located right in front of the Oigawa Railway's Sendan Station. They provide tourist information and share special campaign details as well.

Recommended Sample Itinerary

Tokyo Day Trip by Car

1. Departure from Tokyo
2. Arrival at Sumata-kyo and visit Yume no Tsuribashi (Suspension Bridge)
3. Relax and sweat it out at the Bijozukuri-no-Yu (Beauty-Enhancing) Hot Spring
4. Take a break at a café in the hot spring town
5. Depart from Sumata-kyo

Leisurely 2-Day Exploration

[Day 1]

1. Take a scenic journey on the Oigawa Railway's Steam Locomotive (SL) Train
2. Stay overnight at Sumata-kyo Onsen

[Day 2]

1. Depart early in the morning for Yume no Tsuribashi
2. Cross the Hiryu Bridge
3. Enjoy a lunch of Keiryu Soba at Kocchiku Shokudo
4. Visit the impressive Nagashima Dam
5. Test your courage at Shiogo no Tsuribashi (Suspension Bridge)

Recommended Hotels near Yume no Tsuribashi

Sumata-kyo Onsen Suikoen

A long-established hot spring resort with a beautiful blend of Japanese and Western elements, offering a relaxing space and high-quality hot springs. The pride of the resort is their cuisine, which emphasizes local ingredients and has gained popularity.

Address: 279 Chitō, Kawanehonchō, Haibara District, Shizuoka Prefecture

Tekari-san-so

A ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) nestled in the magnificent nature of Sunnoki Gorge. They boast a 100% natural hot spring that is also available for day trips. Enjoy a leisurely and luxurious time in the tranquil Japanese-style rooms and savor the cuisine filled with the atmosphere of the gorge.

Address: 318-2 Chitō, Kawanehonchō, Haibara District, Shizuoka Prefecture

Hiryu no Yado

A hot spring inn boasting natural hot springs that have been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Hot Springs." Located in the mountains of Sunnoki Gorge, this peaceful inn allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh both your mind and body.

Address: Sunnoki Gorge Onsen, Kawanehonchō, Haibara District, Shizuoka Prefecture

Let's Visit the Breathtaking Scenery of Yume no Tsuribashi, Crafted by Mother Nature!

Why not visit Yume no Tsuribashi, which has been selected as one of the "World's Footbridges to Cross Before You Die" by travel review websites? The magnificent scenery created by the grandeur of nature will leave an unforgettable impression. Be sure to consider it as your next travel destination.

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