Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi
Iconic suspension bridge offering breathtaking views of the Kinugawa River gorge, especially stunning during autumn foliage season.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak autumn foliage colors
Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi
Best Time
Peak autumn foliage colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic suspension bridge offering breathtaking views of the Kinugawa River gorge, especially stunning during autumn foliage season.
"Amazing view of the Kinugawa river from this impressive suspension bridge!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs! Good footwear is a must for exploring the bridge and viewpoints.
📸 Capture the Fall Colors
Autumn is stunning here. Visit mid-to-late October for the best foliage views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi Suspension Bridge
Across the gorge
Walk across this iconic suspension bridge for breathtaking views of the Kinugawa River and surrounding lush woodlands.
Panoramic Observation Point
After crossing the bridge, to the right
Climb a challenging set of stairs for a stunning panoramic vista of the river, town, and the bridge itself.
Furukama Falls
After crossing the bridge, to the left
A short walk leads to the beautiful Furukama Falls, offering a serene natural escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs! Good footwear is a must for exploring the bridge and viewpoints.
📸 Capture the Fall Colors
Autumn is stunning here. Visit mid-to-late October for the best foliage views. +1
⬆️ Conquer the Stairs
The panoramic view requires climbing many stairs, but it's worth the effort!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to climb to the higher viewpoints.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs! Good footwear is a must for exploring the bridge and viewpoints.
📸 Capture the Fall Colors
Autumn is stunning here. Visit mid-to-late October for the best foliage views. +1
⬆️ Conquer the Stairs
The panoramic view requires climbing many stairs, but it's worth the effort!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to climb to the higher viewpoints.
🚗 Parking Available
There's a free parking lot nearby, making it convenient for drivers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi for its stunning views of the Kinugawa River and the surrounding natural beauty, especially during autumn. The suspension bridge offers a unique perspective, and the nearby observation point provides a rewarding panoramic vista after a climb. While generally accessible, be prepared for numerous stairs.
"A very nice bridge with amazing view of the Kinugawa river. You can continue for another 10-20m walk for a higher elevation observation point. Beware - many many stairs involved. There is plenty of parking nearby as well as some souvenir shops, public toilets and vending machines.."
Matan Katz
"1 0 minute easy walk from the Kinugawa train station where you will find the hunging bridge. Continue upstairs another 10 minutes to the right for the panoramic view of the river, the city, and the bridge. This panoramic view comes with a challenging set of stairs, so be ready to conquer. At the top of the stairs, there is a bell that you can ring for good vibes or to scare the spirits away (my guessing). If, instead of waking to the panoramic view, you make a left ot top of the stairs, you will find the river intersection and a small waterfall ( not impress). Overall the walk downhill to the river is flat and semi shady but it is uphill in the way back to the bridge. Bring water, hat, good shoes and a couple of coins to leave to the deities up the hill. Enjoy!!"
Gloria Camacho (Goya)
"After parking in the free parking lot, we crossed this impressive suspension bridge which offers beautiful views of the river/canyon. Once you reach the other side, you can follow the path to the left, and after a short hike climb up a long set of stairs and look out over the town, or follow the path to the right, and take a short walk down to the beautiful Furukama Falls."
Rory Rosszell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station, then transfer to the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station. From Nikko Station, you can purchase a Nikko Pass for local transport, or take a bus towards Kinugawa Onsen. The bridge is a short walk from Kinugawa Onsen station.
Yes, it's about a 10-minute easy walk from Kinugawa Onsen station, making it accessible via train and then a short stroll.
Yes, there is parking available nearby, which is convenient if you're traveling by car.
For a day trip from Tokyo, consider booking a bus tour that covers highlights like Shinkyō Bridge, Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Chuzenji Lake to maximize your time.
Nikko is approximately a two-hour journey from Tokyo by train, depending on the route and transfers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The bridge itself is generally free to access. However, some surrounding attractions or observation points might have separate fees.
The bridge is an outdoor attraction and typically accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local listings for any specific seasonal hours.
For the bridge itself, advance booking is usually not required as it's a public access point. However, if you're using public transport passes or booking tours, advance booking is recommended.
Yes, the Tokyo Wide Pass can be used for travel to Nikko, and purchasing a Nikko Pass is recommended for convenient travel within the Nikko area.
Using local buses and purchasing a Nikko Pass is a popular and efficient way to navigate between attractions like the bridge, shrines, and waterfalls.
📸 📸 Photography
The suspension bridge itself offers great photo opportunities. For a wider perspective, climb to the panoramic observation point after crossing the bridge.
Early mornings or late afternoons provide softer light and fewer people, leading to better photos. Autumn offers vibrant foliage as a stunning backdrop. +1
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks and around historical sites in Japan. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the bridge and the expansive river views. A telephoto lens can be good for details of the surrounding nature.
Visitors often highlight the view from the higher observation point after crossing the bridge, as well as the approach to the bridge itself.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Allow at least 1-2 hours to walk across the bridge, climb to the observation point, and perhaps visit Furukama Falls.
The walk from Kinugawa Onsen station is easy and short. However, the bridge area itself involves many stairs, especially to the panoramic viewpoint.
There are souvenir shops, public toilets, and vending machines available near the bridge and the station.
While there might not be specific tours for just the bridge, many general Nikko tours include this area as part of a larger itinerary.
Bring water, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps some coins to leave at the shrines or for good luck.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Nikko's World Heritage
When planning your visit, consider that Nikko is a sprawling area. Social media creators often suggest booking a bus tour to efficiently cover multiple highlights in a single day, especially if time is limited. This approach ensures you don't miss key spots like the Shinkyō Bridge (often referred to as Ching Kyo Bridge in some content), the aforementioned Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi, and the breathtaking Kegon Waterfalls.
Autumn is a particularly popular time to visit Nikko, with vibrant fall foliage transforming the landscape. However, this also means higher crowd levels. To experience the area's beauty with fewer people, aim for weekdays and consider visiting popular spots like the bridge during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late afternoons.
The Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi Experience
Beyond the bridge itself, the area provides further exploration opportunities. After crossing, a path leads to a higher elevation observation point. Reaching this viewpoint involves a challenging set of stairs, but the reward is a sweeping panoramic vista of the river, the town, and the bridge.
Practical advice from travelers emphasizes the importance of comfortable footwear due to the numerous stairs. Bringing water and a hat is also recommended, especially for the climb to the panoramic viewpoint.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit