Nagara Ohashi Bridge
Iconic bridge offering stunning views of Gifu Castle and the Nagara River, famous for its night scenery and cormorant fishing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cormorant fishing magic
Nagara Ohashi Bridge
Best Time
Cormorant fishing magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic bridge offering stunning views of Gifu Castle and the Nagara River, famous for its night scenery and cormorant fishing.
"The bridge makes you feel excited as you cross the Nagara River."
🚲 Shared Bike Adventure
Rent a shared bicycle to explore the wide, well-maintained walkways along the river. :athletic_shoe:
🌃 Nighttime Charm
Visit at night for a pleasant experience, especially when fewer lights are on for cormorant fishing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nagara River Night Views
Nagara Ohashi Bridge
Experience the magic of the Nagara River illuminated at night, especially during cormorant fishing season.
Gifu Castle Vista
From Nagara Ohashi Bridge
Enjoy a clear, close-up view of Gifu Castle perched atop Mount Kinka from the bridge.
Riverside Cycling Path
Along the Nagara River
Cycle or walk along the well-maintained paths, offering scenic beauty and a refreshing outdoor activity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Embrace the Riverfront
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Shared Bike Adventure
Rent a shared bicycle to explore the wide, well-maintained walkways along the river. :athletic_shoe:
🌃 Nighttime Charm
Visit at night for a pleasant experience, especially when fewer lights are on for cormorant fishing.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The bridge and river offer great photo ops, with Gifu Castle providing a stunning backdrop.
🚶♀️ Riverside Walks
Enjoy leisurely walks on the wide, well-maintained paths along the Nagara River.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Shared Bike Adventure
Rent a shared bicycle to explore the wide, well-maintained walkways along the river. :athletic_shoe:
🌃 Nighttime Charm
Visit at night for a pleasant experience, especially when fewer lights are on for cormorant fishing.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The bridge and river offer great photo ops, with Gifu Castle providing a stunning backdrop.
🚶♀️ Riverside Walks
Enjoy leisurely walks on the wide, well-maintained paths along the Nagara River.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Nagara Ohashi Bridge for its scenic beauty, especially the captivating night views during cormorant fishing season and the clear sightlines to Gifu Castle. The well-maintained riverside paths are a highlight for cyclists and walkers, offering a pleasant and accessible experience.
"On the evening of August 10, there was a fireworks display between Nagara Bridge and Jinhua Bridge. Unfortunately, I couldn't buy tickets so I could only watch it on the street. This time it was a good experience. The good experience was not watching the fireworks but walking together with a large group of Japanese people for an hour just to watch this fireworks. From the fireworks show to the start of the fireworks, everyone was very happy watching together on the street. After the show, everyone walked together for an hour to go to their respective places. This time the whole street was full of people. ."
awah wah
"On September 4th, I left home at 7:50 AM for my 499th 100km cycling trip, heading for Ichinomiya 138 Twin Arch. I cycled twice around the Kisogawa Nakasu Kawajimacho Outer Ring Road and once around the River Environment Park Outer Ring Road. I heard that the temporary Kawajima Ohashi Bridge had opened, so I crossed it while cycling. It was a long-awaited opening for local residents. It was a heartwarming sight to see a smiling parent and child running across the temporary bridge. From Twin Arch, I crossed the Kisogawa Bridge and headed for my destination, Nagara Bridge and Takahashi Naoko Road. From Nagara Bridge, I could see Kinkazan Gifu Castle, clearly visible and close at hand. From Nagara Bridge, I could see Takahashi Naoko Road. Takahashi Naoko won the gold medal in the marathon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, setting a new Olympic record at the time. Takahashi Naoko Road is a 5km round-trip running course along the Nagara River riverbed from Nagara Bridge to Chuseki Bridge. Takahashi Naoko Road was bustling with families, groups of junior and senior high school students running, and people walking and strolling. I headed south on the cycling road alongside the Nagara River, passing Kinka Bridge and Chuseki Bridge. From Kawado Bridge, I stopped at Suminomata Ichiya Castle and the roadside station, Creer Hirata. I crossed the Nanno Bridge and headed south along the Nagara River, turning left at Koyabu in Kuwabara Town. I rode along the Kiso River, crossed the Umakai Bridge, and headed north along the Kiso River. I turned right at Ki and headed east on Route 18 towards Ichinomiya city. I arrived home at 2:50 p.m. It was a refreshing day of cycling, covering 110 km and lasting 7 hours."
諏訪守（スワン）
"There were fewer lights on so that people could watch the cormorant fishing, and the view was great, so I went at night and it was a very pleasant experience."
やっすー
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nagara Ohashi Bridge is accessible by public transport in Gifu City. You can take a bus from Gifu Station to the nearest bus stop. Many visitors also enjoy cycling to the bridge, utilizing the riverside paths.
While specific parking details can vary, there are often parking areas available near the Nagara River, especially for those visiting for events or recreational activities. It's advisable to check local parking information closer to your visit.
Yes, the bridge features wide walkways, making it comfortable for pedestrians to cross and enjoy the views. It's a popular spot for leisurely strolls.
Yes, Nagara Ohashi Bridge is well-served by local buses in Gifu City. Several bus routes stop near the bridge, making it convenient to reach from Gifu Station.
Many visitors find cycling to be an excellent way to explore the Nagara River area, thanks to the well-maintained cycling paths. Walking is also a great option for enjoying the scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking across Nagara Ohashi Bridge is free and open to the public. There are no admission fees for crossing the bridge itself.
Generally, the riverside parks and walking/cycling paths along the Nagara River are free to access. Enjoy the natural beauty without any entry charges.
Nagara Ohashi Bridge is open 24/7, as it is a public thoroughfare. However, the best experience for views, especially during cormorant fishing, is during specific evening hours.
Yes, the bridge is a popular spot during events like fireworks displays. Be prepared for larger crowds during these times, as noted by visitors who experienced a large gathering for fireworks.
Viewing Gifu Castle from Nagara Ohashi Bridge is free. If you wish to visit the castle itself, there will be separate admission fees for the castle grounds and interior.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridge itself offers great perspectives, especially with Gifu Castle in the background. The riverside paths also provide scenic shots, particularly during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, night photography is highly recommended, especially during the cormorant fishing season when the river is illuminated. The bridge lights also add to the ambiance.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while evenings provide dramatic lighting, especially with the city lights and potential for cormorant fishing illumination.
While cycling, it's best to find safe spots to stop before taking photos to ensure your safety and that of others on the path.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the bridge and river. For night shots, a tripod will be beneficial for stability and longer exposures.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk or cycle across the bridge, enjoy scenic views of Gifu Castle and the Nagara River, and experience the atmosphere during cormorant fishing season. The riverside paths are perfect for leisurely strolls or bike rides.
Crowds can vary. Weekends and evenings, especially during events like fireworks or cormorant fishing, tend to be busier. Weekday mornings are generally more peaceful.
Cormorant fishing (Ukai) is a traditional fishing method using trained cormorants. It takes place on the Nagara River during specific seasons and offers a unique cultural spectacle.
There are typically facilities available in the parks and along the riverfront areas near Nagara Ohashi Bridge, including restrooms. Shops and dining options are also available in the vicinity of Gifu City.
Takahashi Naoko Road is a 5km round-trip running course along the Nagara River riverbed, named after the Olympic marathon gold medalist. It's a popular spot for runners and walkers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Shared bicycles are also a fun option for families who want to cover more ground along the river paths. It's a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors together. Pack some snacks and drinks, and make a day of exploring the beautiful Nagara River area.
🚴♀️ Cycling Enthusiasts
Many cyclists use the riverfront for training or leisurely rides, appreciating the smooth surfaces and the lack of heavy traffic. The mention of the Takahashi Naoko Road, a dedicated running course, also indicates the area's commitment to recreational sports infrastructure. It's a perfect destination for a day trip focused on cycling and enjoying the natural beauty of the Gifu region.
📸 Photographers
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive river and bridge views, and a tripod for those low-light evening shots. The riverside paths also offer opportunities for landscape photography, capturing the interplay of water, sky, and greenery. Don't miss the chance to photograph Gifu Castle from various vantage points along the river.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Cormorant Fishing (Ukai)
Visitors often describe the experience of watching Ukai as magical, even if they couldn't secure tickets for the boat tours. The atmosphere on the riverbanks and the bridge itself becomes lively, with people gathering to catch glimpses of the fishing boats and the skilled fishermen. The reduced lighting on the bridge during these nights enhances the mystical ambiance, making it a truly memorable experience. It's a testament to the enduring traditions of the region.
While the best views are from the official viewing boats, simply being on or near the Nagara Ohashi Bridge during Ukai season provides a fantastic opportunity to soak in the atmosphere. The sight of the fishermen guiding their cormorants through the dark water, illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns, is something quite special and a highlight for many who visit the area.
Cycling and Walking the Nagara Riverfront
Many visitors, like those who embark on long-distance cycling trips, utilize these paths extensively. They are perfect for both leisurely strolls and more vigorous cycling excursions. The routes connect various points of interest along the river, including parks and historical sites. The mention of a temporary Kawajima Ohashi Bridge opening highlights the ongoing development and connectivity of the riverfront infrastructure, further enhancing its accessibility for recreational users.
Whether you're looking for a short, pleasant walk or a longer cycling adventure, the Nagara Riverfront offers a rewarding experience. The paths are generally well-kept, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the river and the iconic bridge.
Gifu Castle: A Majestic Backdrop
For photographers and sightseers, the view of Gifu Castle from the bridge is a must-capture moment. The castle's prominent position makes it easily visible from various points along the riverfront, but the perspective from the bridge is particularly striking. It evokes a sense of history and grandeur, connecting the modern city with its feudal past.
While the bridge provides an excellent external view, visiting Gifu Castle itself offers a deeper dive into the region's history. However, even without ascending the mountain, the sight of the castle from the Nagara Ohashi Bridge is a powerful reminder of Gifu's rich heritage and a key element of the area's scenic charm.
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