About Saruhashi

Saruhashi (Monkey Bridge) is a historical bridge in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and is one of the three strangest bridges in Japan. It attracts many tourists because of its unique structure and the beauty of the surrounding natural scenery. The wooden arched bridge spans the valley of Katsura River (Sagami River) and is approximately 30 meters long and 31 meters high above the river surface. The Sarubashi Bridge has a long history, having existed as early as the Heian period (794-1185), and has supported people's comings and goings for about 1,000 years. Therefore, it is a sightseeing spot where visitors can feel the beauty of Japanese history and traditional architecture just by visiting.

The most distinctive feature of the Sarubashi Bridge is its unique “hanebashi” structure. Instead of piers in the river as in a normal bridge, the bridge is constructed with crossbeams rising out of the abutments, giving the bridge a design similar to that of a monkey walking along the branches of a tree. This design is said to have been devised to withstand the violent currents of rising water, and the lack of piers allows the river to flow unimpeded, making it a strong structure. This technique of cutting off the bridge is extremely rare, and the beauty of the beautifully assembled woodwork and the skill with which it is constructed is truly a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Viewed from above or below the bridge, the intricately constructed timbers form a beautiful arch that is a sight to behold.

The natural environment around the Sarubashi Bridge is another attraction of this sightseeing spot. The Katsura River valley where the bridge crosses is known as a spot where beautiful scenery can be enjoyed in each of the four seasons, especially in the fall when the autumn leaves cover the entire valley and the beauty is spectacular. The red and yellow leaves are reflected on the river surface and harmonize with the beautiful wooden structure of the Sarubashi Bridge, making it a must-see for photographers and nature-loving tourists. The sarubashi bridge is also a refreshing and atmospheric sight in the spring when cherry blossoms adorn the surrounding area, in the season of fresh greenery, and in the summer when it is surrounded by lush foliage.

The area surrounding the Sarubashi Bridge is also dotted with historical attractions. Near the bridge is “Sarubashi Park,” a popular viewing spot overlooking the Sarubashi Bridge. In addition, the “Sarubashi Monument,” erected at the side of the bridge, describes the origin and history of the bridge and provides a local story. In addition, there are spots near the bridge that are steeped in history and legend, such as “Yoshitsune Senbonzakura” (Yoshitsune's Thousand Cherry Blossoms) and “Saruhashi Shrine,” where visitors can enjoy the history and atmosphere of the surrounding area as they stroll along the bridge.

The Sarubashi Bridge is also considered one of the three strangest bridges in Japan, and together with other bridges such as the Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni and the Shinbashi Bridge in Nikko, it is a part of the Japanese bridge culture with its elegance and technology. In this respect, the bridge is not only valuable as a historical structure, but also highly attractive as a tourist resource. In particular, the beauty of its decapitated bridge structure and its harmony with nature provide unique impressions that cannot be experienced from other bridges.

For visitors, the Sarubashi Bridge is not just a bridge to cross, but a traditional structure with a rich history and a beauty in harmony with nature. The Sarubashi Bridge, where visitors can experience traditional Japanese technology and feel the changing of the seasons along with the scenery of the valley, is a must-visit place when visiting Yamanashi.