Ryujin Suspension Bridge

Located in Okkuji Prefectural Natural Park, this bright blue iron bridge over the Ryujin Gorge spans over the Ryujin Dam that impounds the Ryujin River, which flows through a beautiful V-shaped valley.

The bridge is a popular sightseeing spot for tourists, offering a panoramic view of the four seasons, especially during the season of fresh greenery and autumn foliage.

The bridge is 375 meters long, making it one of the longest suspension bridges for pedestrians in Japan.

The bridge is 100 meters above the surface of the dam lake, and from the bridge you can see the mountains of the Yamizo and Abukuma mountain ranges and the cityscape of Mito.

In addition, an acrylic transparency plate is installed in the center of the bridge, allowing visitors to look down on the lake surface of the Ryujin Dam.

The view, which cannot be experienced in everyday life, will give you a thrill that will make you shudder and make you feel the wonder of nature.

Designed with safety in mind, the bridge can safely accommodate up to 3,500 people at a time. The bridge uses trust-reinforced girders and parallel wire cables, making it resistant to the effects of wind.

The bridge is decorated with dragon paintings on both sides, evoking the image of a dragon soaring through the space of nature.

Across the Ryujin Suspension Bridge, there is a carillon facility called “Mokusei no Kane” (Wood Spirit Bell) on the opposite bank, where three clear tones of love, hope, and happiness reverberate through the Ryujin Gorge.

Since 2014, visitors can also experience bungee jumping, which is one of the highest jumps in Japan.

Around the Ryujin Suspension Bridge, there are souvenir shops and restaurants, as well as hiking courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike.

In addition, there are seasonal events such as the Carp Streamer Festival, Summer Festival, and Autumn Foliage Festival, so be sure to check them out.

Ryujin Gorge

Located in Okkuji Prefectural Natural Park, this scenic spot has been selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Ibaraki. It is a V-shaped gorge formed by the erosion of the Ryujin River over a long period of time, where clear water flows through steep rocky terrain and is dotted with numerous waterfalls, pools, and rapids.

The beautiful scenery is called the “Yabakei of Kanto,” and it is said to be as magnificent as the Kurobe Valley.

Walking along the clear stream, visitors can enjoy the sound of the flowing water and the vegetation of the primeval forest.

The Ryujin Gorge is also known as a mysterious place with legends of the Dragon Gods.

The area is rich in nature, and visitors can enjoy bird-watching in winter and strolling while listening to the chirping of birds from spring to fall.

There is a well-maintained promenade where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season, from azaleas in spring to autumn leaves in fall. The sound of running water and the breath of the virgin forest can be felt.

The geology of the Ryujin Gorge is Nantai volcanic hornblende rock, which is highly resistant to erosion, so only the flowing part of the Ryujin River was cut away to form the V-shaped valley.

The Ryujin Dam is located in the lower part of the gorge, and the Ryujin Suspension Bridge spans over it. The waterfall basin called Kamegafuchi, located in the center of the gorge, is known as a representative pool.

Ryujin Dam

This multi-purpose dam dam holds back the Ryujin River, which flows through the beautiful V-shaped gorge, supplying water and bringing blessings to the surrounding area.

It is a rare dam that allows visitors to look down on the dam lake from the Ryujin Suspension Bridge, which is 100 meters above the lake surface.