Saruhashi Bridge, Historical footbridge in Otsuki, Japan
Saruhashi is a historical footbridge over the Katsura gorge in Otsuki that stretches across the river without piers. The construction consists of a four-layer cantilever system extending from both banks toward the river center and uses only wooden joints.
The bridge was first built in the 7th century after centuries of traditional crossing methods at this location. The current structure follows the plans from 1851 and was rebuilt using the original wooden joinery techniques.
The name derives from an observation of monkeys forming a chain to cross the gorge. The construction has been regarded as an engineering wonder for centuries and attracts visitors who come to see the traditional wooden building technique.
Access is from Saruhashi Station or the Chuo Expressway, both with a short walk to the crossing. The bridge sits in a forested gorge with the valley floor far below the walkway and is best suited for visitors without a fear of heights.
The artist Utagawa Hiroshige depicted this crossing in his 19th-century woodblock print and made it known throughout Japan. Today the site is among the officially protected scenic spots of the country and shows the same dramatic view over the valley.
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