Kiso no Kakehashi, Cliff bridge in Agematsu, Japan.
The Kiso no Kakehashi is a bridge spanning a steep rocky cliff high above the Kisogawa River, creating a narrow passage through a dramatic gorge. The current structure blends modern construction with visible remains of older stonework, allowing visitors to walk safely along an elevated path over the water.
The construction dates back to the Edo period, when wooden planks bound with vine rope created a passable route across the perilous gorge. Later improvements replaced these fragile methods with reinforced structures that continue to serve travelers today.
The name refers to the bridge of Kiso, which held special meaning for travelers during the Edo period as a crucial crossing point. Today, visitors walking here can sense the historical connection between the narrow gorge and the determination it required to pass through.
The site is accessible via the national road, which incorporates the modern walkways and provides safe passage over the gorge. The path is well maintained and open to visitors, though the elevation and steep surrounding slopes may be tiring to navigate.
Beneath the current road surface, traces of the original wooden plank construction remain visible, showing how early builders fashioned the passage centuries ago. These layers tell the story of generations who crossed the same path.
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