Last weekend, I took my family to Kuju “Yume” Otsuribashi in Oita Prefecture. It took us about 2 – 2 ½ hours to travel there. Considered the largest suspension bridge of its kind in Japan, it measures 390 meters long and hangs 173 meters high above ground. We were there at the end of the summer, but the best season is probably the autumn, when you can enjoy the spectacular colors in the mountains. If you do not own a car, you can take advantage of the many tour buses that service the area at this time.
The views from the bridge are truly magnificent. You can see Shindo no Taki (Shindo Waterfall), which was chosen as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful falls as well as Kyusuikei and Narukogawa Keikoku.
The admission fee is 500 yen. If you have a chance to go to Kyushu in the fall, I highly recommend you visit the Kuju bridge. You may also want to go a little farther to Aso and take in all that nature offers in the fall.
Because it was still hot and muggy during our visit, we stopped by Jion no Taki (Jion Waterfall) in Hita City on our way home. It took us about 30 minutes from Kuma Town where the bridge is located. This waterfall is famous for double layers of running water and has a walkway behind the actual falls. It is rare for a waterfall to have such a large footpath.
Fukuoka is a center city of Kyushu Island. You can visit many wonderful spots in 1 to 2 hours from Fukuoka! You should not miss those spots during your stay in Fukuoka!
