Saruhashi Bridge: Gorge Beauty of Yamanashi's Proud One of Japan's Three Unusual Bridges

One of Japan's Three Unusual Bridges

Saruhashi is a bridge in Otsuki City, Yamanashi, counted as one of "Japan's Three Unusual Bridges" (the other two bridges are variously said to be Kintaikyo Bridge in Yamaguchi, Aibon Bridge in Toyama, or Iya's Vine Bridge in Tokushima). Spanning the Katsuragawa River (upper reaches of Sagami River) gorge, characterized by a unique structure built without bridge piers on 31m-high sheer cliffs.

Bridge Structure

Saruhashi is made by a special construction method of "four-layer hanengi (outrigging timbers)," forming the bridge by inserting timbers into the gorge rock walls to mutually support each other. A structure concentrating the wisdom and technology of ancestors for building a bridge over a deep gorge where bridge piers cannot be used.

Surrounding Natural Scenery

The Katsuragawa gorge around Saruhashi is known for four-season beauty. Spring fresh greenery, summer cool streams, autumn foliage, and winter snow scenery show various expressions combining bridge and gorge. Otsuki City has good access to Mt. Fuji, a tourist destination midway between Kofu and Tokyo.