A 90 m red arch bridge over the Higashizawa Gorge, whose stream rises on Mt. Jigoku in the Yatsugatake range. Locals call it the “red bridge”.
From 24 September 2026 to 10 August 2027 (planned), repair work covers about half of the bridge with protective sheeting.
How to enjoy it
From the viewing area at the east end (the Kiyosato Station side), take in the bridge and the mountains together. Autumn, when the red bridge meets the coloured leaves, is the best time.
The red arch bridge spans the Jigokudani valley of the Kawamata River’s Higashizawa Gorge, 90 m long and 48.9 m high. Its red stands out against the Yatsugatake mountains in spring green and autumn colour, and it is a favourite place to sketch and take photos.
Park at the viewing area at the east end of the bridge (the Kiyosato Station side) and enjoy the scene. The autumn gorge seen from the bridge is breathtaking too.
Autumn colour usually peaks from mid-October to early November. The main trees are larch, white birch, Erman’s birch and maple.
Along the 2.8 km riverside trail downstream from the bridge stand striking rocks such as Kakuenpo, Shishi-iwa and Tengu-iwa, and the trail leads to Doryu Falls.
Part of the trail is closed. Check the latest information before you walk.
Hours
Open all day (road bridge)
Closed
Open all year
Contact
0551-48-4436
Utsukushimori Tourist Information Centre
scenic-utsukushimori-hero.webpSee · Oizumi
A panorama of the Kiyosato highlands and the Southern Alps from the summit deck.
Tip
On a clear day, walk up to the summit deck. In June you climb through the azaleas that turn the slopes orange.
doryu-intro-s1.webpSee · Oizumi
A waterfall that falls like silk threads between green rocks.
Tip
Sit on the bench near the falls and watch the many thin streams run down the rock. These falls feel powerful and calm at the same time.
place-8007-hero.webpEat · Takane
Soft-serve and a café using milk from the farm.
Tip
The Highland Milk Stand uses milk from the farm next door. Try the soft-serve plain first to taste the milk itself. On a sunny day, eat it on the benches outside, watching the cows.
place-8028-hero.webpStay · Kiyosato
A four-room dining inn. Dinner is a course of Yatsugatake vegetables and venison.
Tip
Kurumi is an inn you stay at for dinner. The menu follows the season in the fields and hills, so mention any foods you avoid when you book. After dinner, take your time by the fire.
