# Tanize Suspension Bridge

> A steel-wire footbridge about 297 meters long and 54 meters above the Totsukawa River, built in 1954 with money the villagers put up themselves. It still links two hamlets, it moves under your feet, and the only public transport is a long-distance bus that stops a few times a day.

- Prefecture: Nara
- Type: Landmark
- Address: Totsukawa, Nara, Japan
- Official site: https://www.vill.totsukawa.lg.jp/traveling_guide/

Most suspension bridges you pay to walk across were built for tourists. This one was not. In 1954 the people of Tanize, a hamlet on the far bank of the Totsukawa River, paid most of the 8 million yen cost themselves to link their hamlet with Uenoji and Route 168. It is still a public road for them, and at about 297 meters long and 54 meters above the water it is called Japan's longest suspension bridge for daily use. The plank deck is about 2 meters wide, and it sways more than you expect, especially in wind or when the people ahead of you start bouncing. No more than 20 people may be on it at once, and in Golden Week and Obon staff may make it one-way, with a shuttle back. Crossing is free and there are no set hours, but residents live at both ends: come in daylight and keep the noise down. Totsukawa is said to be Japan's largest village by area and has no railway. Uenoji has a paid village parking lot, a tea shop and toilets. Totsukawa Onsen, about an hour further south by bus, is the place to stay, and Tamaki Shrine is above it.

## FAQ

### Can I see Tanize Suspension Bridge as a day trip by bus?

Yes, but only one combination works. On the current timetable, take the 9:15 Yagi-Shingu bus from Yamato-Yagi (Uenoji 12:25) and the 13:44 back from Uenoji (Yamato-Yagi 16:24). Later outbound buses leave you with no return until the next day.

### Does it cost anything to cross, and when is it open?

Crossing is free and there are no set hours, since it is a public road for the people of Tanize. Parking at Uenoji is a paid village lot, and parking on the narrow road is not allowed. Visit in daylight and keep noise down early and late.

### How much does the bridge sway, and are there limits on crossing?

Enough that people grab the handrails, more so in wind. No more than 20 people may be on the bridge at once, visitors may not ride bicycles or motorbikes across, and at peak times such as Golden Week and Obon it can be made one-way.

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Source: Tanize Suspension Bridge — Japan Voyage