Selected as one of Japan's 100 Natural Wonders to Preserve in the 21st Century and one of the 100 New Tourist Destinations in JapanSumata GorgeThe scenery and magnificent nature of "[location name]". In autumn, the leaves of the trees turn red and yellow, allowing you to enjoy the delicate beauty of the autumn foliage amidst the majestic grandeur of nature. The best time to see it isTypically from late October to early DecemberHowever, currentlyMid-November 2014The coloring status is,PeakIt is now in the valley of the Sumata River, a tributary of the Oi River, a quiet valley deep in the mountains with many spectacular views.Sumata ValleyFrom the Sumatakyo hot spring town, you can stroll around and enjoy the mountain scenery for about 100 minutes.90 minutesEnjoy the journeySumata Gorge PromenadeThe walking trail crosses over an artificial lake dammed by the Oma Dam at the foot of the Southern Alps.Length 90m, Height 8mThe suspension bridgeDream Suspension BridgeLet's enjoy the spectacular view from there. On this day, we got on the Shin-Tomei Expressway from the Hamamatsu SA Smart Interchange, got off at Shimada and headed north towards Kawane. As it was a Sunday, there was traffic congestion from the Kawanehoncho area onwards with cars of tourists heading to Sumatakyo Gorge. The navigation system indicated that we would arrive in about an hour after getting off the highway, but traffic congestion during the season is unavoidable. Moreover, there were narrow sections on the winding mountain road along the way.One-way alternating trafficThis will result in waiting times, making the journey even longer. In reality, it took twice as long, two hours, to arrive. I brought a bento box and warm nameko mushroom soup, so the journey wasn't difficult at all, but if you're planning to go, please allow plenty of time and patience, and be sure to stop at a convenience store before entering the mountain trail for restrooms and hydration. Even though it's autumn, the mountains can get quite cold, so I recommend dressing warmly and wearing comfortable walking shoes. There seem to be both paid and free parking lots at Sumatakyo Onsen, so please check for yourself. Access isn't limited to cars. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive from Kanaya Station to Senzu Station.SL (steam locomotive)After boarding,Bus to Sumatakyo OnsenAfter transferring to another train and another hour-long ride, the choice of which route to take to the mystical Sumatakyo Gorge is entirely up to you!
At the entrance to Sumatakyo Onsen, you'll be greeted by a colorful train that used to run on the line. Although it's been decommissioned, it's on display, and you can take commemorative photos sitting in the driver's seat or other seats. Around the hot spring town, you'll find restaurants and shops selling local products, as well as some relatively new shops.SHOP & CAFE Harekou Amreading, Hammock CAFE Harekou Amreading"Mr./Ms. [Name]. The shop, which was created by renovating an old house, has a charming atmosphere, and time flows slowly, allowing you to enjoy delicious coffee♪
On this day, the sky was slightly cloudy and the weather was rather chilly, so it seems that warm foods like oden and amazake were selling well♪
This is the start of the journey to the Sumatakyo Promenade, where you can enjoy a stroll of about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the entrance. Along the way,Dream Suspension Bridge"or"Hiryu Bridge",and"Ozaki Slope Observation DeckLet's go and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the mountain valleys, passing through places like [location name].Dream Suspension BridgeUp to approximately1.4kmThe directions indicated that it's about a 20-minute walk from there.
At scenic viewpoints, you'll see many people holding up their smartphones or favorite cameras. Don't miss this opportunity to capture the moment!
In front of the tunnel on the way to the Dream Suspension BridgeThe Emperor's latrineThere is a safety net, so you can rest assured. However, there are many puddles inside the tunnel, so be careful of muddy and slippery ground.
Enjoying a leisurely photo shoot, we finally arrive at the entrance to the dream suspension bridge. To the right...Sumata River (Oma Dam Lake)We can see it now! (So blue!) We'll head down the stairs towards the suspension bridge♪
What you see on the left isDream Suspension BridgeIt is a suspension bridge 90 meters long and 8 meters high that crosses an artificial lake created by the Oma Dam at the foot of the Southern Alps.
The Dream Suspension Bridge can only accommodate about 10 people at a time. Therefore, it gets crowded during peak season, but everyone is captivated by the beauty of the lake beside it, making the wait enjoyable.
Sumata River (Oma Dam Lake)The blueness of the water is breathtaking, boasting an emerald green that seems to draw you in. In fact, this water is so clear and beautiful that you can see all the way to the bottom. Originally, pure water is colorless and transparent, but there is almost no water that does not contain fine particles. In the case of very clean water with a few dissolved fine particles, a phenomenon occurs where only the short wavelength blue light is reflected and the long wavelength red light is absorbed because of the fine particles.Tyndall effectHe said,Sumata River (Oma Dam Lake)But the same phenomenon is occurring. Since the color subtly changes every day, it's a good idea to take your time and enjoy its beauty.
Many people were taking commemorative photos in the middle of the bridge, and everyone was waiting patiently in line until it was finally our turn. As soon as we stepped onto the bridge, we felt it was quite wobbly. Be careful, as you will wobble if you don't spread your arms wide and use the wires on both ends as safety ropes. Along the way, a group of young people started making noise and shaking the bridge quite violently. It's surprising that there are adults who do such childish things... However, they were eventually stopped when a security guard enforcing safety yelled at them. Even small children were keeping a proper distance as they proceeded, so it's important to follow the rules of etiquette. Despite that little incident, when we looked down, our hearts were soothed and relaxed by the crystal-clear blue of the lake. We slowly took a deep breath of the fresh air of nature. Looking up, the magnificent scenery of the mountains unfolded before us♪
Don't forget to take a commemorative photo in the middle of the bridge. A tourist information website mentioned that it's said that if a young woman makes a wish for love in the middle of this suspension bridge, her wish will come true.young womanThe fact that it's so specific isn't really funny (lol). I think superstitions and charms are all about believing in them, so women who want to make their love come true should definitely give them a try♪
The Dream Suspension Bridge is usually open to both ways, but on weekends and during busy holiday seasons, it becomes one-way. Once you cross it, the path that follows is a steep climb of 304 steps, which puts a considerable strain on your heart and legs. There is a warning sign at the entrance beforehand, but those who are not confident in their physical strength or have weak legs should refrain from crossing the Dream Suspension Bridge. Even if you take breaks every now and then, it is a very tough climb. Every 100, 200 steps my knees were shaking and my heart was pounding so hard that I had to let people pass me along the way (lol). But I didn't give up and kept moving forward at my own pace, and when I reached the top I cheered! I felt the ultimate sense of exhilaration! Pleasure always awaits at the end of a difficult and arduous journey ♪
The view from the top, where you can see the dream suspension bridge below. 304 steps, it's certainly not just for show! (lol)
If you want to avoid the cursed 304 steps after the one-way dream suspension bridge,Hiryu BridgeHeading there would be a good idea too. It's important not to overdo anything. You can certainly enjoy the view from here as well!
Even at the peak of their season, when the leaves are at their most vibrant, the colorful autumn foliage only appears here and there amongst the vast mountains.
ladeThe camera1DXと1D Mark IIIWe now have a two-camera setup, and my husband and I are learning to use each camera to get used to them. Our skills haven't quite caught up to the capabilities of our cameras yet, but still...1DXI was amazed by how the colors were captured today. I want to continue honing my skills every day as I search for beautiful scenery and great subjects to photograph♪
Below the Sumatakyo Promenade courseSumatakyo Zoriishi ParkThere's a waterfront park called [name of park]. It was built so that children could easily enjoy playing in the water. I enjoyed viewing the autumn leaves here the most!
Where will you be going to see the autumn leaves this year?
Sumata Gorge
Sumatakyo Onsen, Kawanehoncho, Haibara District, Shizuoka Prefecture
http://www.sumatakyo-spa.com/
