Last Updated: Sep 17, 2023

Saruhashi Bridge

One of the Top Three Bridges in Japan

Well folks, it’s that time of year again! As the sultry summer finally comes to a close and the temperatures gradually start to drop, the autumn leaves are again about to grace us with their magnificent presence. Beginning in October, the entirety of the Japanese countryside slowly starts to come alive with the vibrant colors of the fall foliage. Honestly, if you haven’t had the chance to experience the fourth quarter of the year in Japan yet, I highly suggest you drop whatever the hell you are doing and book a flight to Japan ASAP.

Now that the pandemic is finally over (at least in as much as border policies are concerned) and inbound tourism is again booming, you can expect popular spots like Higashiyama in Kyoto to be absolutely mobbed. Luckily, I’ve got you covered. Today, I want to recommend Saruhashi (lit “Monkey Bridge”), a beautiful but off the beaten path allure that is absolutely stunning during autumn. Spanning a deep gorge, Saruhashi is an eccentric archway in Yamanashi Prefecture that you likely won’t need to share with too many people thanks to its remote location.

Historically, the 30.9 meter-long bridge dates from the Edo period (1603–1868) where it was an important connector along one of Japan’s main highways, the…