Kokonoe Yume Bridge Oita: 173 m Pedestrian Suspension

Fukuoka Saga Nagasaki Kumamoto Oita Miyazaki Kagoshima

Kokonoe 'Yume' Otsurihashi in Oita is one of Japan's highest pedestrian suspension bridges at 173 m, with views of the Shindo gorge waterfalls. 8:30–17:00.

Highlights

Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Suspension Bridge Quick Guide: Kokonoe “Yume” Suspension Bridge spans a deep gorge as a pedestrian-only bridge, offering dramatic views of Shindo no Taki (Shindo Falls) and the Kuju mountain range.
Bridge Specs: Height, Length & Views: It stands 173 meters high and 390 meters long, set at an altitude of 777 meters. A transparent section near the center adds extra excitement, and the bridge can sway in the wind.
Best Views and Seasonal Scenery: You can look out over Shindo no Taki, listed among “Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls,” and enjoy gorge landscapes such as Kyusuikei. Autumn (September to November) brings foliage, and winter (December to February) may bring snowy scenery.
How to Get There & Parking: From JR Bungo-Nakamura Station, it’s about 30 minutes by bus. By car, it’s about 20 minutes from Kokonoe IC on the Oita Expressway, with parking for about 300 vehicles.
Kokonoe Suspension Bridge Admission Fee: Adults (junior high school and up) ¥500 / elementary school students ¥200 / preschool children free.
How Long to Spend: About 20–30 minutes for a round trip; with photos and scenery time, it can take around an hour.
Hours, Closures & Rules: Opening hours: 8:30–17:00 (January–June / November–December) and 8:30–18:00 (July–October). The bridge may close in strong winds or bad weather. Pets are not allowed to cross, but there is a temporary care service (assistance dogs allowed; check official conditions).

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Kokonoe "Yume" Otsurihashi Bridge?

Kokonoe "Yume" Otsurihashi Bridge (Kokonoe Yume Ōtsurihashi) is a pedestrian-only suspension bridge in Kokonoe Town, Kusu District, Oita Prefecture.

Spanning a gorge, its dramatic scale is known for being among Japan’s highest suspension bridges.

From the bridge, you can enjoy the gorge’s scenery and changing views through the seasons, making it a popular destination for many visitors.

What makes this bridge special?

✅ A thrilling skywalk about 173 meters above the ground

✅ A panoramic view of the famous Shindō-no-Taki Falls (Shindō Falls) from the bridge

✅ A huge panorama across an overall length of about 390 meters

As you walk across the suspension bridge, you can take in the sweeping scenery all around you.

Because the views change with the seasons, another highlight is discovering a different kind of beauty each time you visit.

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Why Visit Kokonoe "Yume" Otsurihashi Bridge?

1. A suspension bridge where you can feel the powerful height

Kokonoe "Yume" Otsurihashi is a pedestrian-only suspension bridge with a height of about 173 meters, a total length of about 390 meters, and a width of about 1.5 meters.

Looking down from the bridge, you can feel the gorge’s intensity up close.

It’s designed with safety in mind, and the flow lines are arranged to help visitors cross smoothly even when it’s crowded.

Points where you can enjoy both thrills and views

Near the center there is a section with grating (a slatted, grid-like walkway), where you can look straight down into the gorge beneath your feet
When the wind blows, you may feel the bridge sway, adding to the sensation of walking in the air
From the bridge you can enjoy views of Shindō-no-Taki Falls, the gorge scenery, and vistas toward the Kuju mountain range

The estimated time to cross is about 10–20 minutes round trip.

2. The spectacular Shindō-no-Taki Falls and beautiful scenery in every season

What you can look down on from the bridge is Shindō-no-Taki Falls, known for its powerful waterfall scenery.

Seasonal highlights

Spring: fresh green leaves and a refreshing landscape
Summer: in seasons with more water, it’s easier to feel the waterfall’s power
Autumn: the nearby Kyūsui Gorge area is famous for fall foliage
Winter: if conditions are right, you may enjoy the bridge in a snowy landscape

3. More than just crossing: nearby sightseeing and food are also plentiful

The area around Kokonoe "Yume" Otsurihashi has many nature-focused attractions.

After crossing the bridge, you can also enjoy nearby hot springs and hiking spots.

Recommended nearby sights

Kyūsui Gorge (Kyūsui-kei) … known for gorge scenery and autumn leaves
Kokonoe Forest Park Ski Resort … a winter ski destination
Ukenokuchi Onsen … an area known for hot springs

The Kokonoe area is also great for hiking and trekking.

Trails in the Kuju mountain range offer a variety of courses for beginners through advanced hikers.

The “Kyushu Olle Kokonoe Yamanami Course,” which starts from the suspension bridge area, is also popular.

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Helpful Information for Travelers

1. Access to Kokonoe "Yume" Otsurihashi

By train and bus

From the JR Kyūdai Main Line “Bungo-Nakamura Station” area, you can take a bus to the surrounding region

By car (parking available)

About 20–25 minutes by car from Kokonoe IC on the Oita Expressway

2. Admission fee and opening hours

Admission fee (approx.)

Junior high school and older: about 500 yen
Elementary school students: about 200 yen
Under elementary school age: free
Group discounts may be available

Opening hours

January–June, November–December: 8:30–17:00
July–October: 8:30–18:00
Last admission is typically about 30 minutes before closing

Notes

In strong winds or severe weather, entry may be restricted or the bridge may close
Conditions for pets and barrier-free access may apply, so please follow on-site guidance

3. Recommended local food nearby

After sightseeing, enjoy Oita’s local specialties.

There are local product facilities and other spots nearby where you can taste regional dishes.

Recommended local foods

Kokonoe "Yume" Burger (a local burger loved as a regional specialty)
Dango-jiru (a well-known Oita local soup dish)
Bungo beef (a brand of Oita Prefecture wagyu beef)
Toriten (Oita’s famous chicken tempura-style dish)

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Summary

✅ Kokonoe "Yume" Otsurihashi is a dramatic suspension bridge about 173m high

✅ From the bridge you can enjoy views of Shindō-no-Taki Falls and the gorge scenery

✅ Seasonal scenery, including autumn foliage, is a major highlight

✅ Opening hours vary by season, and last admission is typically about 30 minutes before closing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much is admission to Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge? What are the opening hours? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Admission is 500 yen for junior high school students and older, and 200 yen for elementary school students. Opening hours are 8:30 to 17:00 from January to June and November to December, and 8:30 to 18:00 from July to October. Because ticket sales end before closing, arriving early is a safer plan. A smartphone strap is recommended to prevent drops, as strong wind can easily pull your hand off balance.

Q. What kind of bridge is Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge? What are the highlights? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning a gorge. Wind can be strong both ways across the bridge, so a hat that will not blow away is best. When you start crossing, looking at the distant view once instead of only at your feet can help reduce the feeling of fear.

Q. How do I get to Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge? Is driving the usual option? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Because it is in a mountain area, going by car is the most convenient. The viewpoints near the entrance can get crowded right after arrival, so sometimes crossing the bridge first and coming back later reduces the wait for photo spots.

Q. When is the best time to visit Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge to avoid crowds? keyboard_arrow_down

A. It gets especially busy around midday on weekends and holidays. Right after opening, there are fewer people, and the bridge can feel less shaky, so early morning is a good choice if photos are your priority. During the autumn leaves season, getting there early also helps because the parking lot can fill up.

Q. Can I cross Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge in bad weather? What should I know about strong wind or rain? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Entry may be restricted in bad weather. On rainy days, the floorboards can be slippery, so shoes with good grip are reassuring. On windy days, it is easier to keep stable if you walk on the handrail side because strong gusts can twist your body. If you are not comfortable with heights, do not stop in the middle and keep a steady pace to reduce the feeling of swaying.

Q. Are pets allowed on Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge? Is there a pet holding service? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Pets are not allowed on the bridge, but a temporary pet holding service is available. There is also cage rental, so completing the procedure first when you arrive makes it easier to avoid getting caught in line later.

Q. Are there coin lockers at Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge? Any tips for carrying less? keyboard_arrow_down

A. There are lockers at the management center. Crossing the bridge in the wind can be tiring, so carrying only drinks and valuables and keeping the rest light makes the round trip easier.

Q. Where is the best photo spot at Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge? keyboard_arrow_down

A. If you want to capture the whole bridge, a position a little past the entrance often gives a less distorted view than right at the entrance. In backlight, photographing people as silhouettes can create a nice atmosphere. Tripods should only be used briefly in places where they do not block passage. A smartphone strap is recommended to prevent drops, as strong wind can easily pull your hand off balance.

Useful Japanese Phrases

Meaning

Where is the Yume Suspension Bridge? — Use when asking locals or staff near JR Bungo-Nakamura Station or the parking area. Point to a map on your phone while saying this to make your destination clearer.

Meaning

What time is the bus to Kokonoe? — Ask at the bus stop or information counter at JR Bungo-Nakamura Station. Showing the kanji "九重" on your phone helps the staff confirm the correct route.

Meaning

One adult ticket, please. — Use at the admission counter before crossing the bridge. Hold up one finger while saying this so the staff understands the number without confusion.

Meaning

Do you have lockers? — Ask at the management center if you want to store bags before crossing. Miming the action of putting a bag away can help the staff point you in the right direction.

Meaning

Can you look after my dog? — Pets cannot cross the bridge, but a temporary holding service is available. Ask this at the management center while showing your pet so staff can guide you to the holding area.

Meaning

May I take photos here? — Ask before shooting on the transparent section mid-bridge. A small nod from staff means yes; use a smartphone strap since dropped items cannot be retrieved.

Meaning

From which side can I see Shindō Falls? — Ask staff at the entrance; the falls are a well-known highlight visible from the bridge. Pointing left and right while asking helps clarify your question.

Meaning

One Yume Burger, please. — Order this local specialty at food stalls near the bridge entrance. Pointing at the menu photo while saying this avoids confusion with other burger options.

Meaning

What local dish do you recommend? — Ask staff at nearby restaurants if you want to try specialties like dango-jiru (local miso soup with flat noodles), Bungo beef, or toriten (battered fried chicken). Asking this after you look at the menu makes it easier for staff to point out what the restaurant is especially known for.

Meaning

How do I get to Yufuin Onsen? — Use when asking about onward travel after your bridge visit. Showing the destination name on your phone makes it easier for staff or drivers to explain the route.

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