Daisen Falls Suspension Bridge
High above the Kasechi River, the Daisen Falls suspension bridge spans the steep gorge of Jigoku Valley. Constructed in 1977, the bridge was built to replace a previous wooden bridge that was repeatedly washed away. The current bridge, which is 45 meters long and 1 meter wide, is suspended 30 meters above the riverbed.
Installation of the suspension bridge required the construction of concrete-and-steel foundations on both cliff sides, after which a thin cable was launched across the intervening distance. The thicker support cables were attached to this line so they could be drawn across and anchored in place. The suspension cables are steel, and the walkway is made of a lightweight aluminum alloy.
Ayugaeri Falls is directly below the bridge, accessible from a short side trail. Ayu (or sweetfish) are small river fish that travel upstream in spring to reach maturity before returning to spawn in coastal nursery waters. The name ayugaeri, meaning “ayu turnaround,” comes from the belief that the migrating ayu reach these falls and can go no farther. Just beyond the crest of this small waterfall is a small pool created by an artificial weir.
Hikers have a spectacular view of Jigoku Valley from the bridge. From here, the Chūgoku Nature Trail continues farther upriver to where the Kasechi River spills into the valley at Daisen Falls.
(Note: please allow oncoming hikers to completely finish crossing before stepping onto the bridge.)
