Saruhashi

Saruhashi

This post is part of a series called Japan 2017
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The picturesque Saruhashi bridge in Yamanashi prefecture has long been known as a place of scenic beauty and is featured on many old Japanese prints. I came here on the last day of my Japan 2017 trip because I was collecting the “the three unusual bridges of Japan” – it made for a quick but pleasant stop.

Saruhashi bridge (Yamanashi prefecture, Japan)
Saruhashi is the best know example of a “hanebashi” design, where the bridge is supported by a set of overlapping beams jutting out from each side of the gorge. The present day Saruhashi is reinforced with steel, but retains its original shape and look.
This is the close up of the supporting beam structure. I’m not sure what part is steel and what part is wood now, but originally it was all wood. No more wooden bridges of this kind survive in Japan.
Saruhashi bridge (Yamanashi prefecture, Japan)
In Edo period the bridge was part of Koshu-kaido road.
On both sides of Saruhashi there are other bridges crossing the same gorge, which makes for an interesting sight.
Saruhashi bridge (Yamanashi prefecture, Japan)
And the gorge itself is very scenic. Must be beautiful later in the fall season.

Saruhashi bridge (Yamanashi prefecture, Japan)

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Saruhashi

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