Things to Do in Shizuoka: Natural Adventure around Sumatakyo Gorge

Summary

One of the joys of traveling lies in savoring local cuisine, and the breathtaking beauty of the changing seasons adds to the experience!

We set out on a journey, seeking a panoramic vista absent in the urban landscape of towering buildings but abundant in the embrace of nature! It was a truly magnificent, once-in-a-lifetime spectacle:) So hope this trip plan helps you🌿

*Please note that information and prices listed are subject to change.

Travel Itinerary

11:30am Sumatakyo Gorge

This time, we took a drive to Sumatakyo Gorge🚗 Sumatakyo, which has been selected as one of the 100 best Japanese nature spots to leave behind for the 21st century.

It takes about 30 minutes more to get to the Bridge (the Dream Suspension Bridge), which we are looking forward to!

Found tunnel

This tunnel was the path of a trolley train until the early Showa period.

Inside a tunnel

Once through the tunnel…

There is a bridge over an emerald green lake there!

After crossing the bridge, 304 steps await you

Climbing slowly, out of breath, the view is spectacular!

The suspension bridge you were crossing earlier is directly below you. It’s very beautiful!

You can enjoy the suspension bridge from many different angles

You can also see the suspension bridge from the Hiryu Bridge, which is on a 90-minute walkway around the area.

Arrival at the suspension bridge!

It’s nice and breezy.

The Sumatakyo Gorge, located in Kawane-Honcho, Haibara-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a gorge on the Sumata River, a tributary of the Oigawa River, and is a popular tourist spot for its spectacular scenery, having been selected as one of the 100 best Japanese nature spots to leave behind in the 21st century. It is also known for its many characteristic bridges, such as the Yume no Suspension Bridge, famous for its spectacular view, and the 100 m high arch-shaped iron bridge, Hiryu Bridge.

12:00pm Dream Suspension Bridge

After a 30-minute walk along the promenade, you arrive at a bridge 90m long and 8m high 🌈 Only 10 people can cross!That is why we were able to photograph nature as it is.

Impressed by never-before-seen scenery

The Dream Suspension Bridge in Kawanehoncho, Haibara-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a popular tourist attraction. The bridge is 90m long and 8m high, and only up to 10 people can cross it at a time, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. The emerald green and cobalt blue surface of the lake is also beautiful, and it is recommended to go early in the morning as it is so crowded that there are queues during holidays and autumn seasons. Parking is available (500 yen), there are hot springs in the area and the unexplored atmosphere is very attractive.

2:30pm Kuretake Shokudo（Restaurant）

After a lot of walking, we went for lunch! This is Kuretake Shokudo, famous for its handmade soba noodles.

Shop interior

Specialty menu: Keiryu (meaning mountain stream) soba and Keiryu udon

Plenty of ingredients unique to deep in the mountains, such as fried landlocked salmon and tempura of mushrooms and river shrimps.

Satisfying

Souvenirs

Soba noodles can be bought as souvenirs.

Kuretake Shokudo in Kawanehoncho, Haibara-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a restaurant famous for its handmade soba noodles. You can also enjoy local cuisine, katsudon and katsuju. It is a perfect place to stop by after a lot of walking. The handmade soba is excellent.

3:30pm Yasutake Shoten

This shop was next to a soba noodle shop. If you’ve come all the way to Sumatakyo, buy some souvenirs here:)

Gohei Mochi (Rice Cake with Sweet Walnut Miso)

Gohei-mochi (rice cakes) were available at the shop front, made by the owner.

Varies from sundries to foodstuffs.

Also original local sake from Sumatakyo!

The sake called ‘Sumata no Kyo’ is recommended for its light aftertaste.

Kawane tea- tea produced in the Kawane region

Apparently a mountain tea grown in the Southern Alps.

Ramune🫧

Buy soda pop in cute packaging!

Yasutake Shoten is a long-established sake shop in Kawanehoncho, Haibara-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, where you can find a wide range of sake exclusively from Sumatakyo. Located next to a soba noodle shop, it is a must-stop when visiting Sumatakyo. It also offers a wide range of local specialities, souvenirs and foodstuffs, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs. Many people visit the shop to buy souvenirs.

SHOP&CAFE Seikou-Udoku

After buying souvenirs, go to the café, whose name means ‘work on sunny days, read books on rainy days’.

It is a perfect place to relax in the natural surroundings of Sumatakyo.

Order a Kawane black tea and usucha latte with dessert

Get all warmed up

Souvenirs on the ground floor

Delicious looking crackers

Cute tableware

Wooden cutlery

SHOP&CAFE Seikou-Udoku is a café in Kawanehoncho, Haibara-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, offering dozens of types of rice crackers and a stylish café menu, as well as a range of cute sundries. The name means working on sunny days and reading books on rainy days, so you can relax in nature. The place is located on the way to the Dream Suspension Bridge in Sumatakyo, and also has a footbath café and a hammock café.

6:00pm Kawane Onsen Ashiyu (Kawane Onsen Footbath)

After one hour’s drive, we arrived the last destination of this trip! Let’s conclude the trip with a footbath. ♨️

Footbath is for free

The source of the Kawane hot springs is used

Make yourself warm

I was surprised by the heat, which was almost 50 degrees Celsius, but it made me feel warm inside and out.

Kawane Onsen Footbath, located in Shimada city, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a free footbath, which generously uses the source of Kawane Onsen. Towels for wiping feet are sold at the shop next door (320 yen).