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Take a walk along the world’s longest wooden footbridge

Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Listed by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest wooden footbridge, the Horai Bridge over the Oi River is located in the city of Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture. The 897.4 meter-long bridge (approx. 0.6 miles), which is 2.4 meters (approx. 8 feet) wide, was completed in 1879. It was originally used by the farmers who were cultivating the nearby Makinohara plateau to transport their produce over the Oi River to Shimada.
 
People have lived along the Oi River since ancient times, and during the Edo period (1603-1867), the towns of Shimada and Kanaya, located on opposite banks of the river, played key roles as post stations along the old Tokaido highway. Strolling around the old streets of Shimada will transport you back in time. In the past, a toll was taken for anyone using the crossing, which gave rise to the alternative name Chintori Bridge (referring to the toll collection).
 
Nowadays, pedestrians and bicyclists can pay ¥100 to walk or cycle across what has become one of Shimada’s main tourist spots. The historical bridge is particularly attractive when lit up at night. And if the skies are clear, you can see beautiful Mt. Fuji from the bridge.

How to get there

From Tokyo Station, take a Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station (1 hour), take a JR train to Shimada Station (25 minutes), then walk to the Horai Bridge 8about 20 minutes).
 
From Nagoya Station, take a Tokaido Shinkansen to Hamamatsu Station (30 minutes), take a JR train to Shimada Station (45 minutes), then walk to the Horai Bridge (about 20 minutes).
 
From Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport, take a bus to Shimada Station (20 minutes), then walk to the Horai Bridge (about 20 minutes).

Minami 2-chome, Shimada-shi, Shizuoka-ken

Links

Oi River Trip

More Information

Tokai Region | JNTO Official Website

Shizuoka Prefecture | JNTO Official Website