IshikawaTravel

Ayatori Bridge (あやとりはし)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Stroll along the gorge walking trail and enjoy Kaga roasted tea and sweets at the riverside tea house

About 5 min from the previous stop

About 40 min here

About 60 min to the next stop

Next stop: Tour the lavish lobby decorated with lacquerware inlay and coffered ceilings, then stroll casually along Yuge Kaido street

About this spot

A pedestrian-only bridge spanning Tsurushoji Valley, designed by Iemoto Tesshū Teshigawara of the Sogetsu school of ikebana. True to its name meaning 'cat's cradle,' the bridge's unique S-shaped form and deep crimson body stand out strikingly against the surrounding green gorge. From the approximately 90-meter-long bridge, you'll enjoy a dynamic vista overlooking the flowing Tsurushoji Valley and the riverside tea houses far below. The view transforms depending on your crossing angle, offering different scenery on the way out and back.

Tips

As a pedestrian-only bridge, you can pause and photograph freely. The view looking down at the riverside tea houses from the bridge's center is a popular photo spot. It's within walking distance of the hot spring town center, and a municipal parking lot is nearby. Even if heights make you nervous, you can walk slowly along the handrail side without worry.

Best time to visit

Allow approximately 40 minutes. Around midday, sunlight reaches the valley, and the bridge's deep crimson color stands beautifully against the green backdrop.

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