Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Horai-bashi, the Longest Wooden Bridge in the World

One of my students visited this bridge and told me about it. I had not heard about it before, even though it is in Shizuoka Prefecture. I left my apartment at 5:30 am to go to the train station and it was already hot out. I took the train to Shimada and walked from the station to the bridge.  



Along the way I saw a small street-side shrine and a Tanabata decoration. 




Are you wondering why I would want to go out early in the morning on a hot summer day to see a bridge? This isn't an ordinary bridge, this is the longest wooden bridge in the world.  Guinness Book of World Records says so. 




The 897 meter bridge crosses the Oi River and was completed on January 13, 1879. The supporting pillars were changed to concrete in April 1965. In December 1997, Guinness Book of Records declared it to be the longest wooden bridge. The toll to cross the bridge is 100 yen for adults and 10 yen for children.  The railing is low, but the bridge is 2.7 meters wide so you don't need to get close enough to fall off.


 I don't know about this statue. It is near the Guinness sign. The walk across had some interesting views.










On the far side of the bridge is a little path and some more interesting things to see. I saw some people cross back without taking the trail.  It was a little bit uphill, but not difficult.






Looking back at the bridge from the little trail.










The walk back across. I might visit here again.





9 comments:

Linda said...

Now that looks like fun and very interesting.

Linda

jacaranda said...

That is one long bridge, thank you for taking us along with you.

Vireya said...

Looks like a lovely walk, with lots of interesting things to see along the way. Did you see any snakes? The sign makes it look as if they are the sort it is best to avoid.

Lin said...

What a beautiful bridge and definitely worth taking the trail to get that stunning view of it. xx

Jeanie said...

I find your walk fascinating and that bridge terrifying. Looks like the side rails are a little low! But it's all very beautiful.

KaHolly said...

What a lovely walk! Thanks for taking us along!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I was not one bit surprised that you would get up early to find that bridge! You have an adventurous spirit. There was a lot to see near the bridge. A marvelous way to spend your day.
xx, Carol

Julie said...

Great perspective picture looking back over the bridge you had travelled.

Leonore Winterer said...

That is really cool...I do have a thing for wooden bridges. A ten yen fee for kids is kind of adorable!