Cross a swaying bridge high above a river
These suspension bridges are narrow footbridges hung from cables over a river, and they sway a little under your feet. In Okutama, a mountain area at the western end of Tokyo, short trails lead down into the valley and across several of them, each with a different view of the water and forest. Okutama is about two hours by train from central Tokyo, and the trails are free to walk, though parts can close after heavy rain.
A small suspension bridge on the Hikawa Gorge trail, a few minutes' walk from Okutama Station, the last stop on the line from Tokyo. It looks out over the spot where the Nippara River flows into the Tama River, and a path leads down to the gravel riverbank. Stay off the riverbank when the water is high.
A little further along the same trail, this bridge looks down into the gorge with steep forested mountains on both sides. Crossing it right after the first bridge shows how quickly the view changes, and the trail leads back toward the station afterward.
A suspension bridge about 67 m long on the Okutama Mukashi-michi, an old road through the valley that is now a walking trail. You walk down from the bus stop into the gorge and cross with the stream below and trees close on both sides. A sign at the bridge limits how many people can be on it at once, so wait your turn if it is busy.