Ryujin Ohashi — 1,000 carp streamers over a 100 m gorge

Oct 7

2 min read

the bridge and a line of koinobori across the gorge

Ryujin Ohashi is a 375 m pedestrian suspension bridge in the hills of northern Ibaraki, hanging 100 m above the Ryujin Dam lake. Every spring around Golden Week, about 1,000 carp streamers are strung across the gorge, swimming in the wind beside the bridge. It's one of the most colorful ways to see a very Japanese spring tradition.

Quick facts

Area: Hitachiota, Ibaraki
Best season: Late April to early May for the carp streamers. Mid to late November for autumn leaves
Getting there: About 40 minutes by car from Naka IC on the Joban Expressway
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Cost: ¥320 for adults, ¥210 for children. Free parking

What are koinobori?

Koinobori are carp-shaped streamers that Japanese families fly in spring to celebrate Children's Day on May 5. The carp was chosen for a reason: in an old legend, a carp that swims up a waterfall turns into a dragon. The streamers carry a wish for children to grow up strong and keep going against the current.

That makes this place a perfect match. "Ryujin" means "dragon god," so here the carp get to fly right over the dragon's gorge.

Our weekend at Ryujin Ohashi

We went in early May, during Japan's Golden Week holidays, and arrived just before noon. From the viewing area at the entrance, the streamers stretch all the way across the valley, with the blue bridge running alongside them.

the viewing area, with streamers across the valley

Walking out onto the bridge, we expected it to sway, but it barely moved at all. The real thrill is looking down: the valley floor is a long way below, and the streamers fly at eye level beside you.

Golden Week is Japan's busiest holiday season, so we were ready for crowds. It turned out to be surprisingly relaxed, with plenty of space to stop and take photos along the bridge.

Local tips

Go during the festival. The carp streamers are only up for a few weeks around Golden Week, usually from late April to early May.
Kids cross free on May 5. On Children's Day, elementary and junior high school students don't pay the bridge fee.
Check the weather. The bridge can close in strong wind or thunderstorms, so a calm day is best.
Come back in November. The gorge turns red and gold in mid to late November.
Stay for Saturday night. On Saturdays the bridge is lit up and stays open until 8 pm.

Plan your visit

Find Ryujin Ohashi and other spots nearby on our map.