Hanetaki Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge spanning the Watarase River in Ōmama Town, Midori City, Gunma Prefecture. Located in the scenic area of Takatsudo Gorge, the bridge connects the Ōmama and Takatsudo districts and is a popular viewpoint where visitors can experience the dramatic beauty of the gorge up close.
The name Hanetaki comes from the sight of river water striking the rocks and splashing upward, creating an appearance reminiscent of a waterfall. Looking down from the bridge, visitors can often see white sprays of water rising from the river below, making the origin of the name easy to understand.
The present Hanetaki Bridge is the second-generation bridge. It is approximately 120 meters long and 3.5 meters wide and is designed exclusively for pedestrians.
One of its most distinctive features is its unusual A-shaped rigid-frame bridge structure, inspired by the form of a mountain. Four bridge supports intersect around the center, creating a striking shape reminiscent of a pyramid.
The bridge’s bright white triangular silhouette is easily recognizable from a distance and has become one of the symbols of Takatsudo Gorge.
The original Hanetaki Bridge was a wooden-deck suspension bridge completed in 1953. It was relocated from another site upstream on the Watarase River, where the Satsuki Bridge had previously stood.
The first bridge was approximately 57.3 meters long and 2.2 meters wide, making it considerably smaller than the present structure.
As the bridge aged, plans were made to replace it. Construction began in 1993, and the present bridge was completed in 1994.
The replacement greatly improved safety and strengthened the bridge’s role as a tourist attraction. The bridge is also illuminated at night on certain occasions, creating a beautiful and atmospheric view of the structure and surrounding gorge after dark.
The bridge deck contains 120 tiles decorated with illustrations of birds, flowers, and other motifs contributed from around Japan. Visitors can enjoy looking at the individual designs as they walk across the bridge.
Some of the artwork was created by local elementary and junior high school students, adding a warm connection between the bridge and the surrounding community.
Benches and a small balcony are provided near the center of the bridge, allowing visitors to stop and take in the scenery at their leisure.
Below, the Watarase River flows between rugged rock walls and unusual rock formations, while the surrounding vegetation changes with the seasons. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy expansive views of the gorge and its natural landscape.
Takatsudo Gorge is a scenic destination sometimes described as the “Yabakei of the Kanto region.” It is particularly well known for its fresh green foliage in spring and early summer and its colorful autumn leaves.
A walking trail of approximately 500 meters extends downstream from Hanetaki Bridge. The trail allows visitors to enjoy the gorge at close range while observing the unusual landscapes created by the river over countless years.
Along the trail are attractions such as Gorilla Rock and natural potholes, where the erosive power of flowing water can be seen in the rocks.
The gorge is especially popular during the autumn foliage season, generally from late October to early November, when the surrounding landscape becomes covered in vivid shades of red and yellow.
Several bridges cross the Watarase River in this area, including Fukuoka Ōhashi, Shinei Bridge, Hanetaki Bridge, Takatsudo Bridge, and Aikawa Bridge. Each plays a role in local transportation while also contributing to the scenery along the river.
Nearby Takatsudo Bridge is particularly distinctive for its vermilion arch structure. Visiting both bridges provides an opportunity to appreciate the contrasting designs and viewpoints they offer over the same gorge.
Hanetaki Bridge is conveniently located about a 5-minute walk from Ōmama Station on the Watarase Keikoku Railway, making it easy to include in a sightseeing itinerary.
Other attractions nearby include Ōmama Shinmeigū Shrine and the former Takatsudo Castle site, allowing visitors to combine the natural scenery of the gorge with local history and culture.
Hanetaki Bridge is an excellent viewpoint from which to experience the dramatic natural landscape of Takatsudo Gorge. The panoramic views, colorful tile artwork beneath your feet, distinctive bridge architecture, and changing seasonal scenery make it a memorable stop for visitors exploring Midori City.