Jogakura Ohashi Bridge is a spectacular bridge located within Towada-Hachimantai National Park in Aomori Prefecture. It carries National Route 394, an important road connecting the Tsugaru and Nanbu areas of northern Aomori.
Opened on October 27, 1995, the bridge stretches approximately 360 meters across the Jogakura Valley. With an arch span of approximately 255 meters, it is known as one of Japan’s largest deck arch bridges.
More than simply a transportation route, Jogakura Ohashi has become a popular sightseeing destination where visitors can experience the dramatic mountain scenery of northern Japan from high above the valley.
Standing on the bridge, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The Hakkōda Mountains rise prominently in the distance, while on clear days it is possible to see toward Aomori City and even as far as Mount Iwaki.
The bridge provides an extraordinary sense of scale, with mountains and valleys stretching in every direction. Looking down from the bridge, visitors can also see the Jogakura Stream, which runs approximately 122 meters below the bridge.
The combination of the enormous bridge structure, steep valley walls, and surrounding mountains creates a powerful landscape that is particularly impressive when viewed from the pedestrian areas of the bridge.
One of the attractions of Jogakura Ohashi is the way its scenery changes dramatically throughout the year.
In summer, fresh green foliage covers the surrounding mountains and valley. The vibrant vegetation creates a refreshing contrast with the steel structure of the bridge, making this an excellent season for enjoying the area’s lush natural scenery.
Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit. The mountains surrounding the Jogakura Valley become covered in vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow.
The elevated viewpoint from the bridge offers a particularly impressive perspective of the autumn foliage spreading across the valley. Many visitors stop here to take photographs and enjoy the colorful mountain landscape.
Winter transforms the area into a completely different world. Heavy snowfall covers the mountains and valley in white, creating a quiet and almost dreamlike landscape.
The contrast between the snow-covered natural surroundings and the large arch bridge makes Jogakura Ohashi an especially striking destination for those who want to experience the winter scenery of Aomori.
Below the bridge flows the Jogakura Stream, an area where the natural environment remains remarkably well preserved within Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
The steep rock walls of the valley were shaped by volcanic activity approximately 10 million years ago. Distinctive formations known as columnar joints can be seen in the exposed rock, revealing the powerful geological processes that shaped the landscape.
The rugged valley and clear mountain stream have developed under the region’s harsh weather conditions, helping preserve a landscape with a strong sense of wilderness.
The scenery of the Jogakura Valley is sometimes compared with that of the famous Oirase Stream. While Oirase is known for its flowing water and forest trails, Jogakura offers a more dramatic perspective of steep cliffs, deep valleys, and expansive mountain scenery.
Parking areas, rest areas, and restrooms are available at both ends of the bridge, making it convenient for visitors traveling by car.
Rather than simply driving across, visitors can park their vehicle, step outside, and take time to appreciate the panoramic views from the bridge.
Jogakura Ohashi is particularly convenient for travelers exploring the Hakkōda Mountains by car. It can easily be included in a scenic driving route through the national park, especially during the autumn foliage season.
Jogakura Ohashi Bridge combines impressive engineering with the spectacular natural landscape of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. From its elevated position, visitors can look across the Hakkōda Mountains, down into the deep Jogakura Valley, and across the changing colors of the surrounding forests.
Whether you visit during the fresh greenery of summer, the brilliant foliage of autumn, or the snow-covered landscape of winter, the view offers a different experience each season.
For travelers exploring Aomori by car, a stop at Jogakura Ohashi is an excellent opportunity to experience the scale, beauty, and rugged natural character of the Hakkōda region.