Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is one of the most distinctive wooden bridges in northern Japan. Located in Tsuruta Town, Aomori Prefecture, the bridge stretches for approximately 300 meters across Tsugaru Fujimi Lake, also known as Mawari-zeki Great Reservoir.
Known as Japan’s longest wooden triple-arch bridge, Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is admired for its elegant design and beautiful natural surroundings. Beyond the lake, the majestic silhouette of Mount Iwaki, often called “Tsugaru Fuji,” rises above the landscape, creating one of the most picturesque views in the Tsugaru region.
The combination of the graceful wooden arches, calm lake, and mountain scenery makes the bridge a popular destination for photographers and travelers looking for a quintessentially Japanese landscape.
The Tsurumai Bridge was opened in 1994, using ancient Japanese construction techniques and Aomori cypress trees more than 150 years old.
It is 300 meters long, with two resting areas on stilts in the middle of the arch.
The name "Tsugaru Fujimi-ko" means "as beautiful as a dancing crane," and when the rest area is viewed as the body of a crane, the arched bridge section looks like a crane with its wings spread out to the left and right.
This man-made lake is a reservoir of naturally flowing water that is fed by Mt.
It was built in 1660 by the feudal lord of Tsugaru as a source of irrigation water for cultivating new rice paddies.
The name of the lake is Kairiwa Great Reservoir, and it has been nicknamed Tsugaru Fujimiko (Lake Tsugaru Fujimi) because of its excellent view of Mount Iwaki (Tsugaru Fuji).
The surrounding area is designated as a wildlife sanctuary and is a wintering ground for migratory birds such as swans, geese, and ducks.
Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge was constructed using traditional Japanese woodworking techniques and local Aomori hiba cypress. It opened in 1994 and has a total length of approximately 300 meters.
Two elevated rest areas are positioned between the three main arches. When viewed from a distance, these structures can be imagined as the body of a crane, while the sweeping arches resemble the bird’s wings extending gracefully to either side.
This visual concept is reflected in the name Tsuru-no-Mai, which can be translated as “the crane’s dance.” The name expresses the elegant appearance of the bridge as if a crane were spreading its wings over the lake.
The bridge’s gentle curves are especially beautiful when reflected on the calm surface of the lake, creating a composition that changes depending on the weather, season, and time of day.
Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge crosses Mawarizeki Great Reservoir, an artificial lake created to provide irrigation water for agricultural development in the Tsugaru region.
The reservoir was constructed in 1660 under the Tsugaru domain as a source of irrigation water for newly cultivated farmland. Although its official name is Mawarizeki Great Reservoir, it has long been affectionately known as Tsugaru Fujimi Lake because of the magnificent view of Mount Iwaki.
Mount Iwaki is often called Tsugaru Fuji because its elegant shape resembles Mount Fuji. The mountain forms a spectacular backdrop to the bridge, and on clear days its reflection can appear on the surface of the lake.
The surrounding area is also designated as a wildlife protection area and serves as an important wintering ground for migratory birds, including swans, geese, and ducks.
Construction of Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge began in 1991, and the bridge officially opened on July 8, 1994. The total construction cost was approximately 260 million yen, including financial assistance from the national and prefectural governments.
High-quality Aomori hiba, a local cypress prized for its durability and resistance to moisture, was selected for the project. Large timbers were used for the bridge’s main structural elements and supporting posts.
Some of the major structural timbers came from trees more than 150 years old, while particularly large and valuable pieces used for the main entrance posts were reportedly more than 400 years old.
The bridge therefore represents not only an attractive piece of architecture but also the traditional woodworking skills and local forestry resources of Aomori.
The bridge was designed around the image of a crane spreading its wings. Its three broad arches create a graceful rhythm across the water, while decorative crane motifs appear on the tops of the railing posts.
The design becomes especially atmospheric after sunset. Approximately 110 lighting fixtures installed along the bridge create a soft illumination that resembles fireflies floating over the lake.
Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is the largest artificial lake in Aomori Prefecture and has long been valued not only for its role in agriculture but also for its scenic beauty.
In 2010, the reservoir was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Notable Irrigation Reservoirs, recognizing its historical and cultural importance as well as its beautiful landscape.
The view of Mount Iwaki changes throughout the year. In spring, the surrounding greenery begins to emerge. Summer brings clear blue skies and lush vegetation, while autumn adds brilliant colors to the landscape. In winter, snow transforms the bridge and mountains into a quiet, almost monochromatic scene.
Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is also associated with a tragic love story involving a former local lord and a young woman from the town. Like many traditional legends, the story adds an emotional layer to the landscape.
Standing beside the lake, visitors can not only admire the scenery but also imagine the history, stories, and memories that have been passed down through generations.
Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge has become one of Aomori’s most popular photogenic sightseeing spots. The combination of the long wooden bridge, calm lake, and Mount Iwaki provides countless opportunities for landscape photography.
The scenery is particularly beautiful around sunset, when the sky turns orange and pink and the changing light is reflected on the lake. The bridge’s elegant silhouette becomes even more striking against the evening sky.
The bridge also became widely known throughout Japan after appearing in a television commercial featuring actress Sayuri Yoshinaga. Its national exposure helped attract visitors from outside the region.
Spring brings fresh green foliage to the area, creating a bright and refreshing landscape around the bridge and lake. The combination of young leaves, blue skies, and Mount Iwaki makes this an excellent season for walking and photography.
Summer offers clear skies, lush vegetation, and beautiful reflections on the lake. The long days also provide plenty of time to explore the surrounding park and enjoy the bridge from different viewpoints.
In autumn, the surrounding trees turn shades of red, orange, and yellow. The warm colors provide a beautiful contrast with the wooden structure of the bridge and the distant silhouette of Mount Iwaki.
Winter brings snow to the bridge, lake, and surrounding mountains. Snow is cleared from the bridge and walking paths, allowing visitors to enjoy the distinctive winter scenery.
However, severe weather can occasionally result in temporary closures for safety reasons, so visitors should check local conditions before traveling.
After sunset, Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge takes on a completely different character. Lights installed along the railings softly illuminate the wooden structure, creating a graceful arc of light across the dark lake.
The reflection of the illuminated bridge on the water can look like a trail of fireflies dancing above the lake. The effect is particularly beautiful on calm summer evenings.
The lighting can be enjoyed until approximately 9:00 p.m., making an evening visit a worthwhile addition to a daytime sightseeing itinerary.
Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is also associated with several local beliefs about good fortune. In Japanese, the idea of a long wooden bridge can be connected with the wish for a long life, giving the bridge a reputation as a place associated with longevity and good luck.
Nearby, the Tanchōzuru Nature Park keeps a pair of red-crowned cranes. Because cranes are traditionally associated with longevity, happiness, and lasting relationships in Japan, the area is also regarded by some visitors as a place connected with love and good relationships.
Mount Iwaki itself has long been associated with spiritual beliefs concerning purification and good fortune, adding another layer of symbolic meaning to the landscape.
A visit to Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge can easily be combined with other activities around the lake.
Fujimi Lake Park, located beside the bridge, is ideal for walking, relaxing, and enjoying a picnic. Following the lakeside paths allows visitors to see the bridge and Mount Iwaki from different perspectives.
The nearby Tanchōzuru Nature Park is another popular attraction, particularly for families and couples interested in seeing red-crowned cranes.
Rather than simply crossing the bridge and leaving, taking time to explore the surrounding lakeside landscape makes it possible to appreciate the relationship between the bridge, lake, mountain, wildlife, and local culture.
Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge brings together traditional Japanese craftsmanship, local history, natural scenery, and regional culture in one unforgettable landscape.
Its approximately 300-meter-long wooden structure is impressive in its own right, but the true beauty of the bridge emerges from its surroundings. The graceful arches appear to float above the lake, while Mount Iwaki rises in the distance like a northern version of Mount Fuji.
During the day, the bridge offers magnificent views across the lake. At sunset, it becomes a dramatic silhouette against the colorful sky. After dark, its illuminated arches create an entirely different and enchanting atmosphere.
For travelers exploring Aomori Prefecture, Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is an excellent destination for photography, leisurely walks, seasonal scenery, and an introduction to the culture and landscapes of the Tsugaru region.
Free of charge
Free of charge
15 minutes by car from JR Mutsu Tsuruta Station