RENT & RIDE JAPANOkukuji, Fukuroda Falls & Hitachiomiya (Northern Ibaraki)
Okukuji Gorge & Fukuroda Falls Nature Ride
A green day-trip into northern Ibaraki's Okukuji Gorge, visiting Fukuroda Falls—one of Japan's three great waterfalls—and the vast Ryujin Suspension Bridge, then flowing back along the Kuji River to Hachioji.
- DISTANCE
- 390 km
- DURATION
- 12 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Set off early from TASHILOG GARAGE in Hachioji and head for the Okukuji region of northern Ibaraki. This nature-focused day trip winds through deep gorges and clear rivers to Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan's three greatest waterfalls—perfect for the season when autumn first arrives in the air.
Highlights
- Ryujin Suspension Bridge — One of Japan's longest pedestrian suspension bridges, hanging 100 m above a dam lake, offering panoramic views and a thrilling walk across the sky.
- Fukuroda Falls — 120 m high and 73 m wide, cascading down the cliff in four tiers. A viewing tunnel and observation decks bring you close to its power.
- Hitachi Aki Soba — Okukuji is famed soba country; enjoy a freshly made bowl of local buckwheat noodles.
Riding Notes
The route centers on Route 118 along the Kuji River, with flowing curves and gorge scenery. Take frequent breaks and allow plenty of time; because the distance is long, an early departure is recommended.
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point. Depart Hachioji early and head toward the Ken-O and Joban expressways.
TIPSThis is a long route—fuel up, check tire pressure, and leave early.
- 2VIEW~50 min
Ryujin Suspension Bridge
A large pedestrian suspension bridge over Ryujin Dam lake within Okukuji Prefectural Natural Park.
HISTORYOpened in 1994, this 375 m bridge stands 100 m above the dam lake—among the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan, repainted a vivid blue in 2025.
TIPSLook down through the acrylic panel at the center of the bridge. Autumn colors peak mid-to-late November. A crossing fee applies.
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Photo: Kanohara (talk) / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 3FOOD~60 min
Suifu Bussan Center (Restaurant Mori-no-Kaze)
A local products center at the foot of Ryujin Suspension Bridge, with a 2nd-floor restaurant.
TIPSRestaurant Mori-no-Kaze serves Hitachi Aki soba, ramen and set meals, popular for its bridge views. Please confirm hours in advance.
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Image - 4VIEW~70 min
Fukuroda Falls
One of Japan's three great waterfalls, on the Taki River, a tributary of the Kuji River.
HISTORY120 m high and 73 m wide, it falls in four tiers, earning the name 'Yodo-no-taki.' The poet-monk Saigyo praised it, saying one must visit once each season to grasp its true beauty; designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 2015.
TIPSViewed from a tunnel and observation decks (entry fee). Hours: 8:00–18:00 (May–Oct), 8:00–17:00 (Nov), 9:00–17:00 (Dec–Apr). Foliage peaks around Nov 10; the falls can freeze in deep winter.
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Photo: TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 - 5FOOD~30 min
Moriya Soba
A long-established soba restaurant near Fukuroda Falls serving stone-milled Hitachi Aki soba.
TIPSKnown for its kenchin soba. A handy stop for a light meal before or after the falls. Please confirm hours and closing days.
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Photo: 亜東印画協会 / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain - 6SPOT~30 min
Michi-no-Eki Okukuji Daigo
A roadside station on Route 118 in Daigo, with local products and an on-site hot spring—an ideal rest stop.
TIPSGreat for Okukuji apples and local souvenirs; a perfect fuel and rest break before the Kuji River run home.
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Photo: Filler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.1 jp - 7VIEW~20 min
Kuji River Road (Route 118 toward Hitachiomiya)
A flowing road south along the Kuji River from Daigo to Hitachiomiya.
TIPSClear river, rice paddies, and soba and apple fields line the way. Traffic increases in the evening, so ride at a relaxed pace.
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Image - 8GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return. Head back to Hachioji via the Joban and Ken-O expressways.
TIPSUse expressways for the return leg; dress warmly if riding after dark.