Journey to Bridge of Dreams
Take a scenic train journey to visit one of the most famous suspension bridges in the world, enjoy some of Japan’s most pristine nature and soak in the local natural hot springs – a great adventure for the whole family.
Travelling in Japan is often more about the journey than the destination. This is especially true when traveling to the small town of Kawane and Hot Spring village of Sumatakyo at the Southernmost foothills of the Japan Alps and in some of the World’s best Green Tea growing country.
A journey into the heart of Shizuoka on the steam locomotives, staying at one of the many local inns (Minshuku) and visiting Sumata Gorge and the “the Bridge of Dreams” is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Japan.
Escape the pressures of everyday life and the crowds – jump on a classic steam locomotive, explore the green tea fields, soaking in a local hot spring and enjoying Japanese hospitality and genuine farm to table experience.
The journey begins at Shin-Kanaya Station – just 30 minutes from Shizuoka Station (or 15 mins from Kakegawa Station) on the Tokaido Line and it is a 90 minute journey that follows the river winding up into the misty Shizuoka hills with the journey ending at Senzu Station.
It is a simple train journey into nature that will take your breath away.
At Shin-Kanaya Station you can pick up an Oigawa Excursion Ticket – a 2-3 day ticket that can be used on the Main Line, the Ikawa Line, the Sumatakyo Bus Line and the Kanzo Bus Line giving you the freedom to jump on and off the train at anytime along the journey and enjoy the scenic stops along the way.
Also available in Summer time are the hugely popular Thomas the Tank Engine trains which will bring a smile to kids young and old.
On a 2 day 1 night schedule you will have the following options –
- The Steam Locomotive OR Thomas the Tank Engine train journey from Shin-Kanaya Station up to Senzu Station (normal trains also available through the day)
- The Ikawa Line Train from Senzu Station up to Oku-Oi Kojo Station OR Bus from Okuizumi up to Sumatakyo Onsen and the hike up to the famous Bridge of Dreams
A 3 day / 2 night itinerary gives you flexibility to base plans around weather conditions, spend some time at the river and is recommended for hiking enthusiasts that would like to explore some of the many trails that head up into the Japanese Southern Alps.
Topping off this journey, and waiting for you at the end, is the famous Bridge of Dreams swing bridge in the small hot spring village of Sumatakyo where you will marvel at the intense turquoise color of the water below and the surrounding green nature.
While in the Kawane area, the best experience that you can have is staying at one of the many local Japanese Inns that are doing their best to welcome overseas visitors with several different ‘Homestay Experiences’ ,many of which include a Farm to Table type option.
If you enjoy authentic home cooked Japanese food with locally sourced ingredients, this is an experience not to be missed!
Check this Oigawa Railway PDF for more details.
For a more detailed itinerary, please check our Explore Shizuoka sample itinerary