page_title: Saruhashi Bridge
section_title: Tourism
hierarchical_section_title: Saruhashi Bridge / Tourism
caption_attribution_description: English: Saruhashi Bridge and Ajisai Festival
context_page_description: The Saruhashi Bridge is a historic arch bridge officially listed as a Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan in Ōtsuki, Yamanashi Prefecture. It is ranked as one of Japan's three unique bridges, along with the Kintai Bridge and the Shinkyo Bridge. It is also referred to as the monkey bridge, and is known as one of the "Japanese Sanky Bridges".
  The bridge spans the gorge of the Katsura River and is the most well-known example of the hanebashi design, in which the bridge is supported by a series of cantilever beams set in the opposing cliff faces. The bridge dates to the mid-18th century, when it carried the Kōshū Kaidō, one of the main highways of the Edo period. The elegant design of the bridge and the scenic beauty of the gorge have inspired numerous landscape paintings of the 19th century.
context_section_description: Saruhashi bridge has been remarked upon by many travellers during its long history.  The elegant design of the bridge complements the landscape of Katsura gorge, with its maples and zelkova. The bridge is sometimes remarked to appear to "float" above the gorge.  Boat tours of the valley are available, when conditions permit.
  A popular time to view the scenery is early to mid-November, to take advantage of the autumn leaf color changes. In summer, during late June and early July, hydrangeas bloom around the bridge and Saruhashi Park, marked by Ōtsuki's Hydrangea Festival (ajisai festival).
caption: Saruhashi in Ajisai Festivals
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