Stretching across the deep green waters of Lake Okutama, Mugiyama Floating Bridge snakes its way from one side all the way to the foot of Mt. Mito. From the viewpoint, the bridge is a spectacular sight, enough to take your breath away and for one minute, let you forget that while it lies on the fringes, Okutama is still in Tokyo.
Date Visited: August 29, 2020
The Vast Lake Okutama & its Two Floating Bridges
I first knew Lake Okutama as the end goal of a 4-hour long hike. Gazing at its deep green waters as I sat on a bench was exactly what I needed to cap the Mukashi Michi hiking trail. I knew about the floating bridges then, but I didn’t research it well enough to know that Lake Okutama was so vast, what we see from the bus stop named after it is only a small portion, and its two floating bridges are located several bus stops away.
Lake Okutama has two floating bridges visitors can visit and cross: Mugiyama and Tozura. The two locations are 9 minutes away by bus, but it only comes once every hour.
Of the two bridges, Tozura reportedly has a more remote feel to it, while Mugiyama is closer to two other attractions: Ogouchi Shrine and Mt. Mito.
Mugiyama Pontoon Bridge
On Google Maps, the beautiful bridge appears as “Mugiyama Pontoon Bridge,” aptly named because it is held in place by floating devices. These floating devices used to be drum cans, but have been replaced in recent times with plastic cylinders that resemble them. The name “floating bridge” is a direct translation of its Japanese counterpart “ukihashi” (浮橋), which, in my opinion, also happens to be a more appealing name.
Albeit few and far in between, Mugiyama Floating Bridge is accessible by public transport. It is immediately visible once you get off the Ogouchi Shrine bus stop, although you’ll have to be careful to quickly step off the side of the road to avoid oncoming cars.
A few steps from the stop and you’ll see an opening with stairs that lead to the bridge below. The bridge undergoes repair several times a year, and it is best to check online or call beforehand before making the journey to Okutama. The website linked on Google Maps links to Okutama Town’s website, which is sadly not updated with the latest information. The Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo‘s website is more accurate.
On a regular day, visitors can savor the exhilarating experience of crossing the bridge. Eager hikers can also make their way to the other end, which unfolds into a hiking trail to the summit of Mt. Mito. Unfortunately, the bridge was closed when I went, so I simply made do with gazing at it.
Where to Take Photos of Mugiyama Floating Bridge
Perhaps the best viewing point is the ledge near the bus stop. It will give you a view of the bridge leading to Mt. Mito. The downside is that people tend to flock here—mostly the people you alight the bus with. Passers-by riding cars or motorbikes also also pause here to get a glimpse. People filming with their drones tend to stay longer than most, too. There isn’t much space for people to gather as the viewpoint is located on the side of the road, so the small crowd that forms usually disperses after a few minutes. You may have to wait a bit to get an unobstructed shot.
Not far from the bus stop is a small area with benches and tables, where the bridge is slightly visible. I cannot stress enough how this area is such a lifesaver. The bus stop heading back to the station does not have a waiting area, which means you’ll have to stand on the side of the road while vehicles speed through. Since the bus comes once every hour, it’s a good idea to spend any extra time you may have resting here, and then proceed to the stop 10 minutes before the bus’ scheduled arrival.
Across the benches, there is an opening that leads to a residential area. If you climb the stairs, you can get a photo of the bridge from a higher angle, but you’ll have to edit out the electric post lines for a better view.
How to Get to Mugiyama Floating Bridge
Mugiyama Floating Bridge (麦山浮橋、むぎやま うきはし)
Access: 32-minute bus ride from JR Okutama Station
Open all year round
No admission fee
Phone No.: +81428832295
From JR Okutama Station, ride the Oku #9, 10, or 12 bus and get off at Ogouchi Shrine bus stop.
As the bridge goes under repair several times a year, make sure to check the Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo website or call before you plan a visit. The Okutama Town website linked on Google Maps sadly doesn’t have the latest information.
