Ayanoteruha Bridge

Aya Teruha Great Suspension Bridge is a suspension bridge built in 1984 within the Kyushu Mountains Quasi-National Park. Aya Town, where the bridge is located, has worked as a community to protect the evergreen broadleaf (teruha) forests, and the bridge was built as part of those efforts. In the 1970s, the surrounding forest faced a threat of logging, but the bridge project helped prevent that. In 2012, the area was registered by UNESCO as a “UNESCO Eco Park,” further strengthening conservation. The bridge spans 250 meters, is 1.2 meters wide, and is suspended at a height of 142 meters; it can sway more than you might expect due to seismic design. On the far side, walking paths are maintained with two hiking options: a 20-minute course and a 60-minute course. Because the evergreen forest does not turn red in autumn, the best season is generally spring when the fresh green leaves are vibrant. Access: by public transportation, from JR Nippo Main Line / JR Nichinan Line “Minami-Miyazaki Station,” walk 5 minutes to the Miyakoh City Bus Terminal, take a bus to “Aya Machiaisho,” then about 15 minutes by car. By car, it’s about 60 minutes from Miyazaki Expressway “Takaharu IC.”